The History of the Temptations

The Temptations are the most important soul group of the last half century. It is impossible to talk about the development of soul music since the early 60s without repeatedly coming back to the Temptin’ Tempts.  In the 60s they redefined the soul group, from the impeccable look they brought to the stage, to their focus on group choreography, to, most importantly, the immediately identifiable 5-part group harmony they mastered.  Every major soul group since 1965 owes a huge debt to the Temptations, and most acknowledge it… See our full biography of The Temptations

And while the Tempts have been consistently notable, they have been anything but consistent in their personnel. So here is a unique charting of every member who has passed through the doors and been a Temptation, along with an update on where those members and former members are now. Enjoy!

By Chris Rizik

The History of the Temptations

The Temptations One By One

1. Otis Williams – Still a member of the Temptations.
2. Eldridge Bryant – Died 1975
3. Eddie Kendricks – Died 1992
4. Melvin Franklin – Died 1995
5. Paul Williams – Died 1973
6. David Ruffin – Died 1991
7. Dennis Edwards – Died in 2018
8. Ricky Owens – Died 1996
9. Richard Street – Died in 2013
10. Damon Harris –  Died of cancer in 2013.
11. Glenn Leonard – Now a minister in Texas.  Also performs with his group, “The Temptations Experience.” 
    
12. Louis Price – Records sporadically and performs in concert.
13. Ali Ollie Woodson – Died in 2010 after a notable career outside the group.  
14. Ron Tyson – Still a member of the group. Has also released two solo albums.  https://www.rontyson.com/.
15. Theo Peoples – Later became a member of the Four Tops but left that group in 2011. Now performing solo. https://www.theopeoples.net/
16. Ray Davis – Died in July 2005.
17. Bo Henderson – In 2018, became the lead singer for The Stylistics.
    
18. Harry McGillberry – Died April 3, 2006. 
19. Terry Weeks – Current member of the group.
20. Joe Herndon – Left group in 2015.
21. GC Cameron – Former Spinners lead left the Temptations in 2007. Still performing solo.
22. Bruce Williamson – Died in 2020 from COVID-19 complications.
23. Larry Braggs – Left the group in 2019. Now performing as a solo artist.
24. Willie Greene – Left the group in 2022, following the release of Temptations 60
25. Mario Corbino – Departed the group in 2021 (reasons unknown)
26. Tony Grant – Current lead vocalist for the group
27. Jawan Jackson – Current bass singer for the group