Legendary singer and last surviving member of the Four Tops, Duke Fakir, died Monday at the age of 88. Fakir’s in a statement issued by his family and obtained by the . The talented entertainer reportedly at his home in Detroit, from apparent heart failure.
“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,” the Fakir family told the Detroit Free Press. “As the last living founding member of the iconic Four Tops music group, we find solace in Duke’s legacy living on through his music for generations to come.” DETROIT, MICHIGAN – AUGUST 8: Singer Abdul Duke Fakir of the Four Tops attends the Hitsville Next Plaza Grand Opening at The Motown Museum on August 8, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan.
(Photo by Monica Morgan/Getty Images) Fakir lent his talents to the legendary Motown group for seven decades, and had just retired earlier this year. He will through his music, as his signature smooth voice graces some of the most recognized Motown hits of our time. Fakir first joined the Four Tops as a tenor, and complimented the baritone lead vocalist, Levi Stubbs, according to the Detroit Free Press.
The group went on to crank out a series of top hits, including, “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There,” as well as “Bernadette” and “It’s The Same .