Former Temptations Lead Singer, Dennis Edwards, Dies at 74

Dennis Edwards, a lead singer of The Temptations from 1968 until 1977 and later through various reunions into the 80s, died last Thursday in Chicago at the age of 74.

His voice was present on a string of hits of the Motown hit making soul group, including I Can’t Get Next to You, Ball of Confusion and Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.

Outside of The Temptations, Edwards put out a handful of solo albums and scored a hit with Don’t Look Any Further, in a duet with Siedah Garrett, which made it to Number 2 on the R&B chart. The song later became a landmark for Hip-Hop records, appearing as a sample in Eric B. & Rakim‘s game-changing Paid in Full and later in 2Pac‘s Hit ‘Em Up and Junior M.A.F.I.A.‘s Get Money.

Dennis Edwards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Temptations in 1989. In 2013, Edwards also received a Lifetime Achievement Grammy, given to The Temptations.

BlackoutHipHop extends condolences to Dennis Edwards’ family and friends.