Four Tops singer Abdul 'Duke' Fakir dies aged 88

The last original member of Motown group the Four Tops – Abdul ‘Duke Fakir’ – has died aged 88.

"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," his 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."

After forming in the late ‘50s, the Four Tops became one of the most well-known Motown bands, with classic hits like  ‘Reach Out I'll Be There’, ‘Baby I Need Your Loving’ and ‘I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie Honey Bunch)’.

Consisting of Fakir, Renaldo ‘Obie’ Benson, Lawrence Payton and Levi Stubbs, the group continued to perform together until Payton’s passing in 1997.

The Four Tops received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys in 2009, and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990, with Stevie Wonder singing their praises.

“The things I love about them the most – they are very professional, they have fun with what they do, they are very loving, they have always been gentlemen,” he said.

Fellow Motown legend Smoker Robinson also spoke to the Detroit Free Press, addressing the death of his friend.

"My brother, I really hate to have to say goodbye, but you've been called home by the Father to once again join Lawrence, Obie and Levi and make more of the heavenly music you guys made while here," he said. "I'm going to miss you, my brother."