Dennis Edwards, a former singer with The Contours, replaced David Ruffin as lead Temps tenor voice in 1968 after the rest of the group fired Ruffin, who was demanding star billing a la Diana Ross and had taken to travelling to gigs in his own personal limo.
His recruitment coincided with a change in the group’s style to what became known as Psychedelic Soul, songs such as “I Wish It Would Rain”, “Cloud Nine”, “Runaway Child, Running Wild”, I Can’t Get Next To You”, “Psychedelic Shack” and “Ball Of Confusion”.
His later post-Temps career included the wonderful “Don’t Look Any Further” with Seidah Garrett.
Here’s Dennis & Seidah.
(Don’t Look Any Further)
This is one of the regular choons performed by Dex & Mercy’s Funk & Soul, who I’ll be seeing play tomorrow night at their monthly pub gig. I expect there’ll be some emotion.
That’s a proper tune, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a video looking so cheap!
Know what you mean, Locust But just forget about all that, and surrender to a magnificent tune- It is such a cracker and they do what they can with it.
Don’t look any further is an enormous favourite of mine, Mike. Go for it!
It is a rather cheap-looking production job.
Nice tux ‘n’ frock, makeup, hairdressing and a pair of red gloves and the budget was all gone.
The song, and the video, crackle with charisma. The sparse music leaves space for the singers to shine. Frankly it gives me the ‘orn.
His first appearance on a Tempts’ a-side.
Just a fantastic record.
Agree
Oh lordy. I loved the Psychedelic Soul Temptations led by Dennis’s gritty voice. I was aware of their earlier incarnation but only started to fully appreciate them with his arrival. The transition wasn’t easy. David Ruffin wanted to come back. He would join them on stage as Dennis took the lead, often to audience applause. Dennis was temporary suspended for a month until David messed up again & there was no going back. Norman Whitfield took charge, both writing & producing. He introduced long instrumental passages and rotated the vocals often within a song. The records were magnificent but the group of superlative vocalists weren’t happy. Probably the best vocal group ever.
What a fascinating comment, Tigger. I won’t argue with you. Bedtime here now!
David R’s last record with the Tempts – the Wish It Would Rain album – is the best thing he ever did.
The opening track I Could Never Love Another is epic, devastating.
Agree with Tigs only to add there is little “probably” about it. Any group that produced Denis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, the lesser known Paul Williams and my favourite singer of them all, David Ruffin, is as mighty as mighty gets.
All leads in their own right but blended together – my oh my.
RIP Denis.