b. Dennis Wayne Edwards Jnr., 3rd February 1943, Fairfield, Alabama, U.S.A.
d. 1st February 2018, Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A.
Dennis Edwards was born in Birmingham, Alabama.
His parents are the Reverend and Mrs. Dennis Edwards Sr.
Dennis began singing in his fathers' church as a child.
When he was seven, the family relocated to Detroit.
Whilst he was still in education, Dennis sang with the Mighty Clouds of Joy gospel group.
In 1961, Dennis formed his group, Dennis Edwards and the Fireballs.
In 1965 he joined the ranks of the Contours (along with Sylvester Potts, Council Gay, Jerry Green and Huey Davis), where he stayed until the group went their separate ways in 1967.
Dennis performed on various songs including 'It's So Hard Being A Loser b/w 'Your Love Grows More Precious Every Day' in 1967.
i didn't have to (but i did) b/w johnnie on the spot - 1965 / psychedelic shack (with the temptations) - 1970
During this time he recorded the 45 'I Didn't Have to (But I Did)' b/w 'Johnnie on the Spot' for the International Soulville Records imprint.
Dennis then replaced the departing David Ruffin in the Temptations in July 1968.
Dennis sang with the group during the Temptations psychedelic era, singing lead on the progressive songs 'Cloud Nine' b/w 'Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go)' (in 1968), 'I Can't Get Next To You' b/w 'Running Away (Ain't Gonna Help You)' (in 1969) and 'Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today) b/w 'It's Summer' (in 1970).
He remained with the Temptations for nearly a decade, departing the groups ranks in 1977, testing the water at Motown, before rejoining the group in 1980.
In 1982, he sang with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks as part of 'Reunion' (The Temptations album) and tour.
don't look any further - 1984 / coolin' out - 1985
He left the group again in 1984, whereupon he launched a solo career at Motown, scoring immediately with the single 'Don't Look Any Further', duetting with the singer Siedah Garrett.
The parent album climbed to No. 2 on the R&B charts and featured the songs '(You're My) Aphrodisiac' and 'Just Like You'.
The following year he released the album 'Coolin' Out' (whose title track reached R&B Top 30) along with 'Try A Little Tenderness'.
Two years later, Dennis was back with the Temptations, (featuring on their 1987 release, 'Together Again'), where he stayed for a two year period before being replaced by the late Ali Ollie Woodson.
During the late Eighties, he toured with David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks again, however, no recordings were forthcoming.
In 1990 Dennis collaborated with Eddie Kendricks for an A&B records single entitled 'Get it While it's Hot'.
talk to me - 1993 / the temptations greatest hits live - 1995
During the 1990's, he toured under the name 'Dennis Edwards & the Temptations', which caused some confusion, leading to a name change to 'The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards'.
His current line-up includes the original Temptation Paul Williams son Paul Williams Jr., David Sea, Mike Patillo, and Chris Arnold.
Dennis was married to Ruth Pointer of the Pointer Sisters and father of Issa Pointer.
He passed away from a stroke in February 2018, in Chicago.
Albums:
Don't Look Any Further (Gordy Records 1984)
Coolin' Out (Gordy Records 1985)
Talk To Me (Three Gems Records 1993)
The Temptations Greatest Hits Live (Stom Records 1995)
