Who was Melvin Franklin?
David Melvin English, born on October 12, 1942, and forever etched in the annals of music history as the incomparable Melvin Franklin, possessed a voice that stirred the deepest emotions and resonated with the souls of millions. Known affectionately as “Blue,” this remarkable artist made an indelible mark as the founding member of the iconic Motown singing group, The Temptations. From the year of their inception in 1960 until his untimely departure in 1995, Franklin’s presence and bass vocals were the very heartbeat of the group, weaving a tapestry of sound that transcended time and captured the essence of a generation.
Melvin Franklin’s voice was a force of nature, a rich and velvety resonance that could make the heavens weep and hearts skip a beat. With each note that emanated from his soulful voice, he effortlessly commanded attention and brought a profound sense of depth and emotion to every performance. His melodic rumble became the foundation upon which The Temptations built their musical legacy, forging a path that would forever define the landscape of rhythm and blues.
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But Franklin’s impact extended far beyond his vocal prowess. He was a visionary, a true pioneer who helped shape the sound and style of Motown during its golden era. With his fellow Temptations, he blazed a trail of musical innovation, blending infectious harmonies, slick choreography, and impeccable showmanship. Together, they delivered electrifying performances that captivated audiences worldwide, leaving an indelible imprint on the hearts and minds of all who had the privilege of witnessing their artistry.
What Happened to Melvin of the Temptations?
Melvin Franklin, the bass singer of The Temptations, passed away on February 23, 1995, at the age of 52. He had been experiencing health issues while recording the album For Lovers Only in January 1995. During the recording sessions, Franklin and other members noticed bleeding from his ankle on his sock. As a result, he was taken home to recover. However, on February 17, 1995, Franklin fell into a coma and remained unconscious.
Unfortunately, Franklin’s condition worsened, and he eventually passed away from heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. His funeral was widely attended, with Smokey Robinson honoring Franklin by performing the song “Really Gonna Miss You.” This heartfelt tribute was later recreated in The Temptations miniseries. Melvin Franklin was laid to rest at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
In recognition of his contributions to music, Melvin Franklin was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of The Temptations in February 2013. Furthermore, on August 17 of an unspecified year, he was inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations.
How Did Melvin Franklin of the Temptations Die?
Melvin Franklin, the bass singer of The Temptations, passed away from heart failure at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He had been admitted to the hospital after experiencing a series of seizures. According to hospital spokesman Ron Wise, Franklin’s condition was further complicated by diabetes and other medical problems, resulting in significant neurological damage.
In 1998, actor D. B. Woodside portrayed Melvin Franklin in the biographical miniseries titled “The Temptations.” However, the depiction of Franklin’s death in the miniseries deviated from reality. In the show, Franklin’s death was portrayed as occurring outside of the kitchen near his mother’s house. The decision to present an inaccurate depiction of his death was made due to the recentness of Franklin’s passing and the sensitivity of the matter for Otis Williams, another member of The Temptations and the creators of the miniseries.
In April 1999, Rose Franklin, Melvin Franklin’s mother, filed a lawsuit against Otis Williams, Shelly Berger, David V. Picker, Hallmark Entertainment, de Passe Entertainment, and NBC. The lawsuit alleged unauthorized usage of her name, image, and likeness, as well as the false portrayal of her son’s death. This legal action was part of several ongoing litigation cases related to the miniseries. The courts ultimately ruled in favor of the defendants, including the miniseries’ creators, and the ruling was upheld at the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in September 2001.
Melvin Franklin Early Life
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Born in Montgomery, Alabama, David English entered the world as the son of Rose English, a young teenage mother from nearby Mobile. Tragically, his biological father was the preacher of their family’s church in Mobile, and his conception resulted from a devastating act of rape. Determined to create a better life, Rose English made the courageous decision to marry Willard Franklin and relocate to Detroit, leaving young David in the care of his grandmother. It was not until 1952, at the age of ten, that David reunited with his mother and stepfather in Detroit, marking the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
As a teenager, David English embraced his stepfather’s surname, Franklin, and embarked on a musical journey that would shape his destiny. He became a member of several local singing groups in Detroit, including The Voice Masters, where he shared the stage with talented artists such as Lamont Dozier and David Ruffin. David frequently collaborated with Richard Street, weaving harmonies that captivated audiences and ignited their passion for soulful melodies.
In 1959, destiny beckoned when The Voice Masters signed with Anna Records, a label co-founded by Anna Gordy, the sister of music legend Berry Gordy. Under this new partnership, the group recorded several singles that showcased their immense talent, including the heartfelt tracks “Needed” and “Hope and Pray.” It was during this period that Franklin developed a deep bond with his fellow musicians Richard Street and David Ruffin, affectionately referring to them as his “cousins” despite the absence of a blood relation. Amidst the pursuit of his musical aspirations, Franklin also found love as he romantically courted Mary Wilson, who would later become a prominent singer with The Supremes.
With each step forward, David English was steadily transforming into the artist we now know as Melvin Franklin. His soul-stirring bass vocals became his signature, captivating listeners and leaving an indelible mark on the world of music. His contributions to The Temptations, the legendary Motown group, were immeasurable. Franklin’s deep resonance and powerful presence elevated the group’s sound, making him an irreplaceable pillar of their success.
Melvin Franklin’s musical journey was one of resilience, passion, and unwavering dedication. Though his time on Earth was tragically cut short, his impact will forever reverberate through the annals of soul music. From his humble beginnings in Alabama to the stages of Detroit, Franklin’s remarkable talent and spirit continue to inspire and move audiences around the world.
Melvin Franklin Career in Temptations
The Formation of The Temptations
After parting ways with their former name, The Distants, the remaining members joined forces with Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks to create a new group known as The Elgins. This collaboration led them to sign with Motown Records in March 1961, under a fresh moniker: The Temptations.
Melvin Franklin: The Soulful Bass Singer
As a pivotal member of The Temptations, Melvin Franklin became renowned for his mesmerizing bass vocals, solidifying his position as one of the most prominent bass singers in music history. Within the group, Franklin earned the affectionate nickname “Blue” due to his unwavering fascination with the enchanting Italian song “Nel blu, dipinto di blu” (also known as “Volare” in English).
Throughout his career, Franklin’s deep, resonant voice became one of The Temptations’ trademark sounds. He not only provided harmonies and ad-libs but also showcased his talent as a lead singer on several notable tracks. Among these were “I Truly, Truly Believe” from the album The Temptations Wish It Would Rain (1968), “Silent Night” from Give Love At Christmas (1980), and “The Prophet” from A Song for You (1975). One of his most memorable live performances featured his rendition of “Ol’ Man River.” Additionally, Franklin’s distinctive vocals left an indelible mark on the hit single “Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today)” with his iconic line, “and the band played on” (1970).
Trials and Recognitions
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In a harrowing incident in the autumn of 1978, Franklin found himself in the midst of a carjacking outside a West Hollywood hair salon. Attempting to prevent the theft, he was shot in the hand and leg. The assailant recognized Franklin as a member of The Temptations, forcibly removed him from the vehicle, and made a swift escape. As Franklin recovered, his bass parts were performed by Otis Williams during the group’s subsequent tour of Poland.
Outside of his work with The Temptations, Franklin also dabbled in voice acting. In 1984, he lent his voice to the character “Wheels” in the animated series Pole Position. In recognition of his remarkable contributions to music, Franklin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations in 1989. Furthermore, in September 1994, the group received a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Final Days and Legacy
In the summer of 1994, Franklin faced a critical health crisis when he was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis, a life-threatening condition. Surgeons operated on his arm to save his life, but due to his weakened immune system, the risk of relapse remained a concern. Despite these challenges, Franklin joined The Temptations for their final recording together, “Life Is But a Dream,” featured on the album For Lovers Only, released in January 1995.
Tragically, Melvin Franklin’s journey came to an end, leaving an irreplaceable void in The Temptations. Following his passing, he was succeeded by Ray Davis. However, his legacy as a key figure in The Temptations’ success and as an exceptional bass singer lives on, forever etched in the
Melvin Franklin Wife and Kids
Melvin Franklin, also known by his birth name David English, embraced the joys and challenges of married life with his second wife, Kimberly. While their union held a special place in his heart, the details surrounding their relationship and Kimberly’s personal background remain elusive, hidden away from public knowledge. It is within this realm of privacy that their love story unfolded, away from the prying eyes of the world.
As for their journey as parents, Franklin and Kimberly shared the joy of raising a loving family together. Blessed with six children, the household was undoubtedly filled with laughter, sibling bonds, and the cherished moments that come with nurturing a growing family. However, the specific details regarding their children, such as their names and unique paths in life, remain a mystery, shielded from public curiosity.
While it is natural for the world to yearn for a deeper understanding of the personal lives of public figures, Melvin Franklin and his second wife chose to keep their marital and family details under wraps. With utmost respect for their privacy, we can only appreciate the deep love and connection they shared, the joys and challenges they faced together, and the bonds formed within the sanctuary of their home.
In the legacy left behind by Melvin Franklin, his marriage to Kimberly and their children serve as a testament to the profound and meaningful aspects of his life beyond the spotlight. It is a reminder that even amidst fame and success, there are parts of one’s existence that are treasured and kept sacred, reserved solely for the inner circle of loved ones.
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