Duke Fakirthe last surviving founding member of the popular Motown group The Four Tops, is dead.
The singer died of heart failure at his home in Detroit on Monday, according to his family.
Duke’s family told his hometown newspaper, the Detroit Free Press: “Our hearts are heavy as we mourn the loss of a trailblazer, icon and music legend who touched the lives of so many during his 70-year music career.”
Duke had a music career spanning 70 years before retiring earlier this year. The family added: “We find comfort in knowing that Duke’s legacy lives on through his music for generations to come.”
Duke sang first tenor for the Four Tops with a high, smooth voice…a complement to the baritone lead singer Levi Stubbs.
The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990… because of their membership in Motown’s influential groups.
With Duke on the mic, the Four Tops released a ton of hits…including “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out I’ll Be There”…plus “Bernadette,” “It’s The Same Old Song.” “, “Standing In The Shadows of Love” and “When She Was My Girl”.
Three founding members of the Four Tops died between 1997 and 2005… Duke is the last surviving OG.
Who preceded him in death Lawrence Payton, Obie Benson and Levi… all of whom he had known since their youth in Detroit.
Despite the loss of his founding members, Duke kept the Four Tops name alive as long as he could… bringing in new members and continuing to perform live.
Duke was 88 years old.
REST IN PEACE
