Duke Fakir: "I'll Be There: My Life with The Four Tops"

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  • Опубліковано 16 лип 2024
  • On Wednesday, June 22, 2022, Duke Fakir, the last original living member of The Four Tops, visited the Detroit Public Library to discuss his new memoir. Here he appears in conversation with Kathleen McGhee-Anderson as they delve into topics about their writing process, Duke's life, the founding of The Four Tops and their legacy, and what they uncovered in preparing for this book.
    In "I'll Be There," Abdul 'Duke' Fakir with Kathleen McGhee-Anderson present a remarkable and heartfelt memoir about the last surviving member of The Four Tops. 'Duke" reveals anecdotes from the group's formation, to their years working with Berry Gordy at the legendary Motown Records. While the Four Tops became one of the most celebrated R&B groups of all time, their extraordinary musical success did not shield Fakir from marital distress, soured investment deals, struggles with sobriety, and the sudden loss of his brothers.
    The Detroit Public Library (DPL) is the largest public library system in the state of Michigan. The Main Library and its 21 neighborhood branches make it one of the most valuable and accessible public institutions in the state. Stay up-to-date on information and events by visiting www.detroitpubliclibrary.org and following the library on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 51

  • @JanEmery-wf8rj
    @JanEmery-wf8rj 2 місяці тому +2

    I bought the book as soon as I heard about it. An amazing insight into the lives of 4 super-talented men who had a united vision, passion and determination. They didnt have things easy but they supported one another, and their bond and belief paid off. They've left an incredible legacy. The "new" line-up is great but my heart will always be firmly with Levi, Larry, Duke and Obie. Thank you all - you've given me great pleasure for 60yrs. ❤

  • @soundsgreat5974
    @soundsgreat5974 28 днів тому +1

    One of the greatest respectful groups of the Motown family. I don't care who had addictions you couldn't tell because those Brothers stayed together until the end💞💞💞💞🙏🏽🙏🏾

  • @thecreativeprocess-pureima3389
    @thecreativeprocess-pureima3389 5 місяців тому +3

    Love how Duke Fakir when speaking of Levi Stubbs he speaks of him in the present.

  • @trubrit5036
    @trubrit5036 Рік тому +22

    I had been counting the days until Mr. Fakir's book was released, got it and read it in a day, and now this fantastic interview. Quote 'When you stick to the truth, it ain't hard to keep telling the same story'. Now them's words of wisdom.

  • @obvioustruths
    @obvioustruths Рік тому +17

    I am not at all surprised to hear the Four Tops had a strong spiritual bond. To the great I AM belongs all glory!

  • @LOUISVILLECARDINALS
    @LOUISVILLECARDINALS Рік тому +11

    The Four Tops are my favorite Motown group hands down the first time i heard I'll be there it blew my mind i kid you not i listen to that track at least once every day them guys have the best harmony together I'm 40 years old and I'm just starting to realize how important that era was for the people much love to you guys ❤️✊🏾

    • @MikeAdams-dc9ib
      @MikeAdams-dc9ib Рік тому +1

      I met obie of the tops. Many years ago got all.their.autograph ...be side the temptations I love the4tops.... my favorite song is you.keep running way

    • @LOUISVILLECARDINALS
      @LOUISVILLECARDINALS Рік тому

      @@MikeAdams-dc9ib wish i could've met them

    • @user-vq9kn2ix4n
      @user-vq9kn2ix4n 9 місяців тому +1

      This was EVERYTHING I EXPECTED FROM THIS INTERVIEW & MORE!!!! MR. FAKIR ELOQUENTLY LAID IT OUT IN THE MOST ENTERTAINING & INFORMATIVE WAY!!!!🤗 I WAS PARTICULARLY IMPRESSED WITH HOW HE TOUCHED UPON LAWRENCE PAYTON'S VOCAL ARRANGING TALENTS, WHICH I AS A SINGER, ALSO POSESS. ALSO LEVI'S SOULFUL SINGING, & "OBIE'S" STAGE MOBILITY TOO!!!! 🤭 BUT WHAT (REALLY GOT ME) WAS WHEN HE MENTIONED THOSE ANGELS SURROUNDING HIM, THAT WOMAN TOOK ME BACK THE THE JAMES BROWN MOVIE: "GET ON UP" WHEN (AUNT "HONEY") TOLD A YOUNG "JB" ALMOST THE EXACT SAME THING!!!! KUDOS TO ALL INVOLVED IN THIS AWESOME INTERVIEW!!!!🥰

  • @christopherhalls8209
    @christopherhalls8209 4 місяці тому +1

    Must have seen The Tops more than a dozen times in different parts of the country . They were the greatest .

  • @travelinman
    @travelinman Рік тому +13

    Fantastic!! Duke is amazing

  • @brodocbetty4856
    @brodocbetty4856 Рік тому +13

    Must have been a great experience to have a brotherhood, friendship, and career last a lifetime.

  • @paultelfair9063
    @paultelfair9063 9 місяців тому +3

    SUCCESS IN. A ROLL

  • @colinturner4158
    @colinturner4158 Рік тому +3

    Magical sound magical performers

  • @jnaught1358
    @jnaught1358 10 місяців тому +2

    Brilliant interview! I am one of Mrs. Fakir’s former students. She is on the list of my favorite childhood teachers... Bless her for her patience with us, and bless Mr. Fakir for this sit down🙏

  • @lauraalbritton4579
    @lauraalbritton4579 Рік тому +8

    I'm so glad that I got to see this it was awesome

  • @falanajerido875
    @falanajerido875 Рік тому +6

    Thank you Mr Duke I truly enjoyed your testimony, great memories, you guys was the best. David Ruffin and Levi Stubs, when they sing had a cry in there voice. The only two that can literally cry. And sing beautiful love it. Thank you for sharing

  • @brendaharper5846
    @brendaharper5846 8 місяців тому +2

    Great interview!!! I saw Duke and the 4 Tops last Dec with The Temptations. It was awesome !!!! Thanks for your longevity and artistry Duke!!!

  • @colinturner4158
    @colinturner4158 Рік тому +2

    Motown was special it was one of the music genres I grew up with the four tops and the temptations were great may all those that have passed RIP and thank you thank you duke

  • @tyronerogers6829
    @tyronerogers6829 11 місяців тому +2

    GOD bless you sir🤗
    And thank you for sharing!🎶

  • @JD-gx3ms
    @JD-gx3ms Рік тому +8

    They put on a fantastic show indeed!!

  • @SWDetboy
    @SWDetboy Рік тому +8

    This was So nice.. Thank you for this..

  • @elliott3991
    @elliott3991 Рік тому +8

    excellent documentation of music and history. Hope the library can do many others

  • @FUNKINETIK
    @FUNKINETIK Рік тому +3

    Great stories from Duke, the Four Tops had an amazing bond. Still Water Love is one of my favourites of theirs.
    P E A C E : ) Love is the Answer

  • @keithgreen9246
    @keithgreen9246 Рік тому +3

    Fantastic listening to one of the all-time greats like Duke. What a great story....And my favourite Tops' song is Bernadette - so glad he spoke about that great track. We were blessed to have the Four Tops in our lives. Their music influenced me from the age of 6 and I listen to them nearly every day.

  • @johndarby2103
    @johndarby2103 Рік тому +1

    I really like the Four Tops. I bought records, went to concerts, and bought his book and the book
    the Holland brothers wrote. I liked both. I heard that Duke has decided to retire. When he does that will end the original Four Tops. Sad but the group continues. I respect them for the commitment to each other. We don’t find that any more.

  • @coreyandpatriciatalkinpodc6765

    🙏🏾

  • @Maatization
    @Maatization 5 місяців тому +2

    I preferred the Four Tops to the Temptations...Levi Stubbs was a beast

  • @paultelfair9063
    @paultelfair9063 9 місяців тому +1

    I'm in

  • @PetersJams2
    @PetersJams2 Рік тому +2

    I grew up with his daughter Farah.

  • @charityshoptreasures2569
    @charityshoptreasures2569 8 місяців тому +1

    🥰🌟🌟🌟🌟

  • @briantorrence2113
    @briantorrence2113 2 місяці тому +1

    I would love to find an autograph copy of this book. Does anyone know how to find one??

  • @Maatization
    @Maatization 5 місяців тому +2

    Him and Mary Wilson were lovers when he was married.

    • @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc
      @GeminiladyJackson-xq6hc 4 місяці тому

      Mary Wilson slept with a lot of married men. She also slept with Tom Jones and Steve McQueen.

  • @user-no2jz3tm2t
    @user-no2jz3tm2t 6 місяців тому +1

    If you didn't know any better, you'd think Abdul Fakir founded the Tops, wrote all their hits, managed the group, etc., etc., etc.. Without Levi, Lawrence, and Obie, Duke can say anything.
    It's ironic because when The Temptations movie came out, family members of the Temptations who had passed had many issues with Otis' version of the Temps Story. And now here it is with the Tops.
    This should have been done when they were all with us. Also, I wonder if surviving families will see profits from the musical if it happens.
    I'm a life long fan of the Tops, but.............

    • @SirWickMusic
      @SirWickMusic 2 місяці тому +1

      As friends of some of their descendants, everything he has said has been corroborated.

  • @nichellepowell6182
    @nichellepowell6182 Рік тому +2

    They stayed together very Loyal as group no ego like the Temps now that is why the Temps did fair well they were selfish.

    • @JeromeWade-lm8jh
      @JeromeWade-lm8jh 5 місяців тому

      It was David Ruffin who was selfish!

    • @kayandaeddings4803
      @kayandaeddings4803 5 місяців тому

      Barry Gordy tried his best to get Levi to have a separate billing like Smokey Robinson, and Martha Reeves. Well, that sure as heck didn't work. From what Duke said in one of his live concerts. Levi says, shiiiiiiit!. Leave all of this? I'm staying with my brothers. Now that is loyalty at its finest.

  • @YChromosome99
    @YChromosome99 Рік тому +2

    Was that him who was the 2nd vocalist in "Ain't no woman like the one I got"?? I'm 90% sure it was.

    • @mattwritethelyricists4836
      @mattwritethelyricists4836 9 місяців тому +1

      “Like pages in a letter” and “I’m a lonely man when she’s gone” was his lines in ‘Ain’t No Woman Like The One I Got’. He was smooth with the vocals

    • @kayandaeddings4803
      @kayandaeddings4803 5 місяців тому +1

      No. You're thinking about the late Lawrence Payton. Duke never sung any leads. He was just like Otis Williams just a back up.

  • @davidriggs1470
    @davidriggs1470 Рік тому +1

    Life long Tops fan,sadly the book is rubbish

  • @davidriggs1470
    @davidriggs1470 Рік тому +1

    Tops were tops!!!!!!!This book is dreadful,a missed opportunity..

  • @sickvokals
    @sickvokals Рік тому +1

    This book is terrible

    • @knots.8938
      @knots.8938 Рік тому +4

      @sickvokals WHAT????😮PLEASE EXPLAIN🙄🙄👀👀

    • @JanetJames-dw6xo
      @JanetJames-dw6xo Рік тому

      Nothing like being honest lol