The Motown Alumni Association announced that it will sell a limited edition of 500 gold and silver record spindle lapel pins honoring Duke Fakir the last original member to pass of the Motown superstar group The Four Tops, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Duke's widow. The pins were originally discovered during the office move of Hitsville Venture LLC (HitsvilleVenture.com), a company established by a variety of Detroit investors with music celebrities as partners in the project, including Duke Fakir. Crafted in 2003 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the legendary Four Tops, these limited-edition pins feature Duke Fakir's insignia and are individually numbered from a production run of 4,000.
Now exceedingly rare, only 500 of these coveted pins remain. To further enhance their authenticity and collectible value, each pin will be inventoried and come with a certificate of authenticity, personally signed by Billy Wilson, President of the Motown Alumni Association, before being offered for sale.
“We are honored to be able to offer these rare and collectible pins to the public,” said Billy Wilson, Founder & President of the Motown Alumni Association. “Duke Fakir, who passed away in April of 2024, was a legendary figure in the Motown music scene, and we are proud to support his legacy.”
The Four Tops, formed in 1953, were one of the most successful groups to emerge from the Motown era, known for their smooth harmonies and timeless hits like "Reach Out I'll Be There" and "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)." Hitsville Venture LLC, where the pins were rediscovered, was founded by Detroit investors who partnered with iconic Motown artists and celebrities, including the Original Vandellas, Mary Wilson (of the Supremes), The Four Tops, The Miracles, The Contours, Laura Lee, The Velvelettes, Carl Carlton, Spider Turner, Pat Lewis, Kim Weston, George Clinton, The Dramatics, Keith Washington, Paul Hill, Scherrie Payne (formerly of the Supremes), Freda Payne, Duane Parham (Saxophonist & producer), Michael Powell, and many others.
Adding to their historical significance, these pins were authorized by Duke Fakir himself in 2003 before his passing as a tribute to the enduring legacy of The Four Tops. Each pin is uniquely symbolic, representing the spindle disc in the center of a 45 RPM record, a poignant reminder of the group's iconic vinyl releases. Furthermore, each pin is numbered and bears Duke's signature, making them a true collector's item.
The pins will be sold for $100 each with a certificate of authenticity. A limited number of pins will also be available for purchase on various online platforms. Starting December 1st, the first 250+ lucky fans will have the opportunity to purchase these rare pins exclusively on HitsvilleVenture.com
“We believe that these pins are a valuable piece of Motown/ Four Top history,” said Wilson. “We encourage fans of Duke Fakir and Motown music to purchase a pin and support a worthy cause.”
About the Motown Alumni Association
The Motown Alumni Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving the legacy of Motown music. The Association provides scholarships to students interested in pursuing careers in the music industry and supports various charitable causes.
About Duke Fakir
Duke Fakir was a founding member of the Four Tops, one of the most successful Motown groups of all time. The Four Tops were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1990. Fakir passed away in April of 2024.
Media Contact
Company Name: Motown Alumni Association
Contact Person: Billy Wilson
Email: Send Email
Phone: 1 + (734)972-7582
Address:13426 Crosley
City: Redford
State: Michigan 48239
Country: United States
Website: HitsvilleVenture.com
