We Remember Dennis Edwards
![]() February 1, 1943 – Mr.Dennis Edwards, American singer, member of The Temptations during more than 20 years passed away aged 75. He is remembered. |
Tracklist :
1 . w/ Temptations Review – Papa Was A Rolling Stone
3 . w/ Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin & Nate Evans – Live at the BBC
5 . w/ The Temptations -I Can’t Get Next To You
6 . w/ Temptations – A song for you
7 . w/ Temptations Review – A song for you
Dennis Edwards: The Voice of Soul
Dennis Edwards, born on February 3, 1943, in Fairfield, Alabama, was a celebrated R&B and soul singer best known for his dynamic voice and tenure with The Temptations. Raised in a religious household, Edwards began singing in his father’s church and eventually became the choir director. After moving to Detroit at age ten, he joined the gospel group the Mighty Clouds of Joy and later studied music at the Detroit Conservatory of Music, where he learned harmony, strings, and saxophone.
His musical aspirations were influenced by Sam Cooke’s transition from gospel to secular music and the rise of Motown. During his service in the U.S. Army from 1961 to 1965, Edwards formed a band that performed in German clubs, earning more than his military pay and solidifying his desire to pursue a music career.
These early experiences laid the foundation for Edwards’ remarkable journey in soul music.
Joining The Temptations
After returning from the army, Edwards formed his own band, Dennis Edwards and the Fireballs, performing Motown hits in local clubs. Signed to Motown Records as a work-for-hire artist, he filled in as lead singer for The Contours, recording the R&B hit “It’s So Hard Being a Loser.” In 1968, Edwards was chosen to replace David Ruffin as the lead singer of The Temptations, marking a pivotal moment in his career.
His powerful vocals defined the group’s sound during the 1970s and into the 1980s, leading hits such as “Cloud 9,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Ball of Confusion,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and “Shaky Ground.” The Temptations won Grammy Awards for “Cloud 9” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” transitioning from love ballads to a psychedelic soul sound under the production of Norman Whitfield.
Edwards’ contributions propelled The Temptations into one of their most successful eras.
Personal Life and Challenges
Edwards’ personal life was as dynamic as his career. He dated Aretha Franklin, who wrote “Daydreaming” about him, but their engagement ended when he was caught cheating. He later married Ruth Pointer of The Pointer Sisters, but their relationship was marked by struggles with addiction. Edwards moved to St. Louis to be near his mother, a decision he credited as life-changing.
His career with The Temptations was punctuated by departures and reunions due to conflicts over leadership and personal challenges. After leaving the group in 1977, he rejoined for a reunion album and tour in 1980 alongside David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, though these efforts were marred by ongoing issues. Edwards was fired from The Temptations for the final time in 1988 but continued performing with Ruffin and Kendricks as “The Former Leads of The Temptations.”
Despite his struggles, Edwards remained a beloved figure in the music industry.
Solo Career and Legacy
Edwards’ solo career included the hit “Don’t Look Any Further,” released in 1984, which reached number 2 on the Billboard Black Singles chart and was later sampled by The Notorious B.I.G. He continued to make music and perform throughout his life, leaving an enduring mark on the soul genre.
In 2017, Edwards suffered from meningitis, leading to quadriplegia. Allegations of abuse arose during his final years, but an autopsy found no signs of wrongdoing. He passed away on February 1, 2018, at age 74, due to complications from meningitis.
Remembered for his powerful voice, emotional delivery, and stage charisma, Dennis Edwards’ legacy remains influential. As a key member of The Temptations and a successful solo artist, he left behind a timeless contribution to American music.
Comments are closed.