Melvin Franklin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Melvin Franklin
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Franklin at Kansas State University in 1971
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | David Melvin English |
| Born | October 12, 1942 Montgomery, Alabama, U.S. |
| Origin | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died | February 23, 1995 (aged 52) Los Angeles County, California, U.S. |
| Genres | |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | |
| Years active | 1958–1995 |
| Labels | |
| Associated acts | The Temptations (1960-1994) |
Melvin Franklin, born David Melvin English (October 12, 1942 – February 23, 1995), was a famous American bass singer. He was also known by his nickname, "Blue". Franklin was a founding member of the legendary Motown singing group The Temptations. He sang with the group from 1960 to 1994.
Contents
Early Life and Music Career
David English was born in Montgomery, Alabama. When he was ten, in 1952, he moved to Detroit, Michigan, with his mother and stepfather. As a teenager, David took his stepfather's last name, Franklin, for his stage name. He became Melvin Franklin.
Melvin was part of several singing groups in Detroit. These included The Voice Masters, where he sang with Lamont Dozier and David Ruffin. He often performed with Richard Street too. Franklin thought of Street and Ruffin as his "cousins."
In 1958, a classmate named Otis Williams asked Franklin to join his group, Otis Williams and the Siberians. Franklin became their bass singer. He stayed with Williams and Elbridge Bryant when they formed a new group in late 1960. This group, also including Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks, was first called The Elgins.
In March 1961, The Elgins signed with Motown Records. They changed their name to The Temptations. Melvin loved the color blue, so his friends nicknamed him "Blue."
The Temptations' Signature Sound
Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin were the only original members of The Temptations who never left the group. Franklin's deep bass voice became a key part of the group's sound. It was one of the most famous bass voices in music.
Franklin sang lead on a few songs. These included "I Truly, Truly Believe" (from The Temptations Wish It Would Rain, 1968) and "Silent Night" (from Give Love At Christmas, 1980). He also sang "The Prophet" (from A Song for You, 1975). His most famous live performance song was "Ol' Man River".
Franklin often added ad-libs and harmony vocals to songs. During the psychedelic soul era, he sang important parts of many verses. His line "and the band played on" from the 1970 hit "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" became his special trademark.
Later Life and Honors
Besides singing, Franklin also worked as a voice actor. In 1984, he voiced the character "Wheels" in the cartoon series Pole Position. He also appeared in the movie Sky Bandits in 1986.
In 1989, Melvin Franklin was honored. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations. On August 17, 2013, he was also inducted into the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame. His wife accepted a lifetime achievement award for him in 2013.
Melvin Franklin passed away on February 23, 1995. He is buried at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles.
See also
In Spanish: Melvin Franklin para niños
