Abdul “Duke” Fakir died at his home on July 22, 2024, after a lifetime serving as the only surviving member of The Four Tops, which was a legendary Motown band. The New York Times reported that he had heart failure.
Fakir was one of those iconic bands who gave us “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch),” “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” “It’s The Same Old Song,”and others including “Standing in the Same Old Song”. These songs defined his career and confirmed the Fab Four’s place in music history—two reaching number one.
Music charts topped by it. The group teamed up with prominent songwriters Brian and Eddie Holland together with Lamont Dozier to produce numerous unforgettable hits.
Through their icon, pioneer’s family released a statement expressing their condolences. He toured for seventies years from 1953 till 2023. When he finally retired from music officially in 2024 mourned by his wife. His heritage will continue to impact generations unborn through music.
The four who started it all comprised Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo ‘Obie’ Benson and Lawrence Payton during the fifties. However, they did not find much success until around the early sixties. At least until Payton died in 1997, this team remained unchanged. They are among the so-called “Big Four,” having also been honored into Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. As well as Grammy Hall Of Fame and Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award..
Born in 1935 to Nazim Ali Fakir, a Bangladeshi factory worker and Ruby Eckridge whose mother is from Georgia. Where her father was a minister Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir lived through rival gangs of blacks and whites divided neighborhood. He wanted to be an athlete initially like football before meeting with Stubs and other members of the “Final Four.”
Fakir was married two times and has survived by his wife Piper Gibson, six kids, 13 grand children and nine great grand children. He also published a memoir in 2022 which offers a detailed account of “I’ll Be There: My Life with the Four Tops,” his life story.
For Duke’s death signified the end of an era for Motown and Four Top Bands. It also marked the beginning of Fakin’s music and legacy. Generations will not forget how he influenced others through songs as well as contributed to the music industry worldwide.
