Temptations Lead Singer, Dennis Edwards Dies at 74

Just one day before his birthday, Dennis Edwards, lead singer of Motown legends, The Temptations and solo artist, died at age 74. According to his family, Edwards, a native of Detroit, died in Chicago today (February 2, 2018)

Reportedly, Edwards passed away due to complications from meningitis. Edwards will forever be remember for how he wowed crowds vocally with hits like Papa Was a Rolling Stone and Can't Get Next To You, Baby. 

Dennis served time in the US military before auditioning for Detroit's Motown Records in 1966. He signed with the record company, but didn't get his big break until he was brought in to join The Contours after their lead singer fell ill. As fate would have it, the group opened on several occasions for The Temptations, and group members, Eddie Kendricks and Otis Williams liked what they saw in Eddie.

Dennis joined The Temptations in 1968, replacing David Ruffin, and enjoyed many stints with the group up until 1989.

Though he was fired from the Temptations in 1977 just before the group left Motown Records, he returned in 1980 when they left Atlantic Records to return to Motown.

In 1984, Edwards left the Temptations again and began a solo career. His first solo album, “Don’t Look Any Further,” reached No. 2 on the R&B charts; and the title track of his follow-up album, “Coolin’ Out,” was an R&B Top 30 hit.

He returned to the Temptations in 1987, but left again two years later.

Edwards was married to Ruth Pointer, of the vocal group The Pointer Sisters, from 1976 to 1977, and the two had a daughter, Issa Pointer, who later joined her mother’s group. He later remarried a woman named Brenda.

Check out below some of Dennis Edwards most notable work with The Temptations and as a solo artist.

Below check out the 1972 live performance of Papa Was A Rolling Stone.

Below check out a live performance to I Can't Get Next To You, another classic Edwards put his mark on while with the Temptations.

Check out below the video from Edward's solo hit!, Don't Look Any Further!