Dennis Edwards, Lead Singer Of The Temptations, Dies: He Was 74

The music industry is mourning the passing of another legend. Dennis Edwards, a singer from The Temptations, died due to complications from meningitis.

The news was confirmed by his wife, Brenda, who told the press that the music icon was diagnosed with the disease back in May. He had been in and out of the hospital since then.

Edwards, who lived with his wife on Florissant, passed away in a hospital in Chicago on Thursday, Feb. 1, a few days before his 75th birthday. He is survived by his wife, five daughters, his son, and his grandchildren.

Musical Legacy

Edwards had a long and successful career in the music industry. He joined the group The Temptations in 1968 and had a number of hits including "I Can't Get Next to You," "Ball of Confusion," and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone."

Prior to joining The Temptations, he was a member of another Motown group called the Contours.

However, his work with Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams is what defined his career. He stayed with the group until 1984.

The singer also tried his hand at making his own music when he split with the popular vocal group. He had one-hit single titled "Don't Look Any Further," a duet with Siedah Garrett, which peaked at number 72 spot of the pop chart and number 2 spot of the R&B chart.

Later on, he teamed up with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks for a "Tribute to the Temptations" tour.

Edwards, with the other members of The Temptations, was inducted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989. In 2013, the singer was handed a Lifetime Achievement Grammys together with his band.

Tribute To An Icon

"It really saddens me to know that another Motown soldier is gone. Rest In peace, my brother," Smokey Robinson, another popular Motown artist, told Rolling Stone. "You were a great talent."

Civil rights activist and politician Jesse Jackson Sr. also paid tribute to the singer. On Twitter, he said that he visited Edwards in the hospital before the respected artist passed away.

"In his life he inspired millions around the world. We shall all remember him. So talented," he tweeted. "He is above #CloudNine, going higher. RIP my brother beloved."

His former bandmate, Williams, also sent his condolences on social media.

"Very sad to learn of the passing of our brother, Dennis Edwards," the tweet from the official page of The Temptations read. "He is now at peace, and our love and prayers go out to his family. We acknowledge his extraordinary contribution to The Temptations legacy, which lives on in the music. Temptations forever."

Tags

The Temptations