Dennis Edwards, Temptations singer for 2 decades, dies at 74

Dennis Edwards, a former member of the famed Motown group The Temptations, has died. He was 74.

Rosiland Triche Roberts, his longtime booking agent, says Edwards died Thursday in Chicago after a long illness.

The Birmingham, Alabama-born Edwards replaced founding member David Ruffin in 1968. His soulful, passionate voice defined the group for years.

He was a member on and off for about two decades and part of the lineup that released "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone," ''Ball of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)" and "Cloud Nine."

Paul Riser, a Motown arranger and musician, worked with Edwards during the label's Detroit heyday and subsequent projects. He says Edwards possessed a "voice for the ages," with a great range, energy and artistry.
 

Edwards would have turned 75 today.