Melvin Franklin was one of the founding members and the bass singer of the iconic Motown group The Temptations. He was known for his deep and distinctive voice, as well as his charismatic personality. He sang on many of the group’s classic hits, such as “My Girl”, “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”, and “Just My Imagination”. He also had a successful solo career, appearing in movies, TV shows, and commercials. He was loved by millions of fans around the world, who admired his talent and dedication to music.
However, Franklin’s life was not without challenges and tragedies. He suffered from various health problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and seizures. He also survived a gunshot wound in 1978, when he was attacked by a car thief. He continued to perform with The Temptations until 1994, when he had to retire due to his deteriorating condition. He died on February 23, 1995, at the age of 52, from heart failure. His death shocked and saddened his family, friends, and fans, who mourned the loss of a musical legend.
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Early Life and Career
Melvin Franklin was born as David Melvin English on October 12, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama. His mother, Rose English, was a teenage single parent who had been raped by a preacher. She later married Willard Franklin and moved to Detroit with her son. Melvin took his stepfather’s surname as his stage name.
Melvin developed a passion for singing at an early age. He joined several local singing groups in Detroit, such as The Voice Masters. He also became friends with other aspiring singers, such as David Ruffin, Richard Street, and Lamont Dozier. He often referred to them as his cousins.
In 1958, he met Otis Williams, who invited him to join his group Otis Williams and the Siberians. The group later changed its name to Otis Williams and the Distants, and then to The Elgins. The group consisted of Williams, Franklin, Street, Elbridge Bryant, and Eddie Kendricks. In 1961, they signed with Motown Records under their new name The Temptations.
Success with The Temptations
The Temptations soon became one of the most successful and influential groups in music history. They were known for their harmonious vocals, smooth choreography, and stylish outfits. They also experimented with different genres and styles, such as soul, pop, rock, funk, disco, and psychedelic.
Franklin was the bass singer of the group, providing the low notes and the foundation for the harmony. He also sang lead on some songs, such as “I Truly Truly Believe”, “Silent Night”, and “Ol’ Man River”. He was nicknamed “Blue” by his bandmates and fans because of his favorite color.
The Temptations had many hits throughout the 1960s and 1970s, such as “The Way You Do the Things You Do”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”, “I Wish It Would Rain”, “Cloud Nine”, “Ball of Confusion”, “I Can’t Get Next to You”, “Psychedelic Shack”, “Masterpiece”, and many more. They won four Grammy Awards and were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
However, the group also faced many challenges and changes over the years. They had several lineup changes due to personal conflicts, drug problems, deaths, and departures. Franklin and Williams were the only original members who stayed with the group until the end.
Solo Career and Other Ventures
Besides singing with The Temptations, Franklin also pursued a solo career. He released a single in 1970 called “What It Is” under his real name David English. He also recorded an album in 1982 called Melvin Franklin: Motown Superstar Series Vol 10.
Franklin also appeared in movies, TV shows, and commercials. He had a voice role in the animated series Pole Position in 1984. He also starred in the British adventure film Sky Bandits in 1986. He appeared in several episodes of The Fall Guy in 1981-1982. He also did voice-overs for commercials for Coca-Cola and Miller Lite.
Franklin was also involved in humanitarian causes. He participated in charity events such as Live Aid in 1985 and We Are the World in 1986. He also supported organizations such as UNICEF and Amnesty International.
Health Problems and Death
Franklin suffered from various health problems throughout his life. He was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in the late 1960s and had to take cortisone injections to ease the pain. He also developed diabetes and had to take insulin shots. He also had seizures and was hospitalized several times.
In 1978, Franklin was shot in the hand and leg by a car thief who tried to steal his Rolls Royce. He survived the attack but had to undergo surgery and physical therapy. He also suffered from depression and anxiety after the incident.
Franklin continued to perform with The Temptations until 1994, when he had to retire due to his worsening condition. He was replaced by Harry McGilberry. He made his last public appearance with the group at the Grammy Awards in 1994, where they received a Lifetime Achievement Award.
On February 17, 1995, Franklin slipped into a coma after suffering a brain seizure. He was taken to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where he remained unresponsive. He died on February 23, 1995, from heart failure. He was 52 years old.
His funeral was held on March 1, 1995, at the West Angeles Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles. He was buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills. His tombstone reads “Melvin Franklin of The Temptations”.
Legacy and Influence
Melvin Franklin is remembered as one of the greatest bass singers of all time. His deep and powerful voice added depth and richness to The Temptations’ sound. He was also a charismatic and humorous person who brought joy and laughter to his fans and friends.
Franklin’s voice and style influenced many singers and groups, such as Barry White, Isaac Hayes, Teddy Pendergrass, Boyz II Men, Backstreet Boys, NSYNC, and many more. He is also regarded as a pioneer of soul music and a legend of Motown.
Franklin’s life and career were portrayed in several books, documentaries, and biopics. He was played by D.B. Woodside in the 1998 NBC miniseries The Temptations. He was also featured in the 2013 Broadway musical Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.
Franklin’s legacy lives on through his music, his family, and his fans. He is survived by his wife Kimberly English and his six children: David Jr., Felicia, Niquos, LaRissa, Davette, and Rick. He also has several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Melvin Franklin will always be remembered as a musical icon, a loving husband and father, and a loyal friend. He will always be “Blue” in our hearts.
