In Memory of Dennis Edwards of The Temptations

2/13/2018

From the desk of Scherrie Payne
I was shocked and so saddened to hear of Dennis Edwards' passing... my group performed in shows with him many times over the years. We performed in the United States, the Middle East, Asia and throughout Europe. I always loved his magnificent singing voice, his sense of humor and his personality. He was so much fun too! Dennis and his group shared many laughs on the road with us... I shall miss and cherish those wonderful times. He was a good person...I had been praying for his healing every morning and night from the time I heard about his condition last year... I guess God had other plans. My prayer now is for God to comfort Dennis' family and give them the peace as only He can give in the midst of their pain and sorrow...-with Love, Scherrie Payne

From the desk of Susaye Greene
I first met Dennis when he was the lead singer for the Contours, on a show (my first theater show) at the Howard Theater in DC. The Temptations were headlining; highlighting their hit, "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and their futuristic 5 headed hydra microphone. Nobody had seen anything like that before in the business!
The Tempts were tearing it up. I was the only act not on Motown, thanks to my powerful manager George Treadwell, who got me on the show, when Brenda Holloway got ill. Jimmy Ruffin's "What Becomes of the Broken Hearted" was tearing up the charts. The Velvelettes were on the show too, and little me, who came on just before the Tempts, in the co-star spot! Everyone was talking about the Contours powerful lead singer, Dennis Edwards, whose powerful vocals were slaying the crowds and his on stage charm was mowing down the ladies! Dennis' star power was extraordinary, rivaling the great David Ruffin, and it was no surprise that Dennis took over the lead spot in the Temptations not long after that show, at Motown. I will never forget how Dennis recognized that my mom and I were outsiders to the Motown club, and he graciously escorted us around town to eat lunch or dinner. I was a kid, amazed by the whole event, and Dennis' humility and gentlemanly manner was so appreciated by my mom, and me. I'll never forget how kind he was to us. I'm saddened by his death, but none of us will forget his heroic vocal legacy. He gave the Temptations some Mighty Hits! He was like no other singer in history, with powerful feeling and delivery! Bravo, King Dennis Edwards; you will always be remembered . Love from Susaye Greene

From The desk of Lynda Laurence
It's hard to remember the exact day I met Dennis Edwards. I just know that I told him then, what I'm going to say now...”You are a singing man!” That voice...so strong, yet so smooth, so emphatic and oh so soulful!!! That to me is Dennis Edwards. He is in the class of singers that I classify as great!!! Donny Hathaway, Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross of course Ira Tucker, Sr., and now Dennis Edwards takes his spot along side the best singers I have ever known!!!! There are so many more, too many To mention. Suffice to say, “The Third Of September” takes on a different meaning now. The industry lost another great voice...but he will not be forgotten!!! With much sadness, and my deepest condolences. - Lynda Laurence