The Temptations singer Dennis Edwards has died, aged 74
2 February 2018, 22:56 | Updated: 3 February 2018, 12:06
The Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards has passed away at the age of 74.
He joined the band back in 1968, and sang with them on and off until 1989. He was also the lead singer on classic hits including 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone' and 'I Can't Get Next To You'.
His family confirmed to CBS News that he died on Friday (February 2) in Chicago. He would have turned 75 on Saturday.
The son of a pastor, he studied at the Detroit Conservatory of Music, and started a jazz group named Dennis Edwards and the Fireballs in 1961.
He auditioned for Motown Records a few years later, and was the lead singer for the Contours. Later, he replaced David Ruffin as The Temptations' lead singer in 1968.
Edwards left the band for a solo career in 1984, and had hit singles including 'Don’t Look Any Further', a duet with Siedah Garrett.
He was also briefly married to Pointer Sisters member Ruth Pointer, and they had a daughter together, Issa Pointer.
Watch a classic Temptations performance below:
