Lead Temptations singer Dennis Edwards, who sang on classics like "I Can't Get Next to You," "Ball of Confusion" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," has died at the age of 74. He would have turned 75 on Saturday.
His family originally confirmed the news of his death, and wife Brenda Edwards confirmed to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch his cause of death was complications from meningitis.
Edwards' was a member of the Temptations from 1968 until 1977, replacing lead singer David Ruffin. He returned in 1980 when the group left Atlantic Records to return to Motown, and left yet again to pursue a solo career in 1987.
During his solo career, his song "Don't Look Any Further" made it to No. 72 on the pop chart and No. 2 on the R&B chart. His voice would be later sampled on Eric B. and Rakim's "Paid in Full," 2Pac's "Hit 'Em Up" and Junior M.A.F.I.A.'s "Get' Money" with the Notorious B.I.G.
The Motown legend was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 as a member of the Temptations and honored for his signature, gritty vocals.
Edwards married to Ruth Pointer, of The Pointer Sisters, from 1976 to 1977, and had a daughter, Issa Pointer, who joined her mother’s group.
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Original article by Sam Valorose at iHeartRadio