Abdul "Duke" Fakir, the last surviving original member of the beloved Motown group the Four Tops that was known for such hits as "Reach Out, I'll Be There" and "Standing in the Shadows of Love," has died at age 88. Fakir died Monday of heart failure at his home in Detroit, according to a family spokesperson, with his wife and other loved ones by his side. Motown founder Berry Gordy said in a statement that Fakir helped embody the Tops' "showmanship, class and artistry. While the Temptations and other peers suffered from drug problems, dissension and personnel changes, the Four Tops remained united and intact until Payton died in 1997. Fakir later toured as the Four Tops with lead vocalist Alexander Morris, Ronnie McNeir and Lawrence 'Roquel' Payton Jr., the son of Lawrence Payton.

Source: Ethiopian News July 23, 2024 17:23 UTC