Melvin Franklin is a famous American bass singer, songwriter and voice actor, best known as a founding member of the legendary Motown singing group The Temptations.
contour
- Full name: Melvin Franklin
- Nickname: Blue
- Date of Birth: October 12, 1942
- Age as of 2024: 82
- Sex: Male
- Birthplace: Montgomery, Alabama, USA
- Country: United States
- Occupation: Bass singer, songwriter, voice actor
- Height: 6 feet 3 inches (191 cm)
- Parents: None
- Brothers and sisters: None
- Spouse: Kay Franklin
- Children: Melvin Franklin Jr., Sabrina Franklin
- Relationship Status: Deceased
- Net worth: $1 million
Early life and education
Melvin Franklin was born in Montgomery, Alabama, USA on October 12, 1942. He grew up in a musical family and began singing in church choirs and local talent shows at an early age.
Franklin’s parents encouraged his love of music, and he began performing with local groups as a teenager.
He attended George Washington Carver High School in Montgomery, where he honed his singing skills and developed his signature bass voice.
personal life
In the early 1960s, Franklin met his wife, Kay, and they soon married. They had two children, Melvin Jr. and Sabrina.
Franklin was known to be a devoted husband and father, and his family was always his first priority.
He was also known for his kind and gentle personality, and was well-liked by his bandmates and friends in the music industry.
Profession
Franklin’s musical career spanned over three decades and was an integral part of the Temptations’ success.
He sang many of the group’s hits, including “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”
Franklin also co-wrote several songs for the band, and his distinctive bass voice became a trademark of the Temptations.
In addition to his work with the Temptations, Franklin has released several solo albums and collaborated on various projects with other artists.
Awards
- Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group (1973)
- Grammy Award for Best R&B Song (1973)
- Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989)
net worth
When Franklin died in 1995, his net worth was estimated to be approximately $1 million.
He earned his vast fortune through a successful music career, which included work with The Temptations as well as solo projects.
die
Franklin died of heart failure on February 23, 1995 at the age of 52.
His death has drawn respect and condolences from the music industry and beyond.
dispute
Franklin was involved in several controversies during his career, including a legal battle with Motown Records over royalties and a public feud with The Temptations member David Ruffin.
However, Franklin was known for his kind and gentle character, and he avoided controversy as much as possible.
social media
- Instagram: @melvinfranklin
- Twitter: @melvinfranklin
Filmography
- lure
- The Temptations: Live in Concert
Discography
- My Girl
- Dad is a rolling stone
- I hope it rains
- Treat her like a lady
- Just my imagination
books
- Temptation: The Authorized Biography (2003)
- Melvin Franklin: Bassist for the Temptations (2015)
