MELVIN "BLUE" FRANKLIN - The UNTOLD HIDDEN STORY_What They Didn't Tell You! | FULL DOCUMENTARY

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  • Опубліковано 6 жов 2024
  • David Melvin English (October 12, 1942 - February 23, 1995) better known by the stage name Melvin Franklin or his nickname "Blue", was an American bass singer. Franklin was best known for his role as a founding member of Motown singing group The Temptations from 1960 to 1995.
    #thetemptations #melvinfranklin #motownmusic #berrygordy #davidruffin #dianaross #eddiekendricks #otiswilliams
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КОМЕНТАРІ • 362

  • @HarrellHolmes
    @HarrellHolmes 11 місяців тому +308

    I’m blessed that I get to play Melvin Franklin in the Broadway national tour of “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life & Times of the Temptations.” Melvin lives forever. AND THE BAND PLAYED ON 💙💙

    • @back_to_the_60s
      @back_to_the_60s  11 місяців тому +19

      Wow! Congrats 🎉
      That's definitely some big shoes to fill!
      Continue making him proud!❤️
      When we said he'll forever live within us, this is what we meant!
      Thank you Harell.❤️

    • @Debrabuckwill
      @Debrabuckwill 10 місяців тому +10

      OMG THANK YOU. WE JUST SAW THAT . THE SINGING AND DANCING OUT OF THIS WORLD ❤

    • @meandmy2cents309
      @meandmy2cents309 10 місяців тому +6

      I just saw the musical and it was sooo good! Loved every minute. What wonderful tribute to THE best group of the century!

    • @mercybutler3636
      @mercybutler3636 10 місяців тому +2

      Wow! You are a STAR!❤

    • @mercybutler3636
      @mercybutler3636 10 місяців тому +1

      YOU CAN'T EXPLAIN GREATNESS!😢❤

  • @TortoiseJames
    @TortoiseJames 11 місяців тому +432

    Beautiful tribute!!! And...Nah...I gotta disagree with the very beginning...There are some of us who NEVER think "Temptations" without thinking "Melvin Franklin". There are plenty of us who can't hear a person sing "Ol' Man River" without thinking about Mr. Franklin. To this day!!! And his mom was the SWEETHEART of Oakland Ave. Baptist Church in Detroit!!!

    • @Rao_Rolland
      @Rao_Rolland 11 місяців тому +19

      Well put. Blue stands out in my mind more than Paul.

    • @darrenanthony8473
      @darrenanthony8473 11 місяців тому +8

      Very true

    • @cherylbanks7082
      @cherylbanks7082 11 місяців тому +7

      absolutely, never forgotten. Who are these people. We lived with these guys. Thank you tortoise

    • @tonisumblin2719
      @tonisumblin2719 11 місяців тому +3

      I absolutely agree with you. 👊🏼

    • @markbrooker3729
      @markbrooker3729 11 місяців тому +10

      Melvin’s bass distinguished the temptation’s sound from everybody else’s

  • @bonitaphinney1529
    @bonitaphinney1529 11 місяців тому +245

    We could never forget Mr. Melvin Franklin, because we had never heard a bass singer like his. He was phenomenal.

  • @josephbrooks4377
    @josephbrooks4377 11 місяців тому +156

    No matter what Melvin was going through in private he always smiled and that is why I always respected Blue

  • @moreycleveland2472
    @moreycleveland2472 11 місяців тому +146

    HE WAS A TEAM PLAYER NOT A SELFISH BANDMATE MELVIN BLUE FRANKLIN RIP LEGEND FOREVER

  • @katrinamoore4624
    @katrinamoore4624 11 місяців тому +266

    BLUE was and still is " The Man ". The Christmas song Silent Night tells you everything you need to know about BLUE and the Temptations ❤ ❤

    • @mrrlsaylesjr
      @mrrlsaylesjr 11 місяців тому +16

      Silent Night AND O Holy Night

    • @glam2gobeauty811
      @glam2gobeauty811 11 місяців тому +7

      Yes 🎄 🎄🎄🎄🎄

    • @joshc441
      @joshc441 11 місяців тому +9

      Oh yesss. I listen to that song just to hear his voice.

    • @winnieford4063
      @winnieford4063 11 місяців тому +3

      Yaz!!

    • @lasonjalind7372
      @lasonjalind7372 11 місяців тому +13

      My favorite version of silent night

  • @marvinking9848
    @marvinking9848 11 місяців тому +109

    Melvin's friendship with Otis was SO REAL. I'm sure Otis misses him dearly.

    • @SexyAzzHell93
      @SexyAzzHell93 11 місяців тому +4

      Amen

    • @stevebeasleyandnoblesissle6142
      @stevebeasleyandnoblesissle6142 10 місяців тому +10

      But because of Otis, you and I were able to see a group called The Temptations to this day. His book spawned the 2-night NBC movie that spawned the Broadway Show that spawned the sellout tour going on as we speak (type). Thanks Otis. We really did come to see you!

    • @mongoslade277
      @mongoslade277 10 місяців тому +8

      ​@@stevebeasleyandnoblesissle6142"AIN'T NOBODY COMING TO SEE YOU OTIS". When "blue" died Otis Williams just replaced him like he did everyone else

    • @KevinBrown-vw4nm
      @KevinBrown-vw4nm 7 місяців тому +3

      ​@mongoslade277 What was he supposed to do? Not sing and tour anymore?

    • @LADYBEYWEST
      @LADYBEYWEST 4 місяці тому +4

      They kinda look like family members

  • @victoriachase9550
    @victoriachase9550 11 місяців тому +56

    I always think of his smile. He seemed like a true genuine man

    • @idontknow7738
      @idontknow7738 11 місяців тому +4

      Melvin Franklin is Rick James' uncle.

  • @jaiyabyrd4177
    @jaiyabyrd4177 11 місяців тому +65

    Melvin Franklin was phenomenal.❤️
    When you heard his voice on songs it made you stop and embrace the beauty of his unique voice

  • @glamgal7106
    @glamgal7106 5 місяців тому +7

    You hit the nail on the head when you described Melvin Franklin's voice as a force of nature. Thank you for doing this.

  • @FinesseTheOriginalJahBlessed
    @FinesseTheOriginalJahBlessed 9 місяців тому +15

    I so appreciated this video on Melvin. Thank you.
    My dad was a pharmacist at a Downtown Detroit drugstore back in the day called, Paul’s Cut Rate Drugs. He left & later went to work at Hudson’s pharmacy.
    One day on his off day while my mom was in class at Wayne State, he took me for a little trip downtown & to lunch. We ran into Melvin, Otis & Paul on Woodward & they stopped & laughed & joked with my dad.
    I remember they were so animated, very much the gentlemen & very warm & engaging. I was standing there with my mouth wide open & in shock. Of all of the Motown artists I met & saw frequently because they knew my dad, my uncles & aunts, I was in awe of the Temps. Melvin reached down to me, took my hand & said in his deep voice, “Hello little girl.” I literally screamed, Daddy, that’s Melvin Franklin! I kept screaming, until dad told me to calm down because they’re just regular people. We know each other. They laughed & Melvin hugged me. I will never ever forget that day or him. Otis & Paul were just as nice & it wasn’t a show, they were genuine & down to earth.
    Melvin was a man who you just instantly took to & to whom you instantly gravitated. To me, he was the hero of the group. The most well known Temp.
    I hate that he suffered so much & passed at an early age. He deserved to be recognized & honored. I hope that he knew how loved & respected he was before he transitioned.

  • @marvinwhittaker
    @marvinwhittaker 11 місяців тому +41

    Melvin Franklin was the greatest bass singer of all time. "Ol Man River" was his greatest performance of all time.

  • @Rao_Rolland
    @Rao_Rolland 11 місяців тому +33

    We know Blue......every damn black person in the U.S. has heard The Temptation's rendition of Silent Night where Blue steals the show....

    • @sassybdiy7565
      @sassybdiy7565 11 місяців тому +2

      Yep.... Merry Christmas from the temptations lol

  • @lloydbrown7365
    @lloydbrown7365 11 місяців тому +20

    This tribute is so needed for music history

  • @dgf6275
    @dgf6275 10 місяців тому +37

    Melvin is never overlooked. Never. *Merry Christmas from The Temptations."

  • @charenzo95
    @charenzo95 11 місяців тому +81

    My father, an amateur guitarist, had a voice a little deeper than Melvin's and singing clearly and concisely with a voice that deep is no easy task. They sometimes sound inaudible but Melvin sounded beautiful. It was amazing.

    • @garymayfield5995
      @garymayfield5995 11 місяців тому +2

      Yeah Yeah Yeah an I had a crocodile name MIKE

    • @jmcc-lt3lk
      @jmcc-lt3lk 11 місяців тому +6

      ​@@garymayfield5995Melvin had a deep voice. It would be very narrow-minded to think he was the deepest in the world.

    • @VeronicaJohnson-yn1cr
      @VeronicaJohnson-yn1cr 10 місяців тому +1

      ​@@jmcc-lt3lkthank you

    • @KevinBrown-vw4nm
      @KevinBrown-vw4nm 7 місяців тому +3

      ​@garymayfield5995 So Melvin was the only person in history that could sing low?lol

  • @valerieturner8452
    @valerieturner8452 11 місяців тому +38

    Yes he was special and a icon rest in heaven king 💐💐💐💐

  • @PoP19640
    @PoP19640 11 місяців тому +21

    Melvin possessed one of stellar bass voices of all time. He was also a excellent dancer.

  • @beenadickarnold5666
    @beenadickarnold5666 10 місяців тому +15

    I don't consider it the holidays until I hear silent night by the Temptations! Melvins part was probably my favorite, no way he's forgotten...never!

  • @Chachacha6040
    @Chachacha6040 11 місяців тому +29

    He was a handsome man with a beautiful voice

  • @Rose-sv9se
    @Rose-sv9se 11 місяців тому +24

    It's about time!! Beautiful voice!! Makes way for a WHOLE lot of their songs!! Love him!!!!!!!!

  • @brilliantdiva5068
    @brilliantdiva5068 11 місяців тому +23

    Thank You for this Tribute. MELVIN Franklin in many Fans opinions feel that he not Otis Williams was the Wings below the Temptations melodious smooth harmony. As David Ruffin stated “AINT nobody coming to hear you Otis” but you can believe that everyone was coming to hear the gorgeous smooth deep sexy velvet voice of MELVIN Franklin. The BEST BASS SINGER IN THE WORLD❤️

    • @WashinRob
      @WashinRob 11 місяців тому +5

      Ya know that part in the movie "Ain't Novody coming to hear you Otis" wasn't supposed to be in the script and when Leon said that it sorta hurt Otis Williams for real for real. I love that part even single time 😅😂😂

    • @hotcakesjubaby7300
      @hotcakesjubaby7300 11 місяців тому +1

      ​@@WashinRobi would’ve whooped his ass😂

    • @mongoslade277
      @mongoslade277 10 місяців тому

      ​@@WashinRobTruth Hurts

    • @carolynbratton7827
      @carolynbratton7827 4 місяці тому +1

      Otis is the least talented member of group. Not dancing and singing well.

  • @lindenbyass6902
    @lindenbyass6902 11 місяців тому +94

    Otis Williams always claimed that his father could sing lower than Melvin and the rest of the group would always tell Otis get outta here!! One time during a break, Otis took the classic lineup of The Temptations to meet his Dad. Once they got comfortable, Otis told his Dad that he thinks he could sing lower than Melvin and his Dad agreed!! So Melvin and Otis’ Dad had a sing-off AND to everyone’s astonishment, his Dad DID sing lower than Melvin!!!! I read all of this in Otis’ autobiography!! I would’ve loved to have been there!! Rest In Power Melvin Franklin. You’ll never be forgotten.

    • @williamg2552
      @williamg2552 11 місяців тому +10

      Wasn’t that Paul’s Dad ?

    • @lindenbyass6902
      @lindenbyass6902 11 місяців тому +1

      @@williamg2552 No. It was Otis’ Dad. He told the whole story in his autobiography

    • @cherylrobinson1885
      @cherylrobinson1885 11 місяців тому

      I heard it was Paul's father also@@williamg2552

    • @life-ph7su
      @life-ph7su 11 місяців тому +6

      @@lindenbyass6902it was Paul’s dad in Birmingham. Otis didn’t deal with his real father. But Otis did write about that in his book

    • @lindenbyass6902
      @lindenbyass6902 11 місяців тому +1

      @@life-ph7su I read it in his autobiography; perhaps he had help from a ghostwriter

  • @valerie4501
    @valerie4501 11 місяців тому +24

    What an amazing story for one of the most powerful BASS vocalist ever 😊 Melvin's harmonies stood out so strongly when the Temptations vocals came together on so many of their Greatest Hits 🎉 my all time FAVORITE "Since I Lost My Baby", Melvin's heavy Bass in harmony with the other members on this CLASSIC HIT is mind boggling, melts the heart to it's CORE🥰🌟💯💥 Melvin's time was much too short 😢 he was an true LEGEND in so many ways, when he spoke on T.V. during the Temptations performances, that deep beautiful voice of his was so unbelievable, since it's very rare to meet a MAN with such a DEEP beautiful voice like his, VERY RARE indeed 🌟!!!!

  • @joseyeastwood
    @joseyeastwood 11 місяців тому +24

    Underappreciated but not by me he was always my favorite Temption because of that beautiful baritone Rest In Peace Melvin.

  • @satmedown
    @satmedown 11 місяців тому +17

    I got to shake his hand in 1994. My dad raised me up near the stage and he shook my hand.

  • @biancagerman9808
    @biancagerman9808 11 місяців тому +23

    Beautiful Documentary!!❤❤❤

    • @back_to_the_60s
      @back_to_the_60s  11 місяців тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed it!❤️
      Don't forget to subscribe for more!

  • @AnonymousLioness_97
    @AnonymousLioness_97 11 місяців тому +24

    My grandma went to school with them... northwestern high school

  • @dolly24242
    @dolly24242 11 місяців тому +13

    Melvin Franklin & Paul Williams always will be my favorite TEMPS....That's an amazing coincident about how Melvin & Otis was raised by their grandmothers & moving to Detroit , MI .

  • @earlinesmith7637
    @earlinesmith7637 9 місяців тому +5

    That was music back than there will never be another music like this, they had meaning to them. It was a blessing to everyone, am a senior citizen now and I miss all of those year. Make everyone happy!

  • @winnieford4063
    @winnieford4063 11 місяців тому +16

    That is all so true he was always one of my favorites that deep voice they wouldn't be the temptations without his sexy deep voice and that beautiful smile of his

  • @nikkithomas2929
    @nikkithomas2929 11 місяців тому +25

    A fitting tribute to one of the world's greatest bass singers: MELVIN "BLUE" FRANKLIN. To have overcome so much and gone through so much, he proved resilient and strong, even though times got bad, he never went against his best friend Otis Williams and he had a relationship with until the day he died. His birthday just recently passed too. Happy heavenly birthday to you, Melvin Franklin. You are never forgotten and always remembered for your singing, performing, but you will always be remembered for being in the world's best group:" THE TEMPTING TEMPTATIONS". Rest in eternal peace 🕊️🕊️✝️✝️💜💜🙏🙏. To Otis Williams, I know that it has been a long time without your best friend by your side, but he is beside you always there never forgetting you or any of the other guys in the group. God speed to his friends, family and other members keeping Melvin's legacy alive to this day.

  • @BillFEILHAUER-bu7go
    @BillFEILHAUER-bu7go 11 місяців тому +18

    After Vietnam 70-71 I resumed my career as a professional drummer . In 73 I had the honor of backing up the temptations .blue,Otis, and Dennis Edward's were the only only original members left. Richard Street replaced.paul and a young man named Damon replaced Eddie. Their regular drummer Mel Brown had an emergency come up with escapes now.I was the high point of my drumming career. Thet brought the house at the Cincinnati jazz festival. They were God givin sweet hearts

    • @lebronshairline4768
      @lebronshairline4768 10 місяців тому +1

      Awesome

    • @BillFEILHAUER-bu7go
      @BillFEILHAUER-bu7go 10 місяців тому +2

      @@lebronshairline4768 Melvin ( blue ) Franklin's real last name was english.

    • @rocknroller77
      @rocknroller77 10 місяців тому +2

      ​@@BillFEILHAUER-bu7goBlue did say thati. One of their Cloud Nine performances. They introduced themselves, he was the last to do so. Its a little hard to hear him when he says it due to all the screaming when he spoke 😊, but he does say English.

    • @BillFEILHAUER-bu7go
      @BillFEILHAUER-bu7go 10 місяців тому

      @@rocknroller77 thanks for clearing that up . The chick's they had their choice of was mind blowing .

  • @anonimothy5979
    @anonimothy5979 11 місяців тому +11

    Blue was the most recogniable Temptations member to me as a kid. I still remember their TV appearances and his part on 227, with his jowls, his smile and that deep, deep voice.

  • @angeltexas3208
    @angeltexas3208 11 місяців тому +20

    Loved his voice ❤❤

  • @rocknroller77
    @rocknroller77 10 місяців тому +7

    I miss a man i never even knew. He always caught me with his smile and the little bit extra he put into his moves during performances. I bet he was a sweetheart of a human. Long live Blue💙🩵💙

  • @thelog86
    @thelog86 11 місяців тому +13

    Mel knew his lane and everyone thinks of Melvin, definately not forgotten by far

  • @LeonGreen-uf2nc
    @LeonGreen-uf2nc 11 місяців тому +15

    I did not know that Melvin Franklin was my home boy from Montgomery Alabama. I was born in montgomery, alabama, i'm a singer myself

    • @Muskogee
      @Muskogee 11 місяців тому +3

      Otis was the only Original Temptation that didn't have Alabama ties. David Ruffin's grandparents was from Alabama although he was born in Mississippi. Bryant is someone I need to do research on.

  • @californiagirl1579
    @californiagirl1579 9 місяців тому +7

    I love Melvin Franklin ❤ forever thank you for speaking on his story i loved his voice! Forever rest in peace Melvin ❤️🙏🏽👑🕊🌹🌟

  • @winnieford4063
    @winnieford4063 11 місяців тому +29

    Man this had me crying thank you so much for the tribute to Melvin this is the first story I heard about him I miss all of them and I watch the movie they did on all of them all the time

    • @tonisumblin2719
      @tonisumblin2719 11 місяців тому +4

      Me too. I’m crying. He was my favorite. Some how I always saw goodness flowing from him. There was just something about him that drew me to him. And his voice was like no other. RIP, Melvin. ❤

    • @winnieford4063
      @winnieford4063 11 місяців тому +1

      @@tonisumblin2719 me to and for me it was the smile, the voice and the chocolate

    • @tonisumblin2719
      @tonisumblin2719 11 місяців тому +2

      @@winnieford4063 ABSOLUTELY!!! 😁

  • @cadillacdeville5828
    @cadillacdeville5828 11 місяців тому +15

    His wonderful... Especially when he did Silent Night.

  • @Cornbread-gi6kt
    @Cornbread-gi6kt 11 місяців тому +19

    Growing up I chose to sing ‘bass’ in church choirs because of Melvin.

  • @zachbenson9548
    @zachbenson9548 7 місяців тому +2

    Melvin was a great human being. My mom dated Ali Woodson for a little while and while that didn't exactly work out, she became (and still is) really good friends with Otis's then wife Goldie. A good portion of my childhood was spent attending Temptations concerts and there were 2 people I was stoked to see every time... one was the head of security, Robb Dragon Hogan, the other person was Melvin. Melvin always made me feel like the coolest person on the planet even though I was a nerdy and awkward kid. He'd ask me about school and always gave me encouragement when I felt I was hitting a brick wall learning/playing the sax. I can't say enough to describe how amazing of a person he was.

  • @upclose22
    @upclose22 10 місяців тому +8

    Such a beautiful tribute for such a seemingly humble and talented man💕👏👏👏👏Melvin was definitely one of my favorites of the Temptations. Im always moved when I hear his voice in Silent night. The best bass voice I’ve ever heard 💕💕🎼Thanks for sharing this beautiful tribute👏👏👏

  • @cindyboren5641
    @cindyboren5641 11 місяців тому +9

    No one had a voice like Melvin then or now. He was a very nice guy and he was important to his family, friends, and the city of Detroit.

  • @JohnWilson-po2uk
    @JohnWilson-po2uk 11 місяців тому +8

    “Blue”and I were great friends. He was like a Big Brother. I miss him very much❤.

  • @jackiwilliams9297
    @jackiwilliams9297 10 місяців тому +5

    Marvelous 🎉Thank you for his story. RIP Mr. Franklin

  • @lillolf3758
    @lillolf3758 11 місяців тому +8

    Wow! Never knew all that about him! What a wonderful, true friend!

  • @yvettewheeler9125
    @yvettewheeler9125 11 місяців тому +15

    Melvin was up there with David and Eddie.

  • @ms.butler479
    @ms.butler479 11 місяців тому +15

    Melvin aka Blue was my absolute favorite Temptation ❤

  • @caroleroseburgh1344
    @caroleroseburgh1344 11 місяців тому +10

    This WAS Simply Beautiful ❤️. Thank You for inviting me to watch your video ‼️❤❤❤❤❤❤❤. I love the Temptations.(ALL OF THEM). ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

    • @back_to_the_60s
      @back_to_the_60s  11 місяців тому +2

      Glad you enjoyed it!❤️
      Subscribe to be notified for more!

    • @caroleroseburgh1344
      @caroleroseburgh1344 11 місяців тому +2

      @@back_to_the_60s I WILL thank You.😃👍🏽

  • @harkedUp
    @harkedUp 10 місяців тому +5

    Blue death always bothered me out of everyone

  • @lydiaraymond2700
    @lydiaraymond2700 10 місяців тому +6

    Melvin Franklin had a "stand out voice" in whatever he sang with his magical deep voice, he was a historic marker during the Civil Rights era, his voice complimented Eddie Kendrick's falsetto voice in THE TEMPTATIONS and he always honored and backed up the business leader of THE TEMPTATIONS, the person Mr Otis Williams".

  • @musicinme32
    @musicinme32 11 місяців тому +8

    This might be new to you, however, most people do know that Melvin was the founding member of the Temptations. He was not overlooked or underrated.

  • @2b88player4
    @2b88player4 10 місяців тому +6

    Almost all music has a bass from which other notes can be structured on and flourish its sound. Rich, hearty, sturdy and flavorful was his capacity that grounded the blend that sustained the other vocals of the Temptations. His compliment on all the songs was just right. Not an overshadowing, but the perfect accompaniment to the taste presented SOULFULLy and Unmistakably Melvin Franklin. Well done piece of work.

  • @thegasgiants
    @thegasgiants 11 місяців тому +8

    I remember that cartoon Pole Position. I didn't know he did voiceovers for that cartoon

  • @valstone52
    @valstone52 11 місяців тому +7

    He and Otis were my favorites, David ruffin the least he he got a swell dead. And he was wrong, when he left the group people still loved the temptations. And Paul did have a drinking problem. People talk about Otis making David look bad in the movie. Hell he made him look better than he was. Beating Tammi Terrell with a motor cycle helmet, and another time with a hammer. So no David ruffin wasn't the darling everyone tries to pretend he was.

  • @michaelmitchell5098
    @michaelmitchell5098 11 місяців тому +8

    Thank you for the beautiful tribute

  • @ShaShaLuva414
    @ShaShaLuva414 11 місяців тому +6

    Mr Melvin Franklin was a nice and friendly Man . I will always remember our conversation at Cheviot Hills Park 😊
    He was chilling with his wife one Saturday when we were having an Huge Picnic. Long Story Short ☺️ Mr Franklin was picnicking and so were we. We were so excited and happy to talk and take pics. He shared so much about his years in the Temptations and he also helped us understand how grateful we should feel being that our generation missed the rough times and our great lives, we should be thankful for. I’ll always remember that day. ❤❤❤ I learned so much in regards to the Music And The History of.
    One ☝🏽 Love

  • @Shawna0108
    @Shawna0108 10 місяців тому +6

    Blue have been my favorite since I was a child and watched the Temptations movie! I have been obsessed with their music ever since.
    Am I the only one that was looking at these pictures of him and Ottis and thought they look a lot alike? Like they have the same exact eyes.. considering neither of them knew their real fathers - wouldn’t it be something if it turned out they were blood brothers all along! 💙

    • @awj82
      @awj82 8 місяців тому +1

      I always thought the same thing. I used to get them mixed up. I wouldn't doubt they were secretly related.

  • @naturalista74
    @naturalista74 11 місяців тому +3

    I watch The Temptations miniseries yearly. The Temptations Give Love on Christmas Day is a staple in our family.

  • @gerrybrown4292
    @gerrybrown4292 11 місяців тому +6

    Love this But......One fact you got wrong Melvin was walking a lady to her car from a recording session in West Hollywood the studio was ABC recording Studio . I was an assistant Engineer there at the time so I know!!. The Movie got it wrong and so did the fact checkers on this doc..

  • @jaxeejess831
    @jaxeejess831 3 місяці тому +2

    @BACK TO THE 60s I THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS VID TOGETHER, I LISTENED TO the FIRST 2:45 seconds and almost started to cry...I was 16 when I first started in radio ( broadcasting ) at KGFJ RADIO. The group came in to do a promotional, the first day the came in Melvin smiled at me, made it his point to be my friend, be was like a brother to me...kind, caring, genuinely loving and very much a gentleman...remarkable man. Thank YOU FOR SHOWING HIM LOVE... I never attended a show, then started working at Motown, after coming back from NYC in 1973... they left Motown in the late 70's, and Melvin was always an ever faithful friend...one of the good ones in the business...respected women and like I said he was MY BIG BROTHER... I miss him so but know I'll see him again, because we both knew Jesus! Melvin wasn't just religious, he knew Christ.

  • @lynnbland1492
    @lynnbland1492 11 місяців тому +9

    Thank you very much. Well done ❤❤❤

  • @kingofchi1299
    @kingofchi1299 11 місяців тому +5

    As a young boy i heard of the temptations and heard my girl. Lol i never liked hearing the recording version of my girl, i at the time i didnt notice the temptations.
    It wasn't until one day my pops going through his old tapes was when i noticed Melvin's voice. He had the tape a song for you, and i heard his voice on I'm a bachelor. I was blown away then to hear it even better on Firefly. For the longest i was like there's no one that can sing deeper than him until I heard Isaac Freeman. But still you can't hear the temptations without hearing or thinking of Melvin Franklin.

  • @GuillermoMata
    @GuillermoMata 3 місяці тому +1

    Incredible voice. Man I wish we had music like his and temptations today. Rip legend.😢

  • @derhlpratt8774
    @derhlpratt8774 Місяць тому +1

    Nice tribute to Melvin Franklin to whom my bass vocal skills owe a debt of gratitude. No other bass that I know of fit in and blended with the Temptations group's harmony. Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Paul Williams are gone, but Otis Williams is still alive and doing work in the music industry I'm sure. My favorite singing group..., TEMPTATIONS.

  • @lornes9853
    @lornes9853 10 місяців тому +5

    @HarrellHolmes - It's wonderful to see a young guy truly appreciating the Temptations torch and carrying it high. You get to sing one of the best lines from one of the best songs of all time: "And mama, bad talk goin' around town that papa had three outside children and another wife... and that ain't right!". Man, you better LOVE each time that moment comes along!

  • @kamscott4201
    @kamscott4201 11 місяців тому +15

    Rip Blue💪🏽💯

  • @macmacreynolds8712
    @macmacreynolds8712 9 місяців тому +3

    RIP Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, Dennis Edwards

  • @kellyhiggins4234
    @kellyhiggins4234 9 місяців тому +2

    To portray any of the Temptations is a big Blessings indeed . I'm sure it's a huge thrill as well as an honor. I haven't seen it in Massachusetts have you all toured this way as of yet? I must Google I didn't even know this history was a Broadway celebration not to much press I'm guessing? I'm sure you got to meet Mr. Smokey Robinson. Congratulations on all your endeavors. May the year of the dragon be kind. Happy New Year ❤

  • @star_platinum2821
    @star_platinum2821 11 місяців тому +11

    he was a great dancer too

    • @Emick1978
      @Emick1978 11 місяців тому +1

      I think you’re thinking about Paul Williams

  • @shannondbrown1552
    @shannondbrown1552 11 місяців тому +18

    When I saw the movie I noticed how Otis kept a lot of negativity and drama away from Melvin’s character. He touched on everybody else’s affairs, children and love life but Melvin’s. He had no problem putting a suicide scene in for Paul, portraying him as a fall down drunk when he was missing time because he had sickle cell anemia. I also have that and it is a hard disease to live with, very painful and back then they were hardly aware of it and really didn’t have as much around for it as they do today. I didn’t like how he made it look like David was thrown from a car, he didn’t die like that. Either portray everyone in a good or false light or make everyone look like losers. He was actually the biggest whore of the group, but he still manages to make himself look like a Superman…I love how Smokey wrote and sung that song for him, just beautiful. RIP Melvin, Paul, Eddie and David, Temptations 4ever!!!’

    • @adriennerobinson1180
      @adriennerobinson1180 11 місяців тому +1

      Yes,Truth is

    • @francesduckworth1124
      @francesduckworth1124 11 місяців тому +3

      Yes, I noticed the same thing. And I didnt like the scene where he had David &Eddie doing drugs
      Had he mother saying , he held the guys together.
      The funny thing is Otis was the least known of the Temptations.
      Even to this day, he can't say anything good aboyt David

    • @shannondbrown1552
      @shannondbrown1552 11 місяців тому +2

      @@francesduckworth1124 Exactly. Which is why I love the scene where David says “ Ain’t nobody coming to see you Otis” I laugh every time I see it….

  • @s.l.mdalton5692
    @s.l.mdalton5692 11 місяців тому +6

    OMG, this is the first time my cousin Toni who was Melvin’s first wife was mentioned in a documentary about him❤ Toni’s name was Flora Bell (Crawford) English, they had two sons Melvin and David English. ❤❤❤

  • @Bmro
    @Bmro 11 місяців тому +8

    Melvin Franklin, aka Blue, you're miss RIP

  • @frankmendez2810
    @frankmendez2810 11 місяців тому +8

    I'm a Huge Temps fan,Great upload a Big thanks .

    • @back_to_the_60s
      @back_to_the_60s  11 місяців тому +1

      Glad you enjoyed it!
      Subscribe for more! Join the family!

    • @frankmendez2810
      @frankmendez2810 11 місяців тому +2

      The Temptations are one of the Greatest Groups of All Time ,Especially the Classic five Blue,Ruff,Corn,Paul,and Otis.

  • @lordeldauoud142
    @lordeldauoud142 11 місяців тому +3

    “ beautiful, very touching, informative and acknowledging his contribution to the Temptin Temptations. Thank you.

  • @fatdaddie2004
    @fatdaddie2004 11 місяців тому +4

    He made me wanna sing bass I’ve been the bass in choir every since middle school and high broad my range in high school but he was the bass I wanted to sing like 🔥🔥

    • @candacetyndall6142
      @candacetyndall6142 10 місяців тому +1

      Middle school, though!?!
      Wow!
      When did your voice started changing? Was it gradual? Or immediate like Barry White's?
      I ask guys this question. My hubby says it was gradual for him. But he doesn't sing.

  • @charlesfranklin3533
    @charlesfranklin3533 10 місяців тому +6

    He Was In A Class All By Himself. Rest On Melvin Franklin.

  • @qtallenandrews3715
    @qtallenandrews3715 11 місяців тому +4

    Visited my church in InglwdCA circa '87.

  • @coinslotsandjoysticks2572
    @coinslotsandjoysticks2572 10 місяців тому +4

    My parents went to school with blue and Otis and were good friends, i still have many pictures of them together

  • @timothythomas1951
    @timothythomas1951 11 місяців тому +9

    Sleep In Peace Sir.Melvin English

  • @chriso8193
    @chriso8193 Місяць тому +1

    It's was the 80's at the peak of Venice Beach skating on Sundays & I was a 9th Grader going to marina Del Rey Middle School. I saw him by himself place-skating under a tree. I skated over and spoke to him and started to synchronize the same move with him & we had a chance to groove for a short moment. Wow, I got to groove with a man that has grooved many stages.....nice!!!

  • @jacquelinemitchell2024
    @jacquelinemitchell2024 11 місяців тому +8

    I loved the temptation.

  • @denisehenry3427
    @denisehenry3427 8 місяців тому +1

    I well never forgot Melvin. There wouldn't have been a "Temptations Sound" without Melvin's beautiful bass vocals. RIHP Mr. Franklin ❤❤❤

  • @freddy8479
    @freddy8479 11 місяців тому +8

    Was Rick James ACTUALLY Melvin's nephew?

  • @ravpol1440
    @ravpol1440 10 місяців тому +3

    So I watched the temptation movie for like the billionth time and noticed two things that wasn’t in the movie (1) silent night song and (2) how Melvin died because it only showed him in a wheelchair visiting his mom with Otis and Melvin volunteered to go get something for his mom and then Otis and his mom was calling him he didn’t respond and then the next scene shows his funeral so I was confused asking how did Melvin died??

  • @elizabethpiveronus3359
    @elizabethpiveronus3359 10 місяців тому +3

    I have the Temptation Move which was so well done and so factual.My favorite was Leon who played David.The Temptations started when I was in grade school.I loved them then and now .I have an old Gordy 45 as well as cds.As many times as I watch the Temptations movie I cry.All in all I'm still a big fan.❤

  • @terrencepillay8079
    @terrencepillay8079 11 місяців тому +9

    Legend ❤❤❤

  • @rayharvest
    @rayharvest 28 днів тому

    Imagine having lived in an era where there were so many bands 🙆🏽‍♂️this is a beautifully narrated tribute Rest In Paradise Mr Blue

  • @rooseveltgreen1276
    @rooseveltgreen1276 11 місяців тому +5

    A very KEY voice in the WHOLE music INDUSTRY,i just wait for him to go OFF

  • @prettylady8133
    @prettylady8133 11 місяців тому +5

    Melvin Franklin is THE GOAT Bass Singer!!

  • @herFLYness79
    @herFLYness79 11 місяців тому +7

    Aww! We have the same bday! 🥰💜

  • @dayrock23
    @dayrock23 11 місяців тому +4

    When I think of the Temptations the first member I think of is Melvin. To me he was Mr. Temptation.

  • @ENERGY-ng6no
    @ENERGY-ng6no 11 місяців тому +5

    Great Tribute to a great man!❤️

  • @jerryblair4106
    @jerryblair4106 Місяць тому +1

    Blue Melvin Franklin one of the great bass voices of all times. One the great leaders who started the Mighty Temptations.Tempations Forever!!

  • @kellyhiggins4234
    @kellyhiggins4234 9 місяців тому +2

    I find it sad that Barry Gordy aka owner of Motown records never decided to allow Motown Museum aka Hitville USA close ..I wish Smokey Robinson would do something but, I guess museums are hurting right with all businesses now that we are dependent more and more on computers.

  • @Kyn_sfxarts
    @Kyn_sfxarts 11 місяців тому +4

    Thank you I was waiting on this!

  • @SembeneNathanyahu
    @SembeneNathanyahu 11 місяців тому +4

    The only bass singer who sang lower notes than Melvin Franklin is the immortal Gerald Gregory of the mighty, mighty Spaniels. @@@*** Sembene in Chicago ***@@@

  • @billeebills7562
    @billeebills7562 11 місяців тому +8

    He never explained what happened to elbridge “Al” Bryant he must have left when David Ruffin joined the group that’s all I can think of since he was apart of the of the trio when Paul and Eddie joined the group.
    Otis , Melvin, ElBridge , Paul, Eddie
    Classic 5
    Otis, Melvin, Paul , Eddie, David
    He should have explained what happened to elbridge “Al” Bryant like he explained what happened to all of the other members 💯👀😑

    • @jaylene.turner6524
      @jaylene.turner6524 11 місяців тому +6

      Elbridge Bryant hit Paul in the face
      with a beer bottle after Paul refused
      to go back out for an encore.
      He was later fired for being disruptive
      during the group’s rehearsal in
      December 1963.
      He still worked as a milkman,
      and joined various groups,
      but not as successful as
      the Temptations.
      Otis saw him one last time in
      1967,and said he looked bad
      with his face and eyes was sunken in.
      He died of cirrhosis of the liver
      on October 26th,1975 at the
      age of 36.

    • @therlowfoy9738
      @therlowfoy9738 11 місяців тому +2

      It was his story to tell and he could tell it any way he wanted to.

    • @WashinRob
      @WashinRob 11 місяців тому +1

      Yea in the made for TV movie you see Al in the bar with a drink in his hand slammed it on the bar table frustrated. I heard that he drank himself to death.