A true great of American music, Duke Fakir marks 70 (seventy!) years with The Four Tops in 2023. As he tells Rhonda Lee Reali, this month’s tour alongside fellow Motown big hitters The Temptations will be his last in the UK, but what a legacy he’s created…

The pre-Motown years

We travelled everywhere doing every kind of engagement from supper clubs to little wine clubs, clubs with sawdust on the floor with all men. We did music that fit that particular audience and were versatile. We were accepted in each one of those places and were glad. Always we were looking for the right audience that would project us to the world and of course, that was Motown, but in the meantime, we weren’t rushing and didn’t want to break our necks. We felt we were good enough that we would get there.

We had the ability, and Levi [Stubbs, original Four Tops lead singer] had the ability to interpret lyrics than anybody I know. He could make you feel almost every word, and we were very fortunate to have that. Then we learned how to complement that with some great harmonies and good feelings, but we could do anything. I’m very proud to say that, and I’m not saying that in a cocky way – I’m saying that in a very professional way. We were fortunate enough that we were able to do almost anything onstage except jump through hoops! We were blessed and thank God, going to Motown, they found our niche. They found out how and where to record us; how to put it out there… the songs. They picked the right songs.

“Whatever feeling you give the audience, they give it right back to you. It’s amazing to go through life like that”

Duke Fakir

The greatness of the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting team

I call them tailors of music – they would tailor a song to fit you. They did it for The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Junior Walker. All of these songs, they’re different. Tailored exactly for that particular artist. They were amazing. It was the songs and of course, the [work] of the Motown machine that helped get us out there. I remember when we first started having hits over in the UK, it was pirate radio – offshore radio. It was fun to me! Like good sneaky stuff you were doing, you know, but it worked and gave us a great audience! It’s still the greatest tour of the year that we do. Everybody’s so excited, they can’t wait. We’ve been talking about it for the last three months, coming to the UK for those few days.

And now the Duke is hanging up his mic…

By the way, this will be my last trip to the UK as a Four Tops’ singer. It’s time. I’ve done it. I’ve enjoyed it. It’s given me every kind of love and appreciation that you can receive. I’ve done my best. [Fakir’s eyes well-up and his voice trembles; he and I are both a little teary now…] And I will be teary-eyed. There’s no doubt about it because I know it will be the last time I’ll get that feeling onstage which IS the greatest high in the world. To get that feeling that the audience gives you in return for what you give them. You can’t get it anywhere else. You can’t replicate it or duplicate it with anything.

There’s some artists that try to replicate that authentic stuff with drugs and so forth. They don’t realise that’s what they’re looking for. Thank God, it was brought to my attention that’s not the high you enjoy most. The high you enjoy most is that look [the audience] has when you sing to them. The feeling that they give you back – whatever feeling you give them – they give it right back to you. It’s amazing to go through life like that.

…but he’s still got love for this island

I get it even more coming to the UK than anywhere else in the world. That’s why I can’t wait. They’re such loving people. When they love, they love forever. It’s not temporary love, you know? It’s not R&B love, it’s not pop. It’s constant love. Appreciation. Respect. And you can feel it. It’s now, it’s generational. The kids of the kids are coming to see us when we come there this time. 

[Beatles manager] Brian Epstein was the one that presented us to the UK. The way he presented us and prepared his presentation was awesome, and the way he presented us still exists. I will never forget him for what he did and how he did it. [Fakir’s voice cracks again, and he wipes away more tears]

It’s such a loving feeling to share, and get the love that you all give. That’s all I can say.

The Four Tops / The Temptations, Cardiff International Arena, Mon 10 Oct.

Tickets: from £47.30. Info: here

words RHONDA LEE REALI