* Born September 30, 1941
* From Texarkana, Texas
* Joined The Temptations in 1960
When The Temptations got their big break with Motown in 1961, Otis Williams was the only original member left in the group.
As the last remaining original member, Otis Williams has been the longest standing of any other Temptation.
After becoming the group's manager in 1972, Williams kept The Temptations going through personnel changes and various challenges.
His dedication and work ethic in the music entertainment business for over six decades has proven that Williams had a solid foundation set forth during his upbringing in his hometown.
Eddie Kendricks - Tenor/Lead
* Born December 17, 1939
* From Birmingham, Alabama
* Joined The Temptations in 1958
Eddie Kendricks provided lead vocals for The Temptations' first and many subsequent hits, including "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "I Wish It Would Rain" and "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)."
A gifted songwriter, Kendricks co-wrote many of the group's most popular songs, including "For Once in My Life," "Smiling Faces Sometimes" and "Girl Why Can't You Be True."
Kendricks left the Temptations in 1971 for a successful solo career, where he released hit songs like "Keep on Truckin'" and "Boogie Down." He rejoined the Temptations in 1982 but left again in 1989.
Kendricks died at the age of 52 in 1992.
David Ruffin - Lead/Baritone
* Born January 18, 1941
* From Meridian, Mississippi
* Joined The Temptations in 1964
David Ruffin's soulful and powerful vocals were featured on many of The Temptations' biggest hits, including "My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and "I Can't Get Next to You."
The group found immense success during the mid-'60s with David Ruffin in the lead, making him one of the most recognized and loved members.
Ruffin left the Temptations after a series of disagreements with the group and Motown Records in 1968. He went on to have a successful solo career and released several R&B hits.
Ruffin died at the age of 50 from a drug overdose in 1991.
Melvin Franklin - Bass/Baritone
* Born October 12, 1942
* From Montgomery, Alabama
* Joined The Temptations in 1960
Melvin Franklin was the bass singer and backbone of the group. His unique and deep voice added depth and harmony to The Temptations' sound.
His most notable lead vocal performances with the Temptations include "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," "Superstar" and "I Can See Myself in You."
Franklin stayed with The Temptations until his death from a heart attack at the age of 52 in 1995.
Dennis Edwards - Lead/Baritone
* Born February 3, 1943
* From Birmingham, Alabama
* Joined The Temptations in 1968
Dennis Edwards joined the Temptations in 1968, succeeding David Ruffin as the lead singer.
His powerful and soulful voice added a new dimension to the group's sound and he led the group to more hits, including "Cloud Nine," "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and "I Can't Get Next to You."
Edwards left the Temptations in 1977 and had a successful solo career, releasing several R&B hits. He reunited with the group on several occasions and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of the Temptations in 1989.
Edwards died of a stroke in 2018.