Motown great and Temptations singer Dennis Edwards, 74

Dennis Edwards, former lead singer with Motown greats the Temptations, has died aged 74.

He performed on a string of the group’s hits including Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone and I Can’t Get Next To You.

The group’s agent said: “He was an amazing performer and singer and the whole Temptations family are grieving at his sad passing.

“May Dennis Edwards rest in peace.”

Edwards sang in the Contours before joining the Temptations after the departure of David Ruffin.

He left the group in the late 1970s before rejoining in the early 1980s, then leaving, rejoining and leaving again, before joining again for a final stint from 1987-89.

In 1989 Edwards was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Temptations and in 2013 received a lifetime achievement Grammy, also as a member of the Temptations.

The Rev Jesse Jackson paid tribute on Twitter, writing: “Dennis Edwards, former lead, singer of the Temptations.

“In his life he inspired millions around the world.

“We shall all remember him.

“So talented. He is above Cloud Nine, going higher.”

Singer Kenny Lattimore said: “Prayers to the family of one of our legendary vocal greats Dennis Edwards of the Temptations. His unmistakable gift will live on forever .”

The most recent post on the group’ s Facebook page said: “Please join us in sending prayers to our brother Dennis Edwards and his family.”

Edwards’ marriage to Ruth Pointer, of the Pointer Sisters, ended in divorce. He is survived by his wife Brenda, and by five daughters, Issa, Erika, Maya, Denise and Alison, and a son, Bernard.

The Temptations: Otis Williams, Richard Street, Melvin Franklin, Dennis Edwards, who has died aged 74, and Glenn Beonard.