The Four Aims … a singing group that named themselves to describe their goals of achieving something great! At their first recording session for Chess Records they changed their name to the Four Tops, not to be confused with the Ames Brothers, a popular group at the time. Their early sound was more Jazz than Rhythm n’ Blues and were known for their harmony blend and polished stage act. In 1963 they were recruited by Berry Gordy for his Motown Record Company and the rest is Motown/Soul Music History! Enter my friend Duke Fakir, original founding member of the group along with Levi Stubbs. Duke was not only known for his singing talent but also for his athletic ability as was Levi. The two met as young men through neighborhood Football games and began singing together adding Lawrence Payton and Obie Benson. They went on to become the longest surviving, original group at Motown with the same four members as they began singing. One of my favorite memories as a singer came when I first had the opportunity to share a stage with the Four Tops at Three Rivers Stadium for the Summer Oldies Concert. I not only had the opportunity to perform on the same stage as the Tops but actually sang a Four Tops Classic with them. Years later I had the opportunity to spend some time with Duke at the Vocal Group Hall Of Fame in Sharon, Pennsylvania. I got to share some insight into Duke’s growing up in Detroit and some of the highlights in his life as a member of the legendary Four Tops. I could see his passion for singing as he spoke of singing Jazz chords with the guys, his early days of performing before having major hit records and the comradery with the other Tops. I could see how they lasted so long together, Brothers in musical harmony. Today is Duke Fakir’s birthday, born December 26, 1935 in Detroit, Michigan. As I sit here reminiscing, I can still hear his voice talking so passionately about his love for singing and performing. We lost Duke this year, but his music and songs will last forever. The Four Aims … The Four Tops … Duke Fakir … a Motown Legend!