Temptations singer Dennis Edwards passed away on Thursday in a hospital in Chicago. Edwards was 74 years old. The cause of his death has not yet been officially released, but it has been reported that Edwards’ family released information that was in the hospital struggling with meningitis complications prior to his passing. Since May of last year, Edwards had been in and out of the hospital dealing with it. The legendary singer’s death was confirmed by a booking agent on Friday. Edwards would’ve been celebrating his 75th birthday on February 3rd.
The Alabama Native as the lead singer of the famous Motown group was part of classic hit songs like “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “I Can’t Get Next to you.” The Grammy award-winning singer is survived by his wife, Brenda Edwards, his five daughters and son.
Edwards joined The Temptations in 1968, replacing founding member David Ruffin. Edwards went on to win two Grammy awards for Best R&B Vocal Performance by a Duo, Group or Chorus and Best R&B Instrumental Performance with the song,‘Papa Was a Rolling Stone.’
After years of being in and out of the singing group, Edwards took on his own solo career in the early 80’s scoring the hit song “Don’t look any Further” featuring Siedah Garrett. As hip-hop came into the forefront, artists like Tupac, Rakim, and Notorious B.I.G. started sampling his previous music.
Dennis Edwards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Temptations in 1989 and in 2013, Edwards received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy along with the rest of The Temptations.
The Temptations are known as one of the groups who made Motown music what it is known for today. Fellow Motown artist Smokey Robinson addressed the ‘Ball of Confusion’ performers passing. “It really saddens me to know that another Motown soldier is gone,” Robinson told Rolling Stone. “Rest in peace, my brother. You were a great talent.”
