Abdul “Duke” Fakir, the last surviving original member of the iconic 1960s Motown group The Four Tops, has passed away at 88 due to heart failure. His family expressed their sorrow, honoring his significant impact on music over a 70-year career.

Fakir, who was a key member of The Four Tops, sang first tenor and was integral to the group’s success with hits like “I Can’t Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)” and “Reach Out, I’ll Be There,” both of which topped the charts. The Four Tops, which included Fakir along with Lawrence Payton, Renaldo “Obie” Benson, and Levi Stubbs, were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990.

Abdul 'Duke' Fakir, Last Surviving Four Tops Member, Dies at 88

Formed in 1954 as the Four Aims, the group was rebranded as The Four Tops in 1964 when they signed with Motown Records. Despite the deaths of the other original members—Payton in 1997, Benson in 2005, and Stubbs in 2008—Fakir continued to tour and record with new members until his retirement in early 2024.

Fakir was born in Detroit in 1935 and remained devoted to his hometown throughout his career. He was known for his smooth tenor voice and dedication to the group’s legacy. His contributions to music and his ability to maintain the group’s integrity were praised by Motown founder Berry Gordy.

Final surviving member of Four Tops dead aged 88

In his 2022 memoir, Fakir reflected on the group’s enduring success and the sense of something larger than themselves that he believed guided their journey. Fakir is survived by his wife, Piper, six children, 13 grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. His legacy will live on through his music and the impact he made on the world.