Abdul Fakir, one of the last of Motown’s Four Tops, died in his Detroit home on Monday at 88. His own family said the motive turned into coronary heart failure. The Four Tops have been among Motown’s most liked and consistent hitmakers.
A Pioneer’s Legacy
“Heartbrokenness fills our hearts because we have lost a true legend, icon, and music pioneer who, through his 70-year career. Continued to tour until he retired last year in 2023 “, said his family. “He will be remembered forever.”
The Four Tops’ Early Days and Success
The quartet was formed by Levi Stubbs, Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir Renaldo’ Obie’ Benson, and Lawrence Payton in the late 1950s but found fame during the early 1960s before staying together until Payton died in 1997 while Benson followed him two years later then Stubbs three years after that causing their induction into Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame where Stevie Wonder described them as being gentlemen since they always acted professionally while having fun doing what they loved.
Growing Up Singing
Born to Ethiopian-Bangladeshi parents and raised in Detroit’s most challenging neighborhoods all his life, Fakir spoke about how singing saved them in a recent interview with The Detroit News: “[W]hen we started singing, it changed everything for us; instead of looking upon this world negatively or darkly, we began seeing its beauty, traveling around sharing songs with people who looked different like us but were glad to see us. ”
Words From Friends & Family Members
“My brother, it’s hard letting you go, but Dad has called you back home to make more heavenly harmonies with Lawrence, Obie, and Levi,” said long-time friend Smokey Robinson. I’m going to miss you, brother.”
A Life Lived
In 2022, Fakir published his memoir “I’ll Be There: My Life With The Four Tops,” which delved into their shared experiences on and off stage. He is survived by a wife, six children, thirteen grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren – leaving behind an incredible musical legacy and one of music history’s most epic personal stories. Amir
Abdul Fakir, one of the last of Motown’s Four Tops, died in his Detroit home on Monday at 88. His circle of relatives said the motive turned into heart failure. The Four Tops have been among Motown’s most loved and regular hitmakers.
A Pioneer’s Legacy
“Heartbrokenness fills our hearts because we have lost a true legend, icon, and music pioneer who, through his 70-year career, continued to tour until he retired last year in 2023 “, said his family. “He will be remembered forever.”
The Four Tops’ Early Days and Success
The quartet was formed by Levi Stubbs, Abdul ‘Duke’ Fakir Renaldo’ Obie’ Benson, and Lawrence Payton in the late 1950s but found fame during the early 1960s before staying together until Payton died in 1997 while Benson followed him two years later then. Stubbs three years after that caused,, their induction into the the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame, where Stevie Wonder described them as gentlemen since they always acted professionally while having fun doing what they loved.
Growing Up Singing
Born to Ethiopian-Bangladeshi parents and raised in Detroit’s most challenging neighborhoods all his life long. Fakir spoke about how singing saved them in a recent interview with The Detroit News: “[W]hen we started singing, it changed everything for us; instead of looking upon this world negatively or darkly. We began seeing its beauty traveling around sharing songs with people who looked different like us but were glad to see us. ”
Words From Friends & Family Members
“My brother, it’s hard letting you go, but Dad has called you back home to make more heavenly harmonies with Lawrence, Obie, and Levi, “said long-time friend Smokey Robinson. “I’m gonna miss you brother.”
A Life Lived
In 2022, Fakir published his memoir “I’ll Be There: My Life With The Four Tops. Which delved into their shared experiences on and off stage. He is survived by a wife and six children. Thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren – leaving behind an incredible musical legacy and one of music history’s most epic personal stories.
