The Williams family has been fighting for Motown royalties since Aug. 17, 1973, the day Paul Williams died at age 34 of what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Temptations heir sues sister over lost royalties. Flowers were placed on that star Thursday as news of Franklin’s death spread. Among the original Temptations, only founder Otis Williams survives. Unfortunately, Paul didn't stay healthy. The Detroit News. The Temptations had their first No. Combined with his unwavering dedication, the peculiarity, and boom his bass voice gave the performance of the Temptations (Motown singing group), Franklin was the heart of their music. He had left the Temptations in 1971. In 1989, Franklin and Otis Williams were honored by the Brotherhood Crusade for three decades in … Along with Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Otis Williams, and fellow Alabamians Eddie Kendricks and Melvin Franklin, Williams was a member of The Temptations. Ruffin died in 1991 of a drug overdose at the age of 50. David Eli Ruffin (born Davis Eli Ruffin, January 18, 1941 – June 1, 1991) was an American soul singer and musician most famous for his work as one of the lead singers of the Temptations (1964–68) during the group's "Classic Five" period as it was later known. At that time the group, composed of Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Otis Williams and Mel Franklin, was signed to Detroit’s Motown label. Paul Williams committed suicide in 1973 at the age of 34. Drink milk. If singing were the only expression of art, Melvin Franklin would be renowned as the “real talent in the art “. The official cause of death … The Temptations memeber who died the following:. He was the lead voice on such famous songs as "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg. He was found dead, lying in the street, near Fourteenth and West Grand, not far from the Hitsville building. https://www.udiscovermusic.com/stories/paul-williams-temptations-unsung-hero The circumstances surrounding Williams’ death caused the Williams family to suspect that some form of foul play was the actual cause of Williams’ death. Fellow founding member Otis Williams recalled, "Paul was drinking milk. And he would say, 'Now, you guys should stop drinking that. 1 hit with ″My Girl″ in 1965, followed by ″It’s Growing″ and ″Since I Lost My Baby″ that same year. Williams was noted for being one of the founding members and original lead singer of the Motown group The Temptations. His son, also named Bruce, confirmed the heartbreaking news in an emotional tribute in a Facebook post. Paul Williams was one of the Temptations' original lead singers, and the only founding member who didn't originally drink alcohol. D ennis Edwards, one of the former lead singers of the Temptations, died at the age of 74.. Edwards died Thursday in Chicago and his cause of death … Stay healthy.'" Former group member Paul Williams, apparantly so beseiged by health and emotional problems, had found it necessary to take his own life. Personal problems … Melvin Franklin ( known as … David Ruffins died of drug overdose. The Temptations’ former lead singer Bruce Williamson’s cause of death was revealed after he passed away Sunday night at his Las Vegas home at the age of 49. Paul Williams (July 2, 1939 – August 17, 1973) was an American baritone singer and choreographer. Paul Williams commited suicide. Williams is buried in Clinton Township, Michigan’s Lincoln Memorial Park. And he would say, 'Now, you guys should stop drinking that heartbreaking in. '' and `` Ai n't Too Proud to Beg Franklin ’ s death spread Girl '' and `` n't. 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