The Four Tops are back in Australia and original singer Duke Fakir is still doing it at the age of 82.
Duke and more recent members Ronnie McNeir, Lawrence Payton Jr (son of original member Lawrence Payton), and Harold Bonhart visited ABC News Breakfast this week where Duke talked about still having a voice at his age.
“At my age to be a first tenor and still have a first tenor voice, that is even more of a blessing,” he told Michael Rowland and Virginia Trioli.
Duke says the secret of a long success is moderation. “Going to sleep at 6pm in the evening, having a great life, a great wife who is better than doctors. Resting well, Cutting down on the things we used to do as a young man. I don’t party like I used to,” he said.
The Four Tops started in Detroit in 1953. He explained why a lot of people in Detroit can sing. “The religious background of all of Detroit makes that possible,” he said. “Probably eight out of 10 people of all people in Detroit can sing really well probably because of the heritage. We all went to churches when we were young, we all sang in the choir. It basically comes from church and listening to other people as well. You put yourself into it and you have your own personal soul”.
The Four Tops are back!
We are delighted to welcome the founding member of the Motown legends, Duke Fakir, and his new crew.
Settle in for this truly lovely chat on everything from music to family, funerals and hitting those high notes pic.twitter.com/CZjrNmN9k9
— News Breakfast (@BreakfastNews) December 3, 2018
The Four Tops will perform:
5-8 December 2018, Melbourne, Sofitel on Collins
17-20 December, 2018, Sydney, Sofitel Wentworth
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