Dennis Edwards dead: The Temptations lead singer dies just one day before his 75th birthday after complications from meningitis
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Dennis Edwards has sadly died just one day before his 75th birthday.
The former lead singer of The Temptations has passed away in hospital following complications from meningitis.
The sad news was confirmed by his family to American news organisation CBS Chicago.
Grammy-winning Dennis will forever be remembered for crooning his way through huge hits such as Papa Was a Rollin' Stone and I Can't Get Next To You.
He would have turned 75 tomorrow.
Dennis passed away in Chicago, reportedly while going through rehabilitation suffering from an aneurysm.
(Image: Redferns via Getty)
(Image: Michael Ochs Archives)
(Image: WireImage)
(Image: Redferns)
Dennis' nephew, Jason Quebec, paid tribute to him online, saying: "My uncle Dennis Edwards passed away this morning. Please keep my family in prayer.
"You were truly a class act, Dennis. I will miss you more than words can describe. It’s been a privilege to have been in your presence."
Dennis joined The Temptations in 1968, replacing David Ruffin, and enjoyed many stints with the group up until 1989.
He also attempted a solo career, landing a hit in 1984 with his single Don't Look Any Further.
Dennis had served time in the US military before auditioning for Detroit's Motown Records in 1966.
He was signed but placed on retainer, but got his big break when he was brought in to join The Contours after their lead singer fell ill.
The group were the opening act for the Temptations on a number of occasions, and group members Eddie Kendricks and Otis Williams liked what they saw in Eddie.
They'd already been thinking about getting rid of their current lead singer, David Ruffin, and went on to recruit Dennis, who quit the Contours to join the band.
The Temptations' story went on to be made into a 1998 television mini series, with Charles Ley taking on the role of Dennis.
However, Dennis wasn't too heavily focused on, as the series gave more attention to the era when Ruffin was in the group.
Dennis, who was born in Alabama in 1943, was once married to Pointer Sisters singer Ruth Pointer. They tied the knot in Las Vegas in 1977 but it was a brief marriage.
He later remarried a woman named Brenda.
(Image: Getty Images North America)
(Image: Getty Images North America)
(Image: Redferns)
They had one daughter, Issa Pointer, who went on to become a member of her mother's vocal group.
It had been reported in May last year that Dennis was 'seriously ill'.
Journalist Ken Bedford posted on Facebook at the time: "Prayers are needed for singer Dennis Edwards of the Temptations. He was admitted to a St Louis hospital after returning from a concert date in Canada last week. He is seriously ill and I won't say any more until until his wife releases details.
"As for now until further information is released please join me in praying for his recovery. Upcoming dates included the OJays in a couple of weeks. I have known Dennis for many years and he along with Chris Arnold also of the Temptations, who lives in Chicago, have been major supporters of my Breast cancer awareness program by performing 'live'."
He posted an update today, announcing that Dennis had sadly died.
Sharing a picture of himself with the star, he wrote: "I am very saddened to tell you that Dennis Edwards of the Temptations has died. He was in Chicago at the time going through rehab after suffering from an aneurysm last fall.
"My deepest condolences to his wife Brenda and his children and Chris Arnold, a member of the group who lives in Chicago. It was at the request of the family that his condition not be made public and I respected that. However they did want me to ask for your Prayers. The family is grateful for all of your Prayers and concerns.
"God Bless you Dennis and Thank you for your friendship!"