Four Tops singer Abdul 'Duke' Fakir has passed away and fans of the Motown group are flooding to social media to pay their respects.
Founding member of Motown music group Four Tops, Abdul 'Duke' Fakir,' has passed away at the age of 88, his family confirmed.
Yesterday afternoon (July 22), Fakir's family released a statement revealing the musician had passed away at his home in Detroit, US.
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An associate of the family told Billboard that Fakir was 'surrounded by his loved ones' and was 'happy, talking and interacting' and when his family members 'turned to do something and turned back around, he had slipped away'.
His passing is reported as being as a result of heart failure.
The family's official statement reads: "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.
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"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."
The Four Tops formed in the 1950's - first known as the Four Aims - after Fakir met fellow band member Levi Stubbs through neighborhood football games, the pair then meeting Lawrence Payton and Renaldo 'Obie' Benson.
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The quartet later changed their name to the Four Tops to avoid being confused with quartet the Ames Brothers and signed with Motown Records in 1963.
And it was only up from there, the Four Tops releasing hits such as 'I Can't Help Myself' and 'Reach Out I'll Be There,' becoming one of the biggest recording groups of the '60s, receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award - to name just a few of their many accolades.
Despite the other three members all passing away by 2008, another version of the band was formed and Fakir resolved to keep touring with them, doing so until late last year when the musician was diagnosed with bladder cancer, leading to his retirement.
And it's not taken long for fans of the music group and Fakir to flood to social media to commemorate the star.
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One Twitter user said: "Sad to read of the passing of Abdul 'Duke' Fakir - the last original member of my favourite vocal group, The Four Tops. We are all in the shadow of their love and it was a thrill to meet him. My condolences to his family and friends."
"The Four Tops, with their memorable hits and harmonious vocals, have truly left a legacy in the golden era of music. Their contributions to Motown and the broader music scene will always be remembered and cherished.
RIP Duke," another added.
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Founder of the Motown record label Berry Gordy also said in a statement: "[The Four Tops] always amazed me with their showmanship, class and artistry. Duke was the first tenor - smooth, suave and always sharp.
"For 70 years he kept the Four Tops’ remarkable legacy intact, and in all those years he never missed a performance, until just recently.
"I so appreciate all he did for the Four Tops, for Motown and for me…Duke will be greatly missed and will always be a significant part of the Motown legacy."
If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact The Compassionate Friends on (877) 969-0010.
Topics: Celebrity, Music, Social Media, Twitter, US News
Poppy Bilderbeck