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Well-known singer Abdul "Duke" Fakir passed away on July 22, 2024, at the age of 88. Fakir, the last surviving member of the vocal quartet Four Tops, died of heart failure at his residence in Detroit.
The musician's death was confirmed to the Associated Press by a family spokesperson, who also spoke to The Detroit Free Press, praising the impact Abdul left on others. The original lineup of Four Tops included Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, Levi Stubbs, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, and Lawrence Payton.
Musician Bettye LaVette shared a picture on Facebook of herself with Abdul "Duke" Fakir and recalled his work, writing:
"I knew Duke for over 50 years. Whenever he was in town, if I had a gig, he and the other Tops would come to the gig. And that meant a lot to me. Here's a picture from the last time that I saw him, at the Grammy's in 2019."
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As per The Express, Abdul "Duke" Fakir said during his final performance at Leeds in 2022 that the group's best trip was to the UK, where they made many friends. He further stated:
"I'm going to be teary-eyed. I know I will miss it tremendouly because the British people have treated us so royally, so lovingly, over the years. Where I come from, it feels almost like a fairy tale."
Abdul "Duke" Fakir was a part of Four Tops for many years: Band members and other details explained
The Detroit, Michigan native, Abdul "Duke" Fakir, did not release any solo projects but authored a memoir titled I'll Be There: My Life With The Four Tops. Fakir developed an interest in music because of his mother, Robyleon Wren, who was known as a domestic and choir director.
The journey of the Four Tops started when Abdul "Duke" Fakir and Levi Stubbs met at a football game and became close friends. The remaining two members, Renaldo "Obie" Benson and Lawrence Payton, became official members of the group in the next few years, and they initially performed as The Four Aims.
Stubbs was the only member with a film and TV show under his credits. Although he did not play any role on screen, he gave his voice to certain characters in Little Shop of Horrors and Captain N: The Game Master. He struggled with health issues, including cancer, and passed away in 2008. Stubbs was survived by his wife, Clineice, and their five children.
Just like Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo and Lawrence opted to work with the Four Tops. Renaldo performed with the band for the last time on the Late Show with David Letterman in 2005. He died that year from lung cancer.
Lawrence Payton, a father of 11 children, was praised for his voice by critics and band members. He passed away from liver cancer in 1997. Payton's family members included the late singer Billy Davis, his cousin, who had collaborated once with the Four Tops in the past.
The current lineup of the band includes Michael Brock, Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton Jr., and Alexander Morris. Apart from them, Theo Peoples and Harold Bonhart had also worked with the group in the past.
The Four Tops delivered several hit singles during the 60s, and their self-titled debut album received positive feedback. They released 28 more albums until 1995 and had two live albums in their credits. The group gained recognition for singles such as Bernadette, What Is a Man, and A Simple Game.
