THE TEMPTATIONS EDDIE KENDRICKS - the Urban Street interview
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- Опубліковано 21 лип 2024
- THE LOST 1991 URBAN STREET INTERVIEW WITH THE LEGENDARY TEMPTATIONS LEAD SINGER AND SOLO STAR EDDIE KENDRICKS.
Eddie Kendricks (Edward James Kendrick, Union Springs, Alabama, December 17, 1939 - Birmingham, Alabama, October 5, 1992), was an American singer and songwriter, noted for his distinctive falsetto singing style. Kendricks co-founded the Motown singing group The Temptations, and was one of their lead singers from 1960 until 1971. His was the lead voice on such famous songs as "The Way You Do The Things You Do", "Get Ready", and "Just My Imagination". As a solo artist, Kendricks recorded several hits of his own during the 1970s, including the number-one single "Keep On Truckin'".
Kendricks' solo career began slowly; he endured two years of singles that missed the Top 40, while The Temptations continued with their string of Norman Whitfield-helmed hits (one of which, "Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)", was written as a jab towards Kendricks and Ruffin). Kendricks scored a #1 pop hit in 1973 with the Frank Wilson-produced "Keep on Truckin'". It sold over one million copies, and was awarded a gold disc. Future hits included "Boogie Down" (US #2) (1974) and another million selling release, "Son of Sagittarius" (US #28) (1974), "Shoeshine Boy" (US #18) (1975), and "He's a Friend" (US #36) (1976). Another notable song is "Intimate Friends" (1977), which is sampled for the Alicia Keys song "Unbreakable", "A Penny for My Thoughts" by Common, He moved first to Arista Records, and later to Atlantic Records.
By this time, his popularity had waned, and he was also gradually losing his voice as a result of chain smoking.
He and David Ruffin briefly re-joined the Temptations for a 1982 reunion tour. In an interview with Tom Meros, Dennis Edwards, Kendricks's former Temptations band mate, claimed that Kendricks had issues hitting his falsetto notes during recording sessions for the reunion album. Because of his singing difficulty, Edwards said that Kendricks went to a physician to examine his vocal ability. The physician discovered a "pin drop" of cancer on one of his lungs. However, Kendricks reportedly refused to undergo chemotherapy at the time because of fear that he would lose his hair.
Kendricks was born in on December 17, 1939, the son of Johnny and Lee Bell Kendrick. He had one sister, Patricia, and three brothers, Charles, Robert, and Clarence. His family moved to Birmingham, where he met and began singing with his best friend Paul Williams in their church choir in the late 1940s. Kendricks and Paul Williams joined forces with members Otis Williams and Melvin "Blue" Franklin of Otis Wiliiams and the Distants after three members quit and became The Elgins, who on the same day changed their name to "The Temptations" and signed to Motown.
The Temptations began singing background for Mary Wells. After an initial dry period, The Temptations quickly became the most successful male vocal group of the 1960s. Although technically Kendricks was first tenor in the group's harmony, he predominately sang in a falsetto voice. Among the Temptations songs Kendricks sang lead on were "Dream Come True" (1962), the group's first charting single; "The Way You Do the Things You Do" (1964), the group's first US Top 20 hit; "I'll Be in Trouble" (1964); "The Girl's Alright With Me" (1964), a popular b-side that Kendricks co-wrote; "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)" (1964); "Get Ready" (1966); "Please Return Your Love to Me" (1968); and "Just My Imagination" (1971). He was also allowed to sing a few leads in his natural voice such as "May I Have This Dance" (1962). He shares lead vocal duty on other records, including "You're My Everything" (1967) (shared with David Ruffin), and a long string of Norman Whitfield produced psychedelic soul records where all five Temptations sang lead, such as the Grammy winner "Cloud Nine" (1968), "I Can't Get Next to You" (1969), and "Ball of Confusion" (1970). He also leads on "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" (1968), a popular duet with Diana Ross and the Supremes, and on the Temptations' famous version of the Christmas classic "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1968).
In the Temptations, Kendricks was responsible for creating most of the group's vocal arrangements, and also served as wardrobe manager, including the now famous purple suits the group wore for one performance. He also co-wrote several Temptations songs apart from "The Girl's Alright With Me" including "Isn't She Pretty" (1961) and "Don't Send Me Away" (1967). His favorite food was cornbread, and as a result he was nicknamed "Cornbread" (or "Corn" for short) by his groupmates.
I love how he corrected his self, "excuse me, MS. Rosa Parks ".
I do too, Bronze Beauty, Brown. It's called respect. Something a lot of these today's kids are lacking.
When he said that, it showed that he had great respect for Mrs. Parks.
Eddie was not mean. You can tell in his interviews. He just let them know that he was not a brown nose. He said so in an interview. He said "brown nosing" was something could not sleep with. He said he had talent, and he did not have to brown nose. I love that interview. He had talent and was handsome. Otis said that because Eddie might have let Otis know that he was not going to brown nose with, Berry or anyone at Motown. Good for him! EDDIE was wonderful!!!
@MsLady328 Yes, he was. He was also very smart.
Yes, Growing up in the South*"et Very , Mannerable
He was a handsome dude and great singer.
Smart too!
And very articulate.
@MsLady328 Ms. Hines, thank you so much for your true comments. Eddie looks just as handsome off stage as he does on stage. Moreover, I always, and still do, think that David Ruffin was gorgeous as well...TALL, TANNED, TALENTED, SLENDER, CLASSY...TEMPTING TEMPTATIONS. RIH DAVID & EDDIE❤🥰😍🙏😭😭
That man had the clearest, richest falsetto that ever graced my ears!!! R.I.P. Eddie!
Nobody could sing that note better than Eddie K..
AND DAVID RUFFIN
@Brittnie Broach who had Bailey wanting to sing falsetto Eddie did he made it cool and smooth.
Him and Phillip Bailey were the greatest Falsetto singers.
@@positivemanifestations3247 Don't forget about the guy from the group Switch Bobby DeBarge the song I call your name. Check out the song.
Eddie was the "cutest" Temp too.
"Cute"? It's TALENT and ABILITY that counts for 100% of a person's career! Cuteness counts for absolutely ZERO percent!
OMG yeas he was and I love a man who can stand own his own that speaks volumes .
Eddie was so DEBONAIR and seemed humble loved his songs
Neil Forbes yo calm the hell down. She was just saying he was the cutest. What’s your problem? Take your midol and shut up.
I think Paul was lol
This interview shows that he was much more than a phenomenal singer. He stood up for what he believed in.
Speak Your PEACE Eddie Kendrick…I’m with You on THAT!!❤️🩹❤️🩹❤️🩹
Eddie is also my favorite .He seemed very humble and kind .What a talent I love the way he expressed himself .❤He was so fine n handsome WOW !!! What a man .RIP Eddie I lovre you and always will .❤❤❤❤
I had the pleasure of meeting Eddie when I lived and worked in Alabama. He was one of the few men who treated me with respect.
I met him and found him to be a very wise man, I was a college newspaper reporter at the time.
@@gregorybeals7879 CD
Thank you for sharing this.
Eddie was such a handsome man.
Right about that
Inside AND out
I would have loved to see a temptations movie told through the eyes of Eddie
Eddie had a golden voice which was silenced much too soon. A natural talent.
Yes golden!! No body could sing that falsetto like Eddie, nobody!! Did I say nobody!!
L)
@@sweetazzpiew8490 You ain't never lied❤❤❤🙂
He's the main reason that I became a Temptation fan
This man could dress sharp
Oh my goodness. That's what im talking about. A classy classy brother!
Thank you Eddie for sticking up with Paul how was a great man too
Eddie Kendrick the best lead singer of the temps. No one could take his place. His sweet voice and smile. RIP on your birthday 12/17/2018.
In my opinion. Eddie was the most humblest member of the group. He was always my favorite
I think Edwards was
never lost site of who he was I've seen many interviews he always thanked God and was very humble about his career.
Eddie was one good looking, sexy talented Black man. Even as he got older. And he had a charm about him that is every girl's dream, especially when he smiles. I grew up listening to the great Temptation's music, but I had never really heard them speak before, so it is enlightning to hear Eddie talk about things that went on when he was part of the group. Love him!
Eddie was fine! He had that hood swag!
OOh Lawdy he was! lol
yes he did nicely put!
He was fine, but I can't stand hoodlums.
yes he was
Somehow Eddie was my favorite he was so handsome and that smile😍
My favorite person In the temptations was Eddie kentrick 😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍😍
Me Too!!!
Jahnauria Foster he is my grandfather 2nd cousin😎
Jahnauria Foster
My very favorite favorite!
My favorite was and still is all the temptations.
He's an absolute legend. Love him.
Eddie was one of the best to ever do it.
To ever do what? Are you trying to say you've had him before? Was it good to ya? Did you holla? Did you start singing: "aww keep on fucking baby. Got to keep on...... fucking"?
@@punkanellylovejoy702 please grow up
Damn Eddie was fine,; a man that stood on principles
You know it
I loved his boyish smile!
I love this man. One thing about him and Florence Ballard, they weren't kissing nobody's ass!!! RIP
Both left their respective groups too soon.
Until I see you in the resurrection Mr Eddie Rest In Peace.
Wright
I love Eddie too! However, I don't fully subscribe to the whole "ass-kissing" theory. If you really pay attention, ppl who often say they ain't kissin' nobody's ass usually refuse to take direction from the president of the label, from producers, from songwriters, who gave them songs in the first place to sing and become famous. We should all agree that Flo (bless her soul) was her own worst enemy. And Eddie shot himself in the foot aplenty during his tenure at Motown. After all, while as he said, they knew where or what they wanted to do, but frankly, it was Berry who signed them. Doesn't he deserve some credit if not respect? So, ppl who refuse to show respect or appreciation usually don't last. #Facts and #RIP Eddie...
@@calvinterrell2053 Motown and Berry deserve credit for handling the music industry aspects of the Temptations careers, but Eddie is definitely right about the Tempts creating their own style and choreography and understanding how to harmonize and sell sex. I think everyone has to decide invidually what they can or cannot, will or will not endure to be successful. Flo was living with demons, so I think her story was going to be tragic no matter how she responded to success. Eddie had his time in the sun and his legacy is forever memorialized through those great songs -- so he has lasted far longer than his Earthly presence and will continue on into the future.
Eddie was adorable he was just too hot winning smile look like he smiles over the whole world and make the temps look really good
Thank you when I want to listen to good sweet music 🌞💜their music for Everlasting rest in peace to all you Temps
The guy who made the falsetto classy and timeless. That's saying something because singing in that register can get old really quick yet Kendricks always made it work.
Eddie's my favorite falsettos of all time... always a snazzy dresser and stylish
Eddie was my crush when I was a teenager. He said, Miss Rosa Parks. So much respect!!
Gee Row R do you mind 😅?!
Eddie Kendricks of the Temptations was among the greatest singers of all times and also demonstrated that he had integrity. He believed in speaking his mind and that was a good time because he truly had the talent to share with the world. You are gone but never forgotten. Rest In Peace, Eddie Kendricks! Joyce Coleman of Detroit, MI
Joyce Coleman
He was a very strong person up until the end. I think Barry was jealous because he spent time with Diana.
I totally agree!
Eddie was very handsome, even as an older man. I like his straightforwardness about what he went through at Motown. Very good interview!
Men like Mr. Kendrick just aren,t made any more!! Love love him and pray he is at peace now....
very proud of eddie he represented his home town very well
I just thinlk he was a wise soul he didn't take any bull, he was a great singer, a handsome man, and stood up for his principals, such a great man xx
David and Eddie was my favorite of tempts
Marie Dowtin yes yes yes !
Me, too!!!!
Yes indeed
Amen and I am in love with David to this very day. 🥰
there is none better than Edward Kendricks
Richard (th dj) is so right about Eddie's background singing. I listen to 'I Wish It Would Rain , ' just to hear Eddie's background vocals. Not to take anything away from David, but w/o Eddie's background vocals I wouldn't be as iinstrested. His contribution to the tempts was so significant. I JUST LOVE THE MAN !
Eddie was a handsome man that was just chill....R.I.P.
Very😚
I love this. Eddie is handsome, talented, brave. A REAL MAN FIGHTING RACISM, RACIST CLOWNS AND COULD SING. 💞
He looked soooo happy when he was talking bout he and pauls childhood days. I wish the full full interview could be recovered somehow
loved eddie
I have it
@@QuintenKendrick Please let us see it.!!!! We saw him perform SOLO in New York. EDDIE HAS DIE...HARD...UNTIL...YOU...DIE...FANS. ( My HUSBAND was ROTFL at me being HYPNOTIZED BY THE GREAT EDDIE KENDRICK.) LOOOOOL.
@SLady328 I'll see what I can do.
@SLady328 🧡
Rip Eddie Kendrick!He had a smooth relaxing voice 🙏🙏🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🌹🌺💕🙏 🙏
Edddie was a good looking man.
I always thought that Eddie Kendricks wasn't just a great singer but also a great man... Great upload, thank you so much for posting this
Eddie Kendricks once said that he was never on the Motown mailing list; any event thrown or sponsored by Motown, Eddie was never invited, which is why in the Temptations film where the Annual picnic is taking place, there's Otis, Melvin, Paul and David.
Agreed. The biggest problem I have with Motown is that their business relations with their artists were manipulative and exploitative; therefore, most of them never earned as much money as they should have. It made me angry when I read that Eddie didn't have health insurance in his dying days. Of course, many of the artists made bad financial decisions like giving up rights to royalties, but with a boss who was working against them, they didn't have a fair chance.
EDDIE WAS SO HANDSOME TO ME,AND SO WAS DAVID RUFFIN!!!
Come on with it Ms. Johnson. Eddie was like my handsome big brother. David was my main crush. I thought he was absolutely gorgeous...tall, tanned, talented, chiseled features, very slender with a mellifluous voice that would make the Gods sing. LOL🥰❤
Really david ruffin??!!
@@nickj3513 yes! baby he aged very rapidly
from the handsome man he was on those old videos but with those dimples
O Yes not to mention the swag 😎 the glasses wayfarer style he looked the best in eddie was a cutie
and paul Melvin with the best bass voice ever all had it going on ok
@@sandraatkins2539 yes he was the best soul singer ever his style was unforgettable 💗
@@lindahines9380 I see, but what about dennis edwards 🙂?!
What a talented falsetto singer Eddie Kendricks was he brought so much to the Temptations. Rest In Peace Eddie Kendricks.
Happy Birthday Eddie Kendricks born December 17, 1939 he would've turned 80 years old today. RIP 🙏😇💔🎉🎊🎈🎁🎂
Eddie Kenricks stayed at my house years ago and he was so, so talented and gorgeous, fine, fine!!!!!!
Thirsty dumb bitch lol
Gloria Clark why would Eddie stay at your house? Lol
yes!!
Did he sing while he was there?
yeah right! guess what David stayed at my house years ago too he was
so romantic fine I almost lost my mind!!💜💛💚💙💟💝💞💜💛💚❤💘💙girl you know what I mean? I know you do.
Handsome singer!!!!did not take bs ✌🏾
I will always love me some "Eddie
Yes truthandluv. I agree! And why so many honor Berry Gordy. I understand he started Motown and changed the lives of many. None of these artists should have died broke! They put in all of the blood, sweat and tears into his label.
Eddie Kendricks
DeSuera he is my grandfather 2nd cousin😎
A man of integrity! They don’t make them like that anymore! Salute brother.
Love you eddie
wow, i can really appreciate his stories that he told about himself and paul as kids. really neat stuff here.
That's cornbread. I had the opportunity to meet David Ruffin but Eddie was my favorite! I lived off of this man's music
Eddie is a legend hands down
eddie is the best temptation
One of the great voices he and David Ruffin together was magic🙏🇺🇸🎼
Eddie's natural voice is sooooooooo sexy. His singing voice is, also, GREAT.
Eddie kept it 100 in the interview... so, so on point!
I wish I had met him respect to my elders and the "emperors of soul" was such an inspiration to many with the sweet falsetto. rest in peace cornbread Mr. Eddie Kendricks 🎶✊🏿
I'm happy to see these kinds of videos of Eddie. The movie made him seem so week and passive. It's refreshing to know Eddie did speak up for himself. The movie made him appear to be obsessed with Paul. It didn't reflect the fact that Eddie got married, had kids and went on with his life.
Exactly. Definitely had to do my own research. The movie left me feeling unfulfilled and wanting to know more.
@@igraham125 Me as well
NoJokeDee I don’t believe it portrayed Eddie as obsessed with Paul. Eddie was just a very loyal friend/brother🙏🏾
@MsLady328 100: I can't imagine Otis criticizing anyone's physical appearance. Eddie was absolutely gorgeous. As you so astutely indicated, Otis, not even in his wildest dreams, looked better than Eddie. Otis was a hater because he was less talented than the other group members. Moreover, as far as Eddie being slender, so what? Different strokes for different folks. Afterall, not all females prefer gentlemen who resemble Sumo wrestlers, not then, nor now.
@MsLady328 ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Love the respect he showed Rosa Parks....he corrected himself and said MISS Rosa Parks.
Yes, I loved that too...such an insightful gentleman.
Me too
I like what he said when he dont agree that hes not a yes man....very talented love their music...❤
RIP Eddie Kendrick (1939-1992)
I love Eddie Kendricks, Man...smooth & sharp!
This interview is so great to watch, Damn I wish it was in its entirety. It is still wonderful to watch footage of the legend.
Yes where’s the rest of it
One of my all time favorite artists and I only have two. This was my first crush as a young girl in 60’s. He is my birthday twin. My other fave is also a Sagittarius!
So glad I ran across this interview.
Gosh I love him still❤️
That’s exactly wat I got frm his interviews!!! BYGGGGGG RESPECT TO U EDDIE FOR ATANDING UP N NOT BROWN NOSING!
The actor that played him on the movie was really cute too :-)
Wow, this is the first time I heard Eddie Kendricks talk! Very intelligent man, and he's from where I live (Birmingham, Alabama). And I feel him on not kissing people's behinds and brown-nosing. That foolishness about just sing and don't worry about your money will NOT work in this industry. You have to fight for what's yours!
Eddie was a real man to do what they want to he was a real man enjoy his life God bless him always a real man love Eddie K. ☮️☮️☮️☮️☮️💯💯💯🌹🌹🌹🦋🦋🦋
a good freind of mine was in Eddies Band when he went solo the Young Senators from DC, Eddie had a great solo career and the band was tight as hell great show
EDDIE was such a heart throbe, he also had a unique way of phrasing his statements. FOREVER IN LOVE WITH EDDIE K.
EDDIE KENDERICK voice was a voice out of this world. I just loved the way EDDIE hit those high notes. EDDIE seem to be a good person. RIP EDDIE KENDERICK.
I,ve always loved the Temptations they wii forever be my favorite group
Sad. I was one of the health care workers that was helping to take care of him in Atlanta before he passed. RIP.
Respect
Wow. What was that like? Was he calm?
how was it like taking care of him?
@@jeanandre6998 he was solemn. I did his chest xray a couple times.
I heard he was a nice person. Did you take care of him at home? It is sad we lost a legend. He was so handsome. I had a crush on him and a few others. He had a cousin stayed on my street. His cousin was also nice. I never met him. I grew up on his music in the 70's.
Eddie didn't take no mess. Barry Gordy it seemed just didn't take care of the ones who helped him build the MOTOWN SOUND that was so popular and well loved by different cultures all around the world. But when a young Stevie Wonder demanded that he would have control over his master recordings and what he would record before he signed a new contract Gordy knew that he met his match. This is a big reason the Jacksons left Motown. They wanted artist control. So Eddie was right not to brown nose this man.
thank you so much god and thank you so much Eddie love the music.
I love Eddie Kendricks... 😙
my favorite temp
Love him! The Best Falsetto ever! My Guy
I truly wish that ALL young people wanting to get into the music industry could "HEAR", and "UNDERSTAND" how true musicianship is created on the back's on men like Eddie, Blu, and Otis, Bobby.... they paved the way for the younger generation.
Eddie Said He Only Met With Berry Gordy 3 Times Or So-Tripps Me Out Each Time I Watch This Video.
Right On Eddie! Imagine, Someone Telling You Have To Sit In The Back Of The Bus!!
Love Eddie's Solo Music As Well With The Tempts!
Glad you enjoyed it
DANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNGGGGG--this fine, fine, fine, fine, fine, mannnnnnnnnnnnnnn!!!! I just will love him forever!!!!!!
I asked Kendricks if he ever considered writing a book? He said to me, "Stan, if I can't tell the gospel I might as well not say anything".
I dug Eddie. He was a down to earth brother and very straight up and receptive when I used to rap and hang out with him.
You hung out with him?
eddie was the sharpest dresser of all temps
Yes so many people said this, he picked their wardrobe
i used to be a huge fan of the artistry of Eddie Kendricks, both as a solo entertainer and with the Temtations. I've never heard him speak this extensively before, so it was nice to hear about the the man... and his life.
thanks, for posting and sharing this clip.
My man Eddie was fine as wine and smooth as silk.
Eddie Kendricks had the best falsetto vocals of all time in my opinion. His voice was like velvet.
And no body can touch him not even today
Eddie Kendrick your body is gone but the best all you left a legacy that will live on and forever in our hearts and mind may your soul rips💐🎤❤️🥀
Eddie is a beautiful man with a beautiful singing voice. There is nothing wrong with his speaking voice. Give him a break!! The man was born in the south in 1939, (no insult to the SOUTH) and that being said I think the man speaks beautifully. Love you Eddie rip!! PEACE TO ALL!!
Eddie will always be a friend of mine here took the stage with such grace
I can watch this video over and over again! Love his voice and he always looked good. Saw him up close during the Temptations' Reunion in the early '80s and I thought I'd faint when he shook my hand during the concert. This man was extremely FINE, real SEXUAL CHOCOLATE in the flesh!!!! :) RIP Eddie.
5:07 "Polices"??? LOL I love how this guy talked!!! So Alabamish, and cute.
This gives you a great INSITE on Motowns relationship with the TEMPS. And a lot of the misconceptions that people had about Eddie and Berry Gordys RElations also. THANKYOU FOR THE SEND.
Luvvv💝U Eddie, Kendricks Always Have & I Always Will💋you Were A Gift" ta This Universe Sir!! RIP Heaven Receive A Gifted Angle Back💚
Wow Eddie Kindricks Aunt was my 2nd grade teacher in Birmingham AL stories she would tell about him and Paul
Thank you Eddie Kendricks for telling the truth about Berry Gordy and Motown the same way you felt the Jackson 5 felt the same way as well all of you people with singing Talent you don't have to bow down to these big shots that had these record labels it's either your way or take your talent where you appreciate and have some say so in your project I like the radio DJ in this video because he's 2nd sharpest dress DJ I've ever seen I hope you still spending the music of our life
I love Eddie Kendricks my favorite of all the temptations love his voice love watching old footage of him performing with the temptations, so handsome and smooth I know women loved him very humble and respectful you can tell in every interview sadly he died a year after this interview from lung cancer.
Eddie Kendricks was a great singer & performer, but also a great man. Thanks for posting this
Eddie was so good-looking to me
WOW!! I didn't know all of that was happening with Gordy and Kendricks. This is Great! !