Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the last founding member of the Four Tops, has died . He was 88. Fakir died of heart failure surrounded by his wife and loved ones early Monday in Detroit, Michigan, according to a press release.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our loving husband of 50 years, beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend and forever Four Tops, Abdul Kareem Fakir, better known as Duke," his family said in a statement. "Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, icon and music legend who, through his 70-year music career, touched the lives of so many as he continued to tour until the end of 2023, and officially retired this year. As the last living founding member of the iconic The Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke's legacy living on through his music for generations to come.
" Services will be private. Details for a public celebration of Fakir's life and legacy will be announced later. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Fakir's honor to The Motown Museum .
Fakir is best known for singing first tenor with the Four Tops, one of Motown's best-selling and most beloved groups. Fakir co-founded the group in the '50s along with Levi Stubbs, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton. The Four Tops helped define the 1960s era of pop and were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, with 24 Top 40 pop hits to their credit.
Hit singles include "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)," "Reach Out I'll Be .