18 Facts About Melvin Franklin

David Melvin English better known by the stage name Melvin Franklin or his nickname "Blue", was an American bass singer.

Around this time, Melvin Franklin romantically pursued future Supremes singer Mary Wilson.

Melvin Franklin spotted Franklin walking along a nearby neighborhood and rushed him with an offer to join the group as their bass singer.

Vernard Plain, the group's lead singer, departed the group, in which Melvin Franklin brought in Street to replace him.

Melvin Franklin was usually called upon to deliver ad-libs, harmony vocals, and, during the psychedelic soul era, notable sections of the main verses.

Melvin Franklin memorably sang the line "and the band played on" from The Temptations' 1970 hit single "Ball of Confusion ".

Melvin Franklin had earlier left his vehicle running when he stopped to talk with a female friend.

The incident prevented Melvin Franklin from participating in the Temptations' upcoming tour of Poland, which at the time was still behind the Iron Curtain.

In 1989, Melvin Franklin was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of The Temptations.

In January 1995, Melvin Franklin's last recording with the Temptations was "Life Is But a Dream" for the album For Lovers Only.

Melvin Franklin was married to his second wife, Kimberly, at the time of his death.

In 1968, Melvin Franklin was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, the symptoms of which he combated with cortisone so that he could continue performing.

The constant use of cortisone left his immune system open to other infections and health problems; as a result, Melvin Franklin developed diabetes in the early 1980s and later contracted necrotizing fasciitis.

Melvin Franklin's funeral was widely attended, with Smokey Robinson commemorating him with the song "Really Gonna Miss You".

Melvin Franklin is interred at the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.

In February 2013, Melvin Franklin was posthumously awarded a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award as a member of the Temptations.

In 1998, Franklin was portrayed by actor D B Woodside in the biographical miniseries The Temptations.

Melvin Franklin's death was portrayed differently from what occurred in reality, with Melvin Franklin dying outside of the kitchen near his mother's house.