Birthday: October 12, 1942
Died At Age: 52
Sun Sign: Libra
Also Known As David Melvin English
Born In: Montgomery, Alabama
Famous As: R&B Singer
Black Singers Rhythm & Blues Singers
Height: 6’1″ (185 cm),
Spouse/Ex-: Kimberly English (M. ?–1995)
Mother: Rose English
Children: Davette English, David English Jr., Felicia English, Larissa English, Nicos English
Died On: February 23, 1995
U.S. State: Alabama, African-American From Alabama
Who is David Melvin Franklin?
David Melvin English, commonly known as Melvin Franklin, was an American bass player. He was one of the founders of the American vocal group The Temptations. The group is renowned for its choreography, crisp harmony, and colorful wardrobes.
When and where was David Franklin born, and who are his parents?
David Melvin English was born on October 12, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, USA. His mother’s name is Rose English; he is from Mobile County, Alabama. His biological father was a missionary to the church.
According to Rose, she got him pregnant through a “nonconsensual relationship.” Soon after he was born, his mother married Willard Franklin and moved to Detroit. However, his grandmother insisted that Melvin stays in her care. At the age of ten, Melvin finally moved in with his mother and stepfather.
Melvin Franklin’s Early Life?
Franklin was born in Montgomery, Alabama, and has been passionate about music since he was a child. As a teenager, he was a member of several singing groups, such as The Voice Masters.
Together with some of his classmates, he formed the band The Elgins. It was later renamed “Temptations.” Melvin and his friend Otis became the only founding members who never left the group.
During his career, his deep voice brought him immense fame, and he was known as one of the best contemporary singers. Some of his most famous works include the songs “I sincerely, sincerely believe,” “Silent Night,” and “Old Man’s River.”
In addition to singing, he also played a vocal role in the animated television series Polar Position. He also starred in the British adventure film Sky Bandits.
Franklin’s Achievements:
Melvin developed an interest in singing at an early age. He has been a member of several Detroit singing groups such as The Voice Masters. He has performed with such famous singers as Lamont Dozier, David Ruffin, and Richard Street.
While attending Northwest High School, his classmate Otis Williams invited him to join his singing group. The group was established in the late 1960s and was named The Elgins. Other contributors include Elbridge Bryant, Paul Williams, and Eddie Kendricks. In 1961, the band signed with Motown Records under the new name “The Temptations.”
Once upon a time, Melvin also earned the nickname “blue” because of his love for blue. The band’s first album includes The Temptations Sing Smokey (1965), Getting Ready (1966), The Temptations with a Lot soul (1967), and The Temptations Wish It Have Rain (1968). Many of their singles became hits and topped multiple charts. Franklin’s song “I Really, Really Believe” on the album “The Temptations Wish It could Rain” became very popular. One of the band’s most successful singles was The Way You Do the Things You Do (1964), which ranked 11th on the Billboard Top 100 Singles chart.
He also entered the rankings of various countries such as France, Canada, and the United Kingdom. In the same year, the band released another song, “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” which also became a huge hit. Other hits from the group include I Want It To Rain (1967), Run, Child (1969), Just My Imagination (1971), and Masterpiece (1973). Melvin used to be the backing vocalist on most of the band’s singles. Over the years, the band has released several successful albums such as On Broadway (1969), Sky’s the Limit (1971), Masterpiece (1973), A Song For You (1975). ) “Reunion” (1982) and “To Be Continued” (1986).
Besides singing, Melvin Franklin also worked as a voice actor. Voiced one of the main characters of “Wheels” in the animated series “Pole Position.”
The series aired in 1984 from September to December, spanning thirteen episodes. The series is based on a popular video game of the same name.
He starred in the 1986 British adventure film Sky Bandits. The film tells the story of two criminals who enlist in the Royal Air Force and fly combat aircraft known as gunboats. The film failed commercially, grossing nearly $ 3 million on an $ 18 million budget.
Melvin Franklin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations in 1989. In 2013, he was posthumously inducted into the official R&B Hall of Fame with The Temptations. In the same year, he also won the Merit Award from his wife. Along with The Temptations, he won three Grammy Awards.
Melvin Franklin’s Personal Life:
Melvin Franklin was married to a woman named Kimberly. The couple had six children. In the late 1960s, Melvin was diagnosed with arthritis. Although she struggled with her illness to continue performing, she later developed other problems such as diabetes. He was also wounded in the arm in 1978 while trying to stop a man from stealing his car.
How and when did Melvin Franklin die?
After a series of seizures on February 17, 1995, he finally fell into a coma. He died a few days later, on February 23. His grave is at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Los Angeles, California.
In 1998, NBC released the mini-series “Temptations,” based on the famous vocal group. Melvin was played by actor D.B. Woodside.