Tragic…Former Temptations Lead Singer Dennis Edwards Dies

Posted On : February 2, 2018

Embed from Getty Images

We’re only 33 days into 2018 and the year has already claimed a legendary singer. According to CBS Chicago, on February 2, Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards passed away. Reports of his death began circulating after his family offered confirmation of his death.

A Legend Gone:

It has been reported that the singer’s family has confirmed to the publication that the Detroit native passed away in his Chicago, IL home. Sadly, the Grammy Award-winning singer’s death comes just one day before his 75th birthday. The Motown legend was briefly married to Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters. The couple had one daughter together.

Life As A Temptation:

Before auditioning for The Temptations, Edwards served in the U.S Military until 1966. After The Temptations parted ways with David Ruffin in the summer of 1968, Dennis Edwards was hired as the group’s lead singer. With Edwards as part of the group, the group continued to top the Billboard charts. During the nine years he sang lead, the group released timeless classics like “Cloud Nine,” “I Can’t Get Next to You” and, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”

Embed from Getty Images

In 1984, Edwards embarked on his own path as a solo singer, according to Black America Web. He debuted his hit single, “Don’t Look Any Further,” which was a duet with Siedah Garrett. The song peaked at the #2 spot on the Billboard R&B charts.

The song has been sampled many times in rap music, appearing as a sample in Eric B. and Rakim’s game-changing “Paid in Full” and later in 2Pac’s “Hit ‘Em Up” and Junior M.A.F.I.A.’s “Getting’ Money” with the Notorious B.I.G.

In 1989, Edwards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations. Dennis Edwards will forever be known as a musical legend. May he rest in peace.

About I Love Old School Music

We salute the incredible people and beautiful memories of that "old school". We’re not saying that every artist and every facet of the soul era was perfect, but the artists’ contributions to soul music and the old school memories of that particular time are PRICELESS.