Eddie Kendricks

Biography

Eddie Kendricks, born Edward James Kendrick on December 17, 1939, in Union Springs, Alabama, was a pioneering American soul singer best known as a founding member of The Temptations. Moving to Birmingham at age seven, Kendricks began singing in church before forming his first group, The Cavaliers, with childhood friend Paul Williams. After relocating to Detroit, they became The Primes, a precursor to The Temptations. In 1960, Kendricks co-founded The Temptations, quickly rising to fame as one of Motown’s most successful male vocal groups of the 1960s. His signature falsetto graced classics like 'The Way You Do the Things You Do,' 'Get Ready,' and 'Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),' helping define the group’s sound and style.[1][2][3][4]

Kendricks left The Temptations in 1971, embarking on a solo career marked by both creative exploration and commercial success. He developed a unique sound distinct from his Motown roots, collaborating with producers like Frank Wilson and Leonard Caston. Kendricks scored major hits with the dancefloor anthems 'Keep On Truckin’' and 'Boogie Down,' cementing his place in the emerging disco and soul scenes of the 1970s. His influence extended beyond performance; he was known for his keen sense of style and stage presence, shaping the visual and musical identity of The Temptations and inspiring generations of soul and R&B artists.[2][3][4]

Despite health challenges later in life, Kendricks continued to perform, reuniting with The Temptations for tours and collaborating with fellow Motown alumni. He died of cancer in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 5, 1992, leaving a legacy as one of soul music’s most distinctive and influential voices.[3][4]

Fun Facts

• Eddie Kendricks was responsible for many of The Temptations’ iconic wardrobe choices, helping establish their reputation for style as well as sound.[4]
• He originally spelled his last name as 'Kendrick' but later added an 's' to become 'Kendricks.'[2]
• Kendricks’ 1973 solo hit 'Keep On Truckin’' reached No. 1 on the Billboard R&B chart and was a major crossover success, helping to popularize early disco.[3][4]
• He briefly dropped the 's' from his last name and performed as 'Eddie Kendrick' during part of his solo career.[2]

Associated Acts

• The Temptations (until 1971)

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Smokey Robinson - Producer and songwriter who crafted early Temptations hits and shaped their sound (Produced 'The Way You Do the Things You Do', 'My Girl', and other early hits) [1963-1966]

Key Collaborators

• The Temptations (Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, David Ruffin, Al Bryant, Dennis Edwards) - Co-founder and lead singer; collaborated on numerous Motown hits (Albums and singles including 'The Way You Do the Things You Do', 'Get Ready', 'Just My Imagination') [1960-1971, 1982 reunion]
• David Ruffin - Frequent collaborator; recorded a duet album and toured together post-Temptations (Album 'Ruffin & Kendrick' (RCA)) [1980s]
• Frank Wilson and Leonard Caston - Producers and songwriters who helped develop Kendricks' solo sound (Solo albums and hits including 'Keep On Truckin’', 'Boogie Down') [1970s]

Artists Influenced

• Daryl Hall (of Hall & Oates) - Cited Kendricks as a major vocal influence, especially his falsetto style (Hall & Oates' soul-influenced tracks) [1970s-present]
• Philip Bailey (of Earth, Wind & Fire) - Inspired by Kendricks' falsetto and stage presence (Earth, Wind & Fire's vocal arrangements) [1970s-present]
• Countless modern R&B and neo-soul artists - Kendricks' falsetto and style became a template for later soul and R&B singers (Various) [1970s-present]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Intimate Friends (Slick)
2. Girl You Need A Change Of Mind (People... Hold On)
3. Keep On Truckin' (Eddie Kendricks)
4. Boogie Down
5. Date With The Rain (People... Hold On)
6. Keep On Truckin' - Pt. 1 / Single Version (Motown Greatest Hits)
7. Boogie Down - Single Version (Hitsville USA, The Motown Collection 1972-1992)
8. Keep On Truckin'
9. My People...Hold On (People... Hold On)
10. Keep On Truckin' - Pt. 1 / Single Version (Hitsville USA, The Motown Collection 1972-1992)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #motown, #rock-and-indie, #soul