0:00. Edwards died Thursday in Chicago and his cause of death was complications from meningitis, his wife Brenda Edwards told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Life on the road was starting to take its toll on Williams as well, and, having previously consumed nothing stronger than milk, he began to drink alcohol heavily, namely Courvoisier, which, according to Otis Williams, was hard to take. The judge concluded Vinyard was an heir and divided the late Motown stars past and future royalties. Baritone Otis Williams, Elbridge (a.k.a. Although the group now had a record deal, Paul Williams and his bandmates endured a long series of failed singles before finally hitting the Billboard Top 20 in 1964 with "The Way You Do the Things You Do". 2016 chevy impala problems; characteristics of family essay; horizon class destroyer vs type 45; journeys customer service hours. The live version of the song "Don't Look Back" is also frequently cited as one of his standout performances. In response, he was given lead vocals on the song, "Don't Look Back" (1965).[6]. Paul Williams Jr., told The Detroit News he hasnt received his full share of royalties in years from Paula. Eddie died of lung cancer in 1992, and Melvin was the most recent of the original members to die, suffering from a series of seizures that eventually led to his death in 1995. But Motown said the family could not pursue royalties that were more than 6 years old. The behind-the-scenes "craziness" might come as a surprise to those who only know the Temptations' public image of the mid- to late 1960s a quintet of clean-cut singers with suave dance moves . Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The bankruptcy filing provides rare insight into the value of Motown royalties because Paula had to list how much she received in recent years. Prison basically saved my life.. A documentary on his life is well deserved. Each of the other four Temptations did what they could to help Williams, alternating between raiding and draining his alcohol stashes, personal interventions, and keeping oxygen tanks backstage, but Williams health, as well as the quality of his performances, continued to decline and he refused to see a doctor. Otis Williams recounted, "So to see a guy come from drinking milk to drinking, sometimes, two to three fifths of Courvoisier a daythat was kind of hard to take. A gun was found near his body. At 27, that - took me to another place, he says. A Professional theme for architects, construction and interior designers He met Eddie Kendricks in elementary school; supposedly, the two first encountered each other in a fistfight after Williams dumped a bucket of mop water on Kendricks. [2], http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Williams_%28The_Temptations%29. He sang lead on a number of . The Spectator. I was out of control. Now known as The Primes, the trio moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and eventually found a manager in Milton Jenkins, who moved the group to Detroit, Michigan. It does not store any personal data. Each of the other four Temptations did what they could to help Williams, alternating between raiding and draining his alcohol stashes, personal interventions, and keeping oxygen tanks backstage. When Williams was not well enough to go on, Street took his place onstage. His sister Paula declined comment through her lawyer. That definitely sounds like a cover up. The only time Leon's singing voice can be heard . Unfortunately, The Primes did not find the success they had hoped for and were later disbanded, with everyone returning home. Williams's funeral was held on August 24, with his family and former bandmates in attendance. She did right by us for 10 years, but shes been slipping since then. Money, ugh, Paul Jr. said. But I dont trust people after what Ive been through. He had left the Temptations in 1971. (2 of whom didn't surface until after Paul died) and a wife who have been getting their fair . But Pauls key place in the group is well represented by actor James Harkness in the widely acclaimed Broadway production Aint Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations. Paul Williams (July 2, 1939 - August 17, 1973) was an American baritone singer and choreographer.Williams was noted for being one of the founding members and original lead singer of the Motown group The Temptations.Along with Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Otis Williams, and fellow Alabamians Eddie Kendricks and Melvin Franklin, Williams was a member of The Temptations. Otis Williams is the sole . They became the Primes, moving to Cleveland in search of work and then, as fate decreed, Detroit. In 1998, NBC aired The Temptations, a four-hour television miniseries based upon an autobiographical book by Otis Williams. In January 1989, the family agreed to have Paula parcel out the royalty checks to her four siblings and mother twice a year. 2 What did Melvin of The Temptations die from? We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. RIP. The royalty pie was about to be divided when a seventh child surfaced, a son born in 1968 to one of Paul Williams girlfriends. In the film, he is depicted as shooting himself in his car. [2] Williams' family has continued to investigate the circumstances of Williams' death to this date. Incredibly blessed. Mar 27, 2018. A divorce was pending. Paul, Eddie, David,Melvin and Dennis. "Williams had used his right hand to shoot himself in the left side of his head", so very sad but on a light note this is Paul's youngest son with his wife named Paul Jr. and he's currently touring with Dennis Edwards (The Temptations Review), I hope Paul's family are successful in getting that documentary done about his life. Paul Williams committed . In 1965, Williams began an affair with Winnie Brown, hair stylist for The Supremes and a relative of Supremes member Florence Ballard. Hollywood has seen incredible talents, but only a few could boast of the vocal prowess wielded by Paul Willaims, lead singer of the hit Motown group "The Tem. She received $40,594 in 2008. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Otis Williams and the other Temptations decided to resort to enlisting an on-hand fill-in for Paul Williams. Just Another Lonely Night from the album Temptin Temptations told the story of lonely nights better than any song ever sung. He was released July 23, after serving more than 20 years. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The first of numerous fund raising campaigns will happen Sunday, February 26, 2005 at Club Network on Broadway in Detroit Michigan. Menu Soon after, he also began to have money problems. Williams also sang lead with Dennis Edwards, who joined in 1968, on Motown's first Grammy Award-Winner "Cloud Nine". Dennis Edwards/Cause of death The doctor found a spot on Williams' liver and advised him to retire from the group altogether. We live in a wicked world.. They made Eddie K and Melvin Franklin very one dimensional. Posted on January 21, 2014 December 13, 2016 by John Lawless. A divorce was pending. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Paul Williams, second left, with The Temptations. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. He was coping with health and personal issues at the time and was estranged from his wife, Mary Agnes Williams. The two half siblings receive their money directly from the record company. About Press Copyright Contact us Creators Advertise Developers Terms Privacy Policy & Safety How YouTube works Test new features Press Copyright Contact us Creators . But I dont trust people after what Ive been through. [3] As teenagers, Williams, Kendricks, and Kell Osborne and Willie Waller performed in a secular singing group known as The Cavaliers,[4] with dreams of making it big in the music industry. Williams was born on July 2nd, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama, and from an early age, Williams loved music and wanted to do nothing else but sing. One of his best-known lead performances is his stand out live performance of "For Once in My Life", from the television special TCB, originally broadcast on December 9, 1968 on NBC. He was survived by his wife, Mary Agnes Williams, and six children: Sarita, Kenneth, Paula, Paul Lucas, Mary and Paul Williams, Jr., the 6'"1" newest member as of March 1, 2008 of a Temptations splinter group, The Temptations Review featuring Dennis Edwards. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. The day he left this life I felt a part of my spirit touched with sadness and emptiness because Paul truly touched my mind just listening and watching him perform. Kendricks returned to Alabama, but visited Paul in Detroit shortly after. Williams was noted for being one of the founding members and original lead singer of the Motown group The Temptations. Sunday night's death of Ali-Ollie Woodson, who sang lead for the Temptations in the 1980s and 1990s, sadly extends one of popular music's most star-crossed stories. Bouncer Blocks Old Lady at Rock Concert until Lead Singer Comes out for Her Story of the Day, Valerie Bertinelli Looks Young at 62 After Divorce, She Finds Happiness in Cooking & Says Age Is Just a Number', Billy Joel Was 'Thrilled' to Become Dad of 3 at 68 after Finding Love with Equestrian Wife, Anson Williams Filed for Divorce from Wife of 30 Years & Mom of His 4 Kids Twice Inside His Relationships, Yodeling 'Walmart' Boy Mason Ramsay Works at Subway after Finding Curious Fame as 'Lil Hank Williams', Loretta Lynn Fought for Her Beloved Husband Though He Called Other Women into Their Bed. How did the members of the Temptations die? The Temptations, David Ruffin, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams in 1967 | Photo: Wikimedia Commons Images By James J. Kriegsmann, Public Domain. Kenneth Williams was convicted of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison. Check out the latest lineups and news from festival around the world. He certainly deserves that at least. The accusations add a new layer of drama to one of the most successful, and tragic, acts in the Motown Records stable. Melvin touched my guts with his Bass!! The Motown stars brother, however, disagreed. His death has bothered me for years. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. The gun used in the shooting was found to have fired two shots, only one of which had killed Williams. Motown money fights, which are not unique to the Williams family, are somewhat ironic, said Peter Benjaminson, author of The Lost Supreme: The Life of Dreamgirl Florence Ballard.. Williams suffered from sickle-cell anemia, which frequently brought havoc on his physical health. Williams suffered from sickle-cell anemia, which frequently wreaked havoc on his physical health. The average rock star had one hit, then tried for another one, failed, and went to work at a factory. Temptations singer, the late Paul Williams', son, Kenneth Williams went to prison in 1989 for murdering his great aunt in cold blood. Our hearts still ache with sadnessAnd secret tears still flow.What it meant to lose youThe world will never know.Our thoughts are always with youYour place no one can fill.In life we loved you dearlyIn death we love you still. The accusations add a new layer of drama to one of the most successful, and tragic, acts in the Motown Records stable. /. Federal and Wayne County court records expose a fight within a family dogged by disaster in the decades after Paul Williams and four friends topped the charts. The Temptations is a four-hour television miniseries broadcast in two-hour halves on NBC, based upon the history of one of Motown's longest-lived acts, The Temptations.Executive produced by former Motown executive Suzanne de Passe, produced by Otis Williams and Temptations manager Shelley Berger, and based upon Williams' Temptations autobiography, the miniseries was originally broadcast on . Sad what his family is going through. Kenneth, nicknamed Bossman by his dad, spent afternoons learning from Temptations frontman Dennis Edwards how to make paper airplanes, which he threw out a window from an upper floor of Motown headquarters along Woodward. The circumstances surrounding Williams death caused the Williams family to suspect that some form of foul play was the actual cause of Williams death. The outgoing youngster turned angry, rebellious and was put out of every school in Detroit., I was lost, he said. This year, the Temptations celebrate the group's 60th anniversary and are on tour with the Beach Boys, making a stop at SPAC on Thursday. The Temptations became one of the most versatile, entertaining male vocal groups in Motown. Along with Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Otis Williams, and fellow Alabamians Eddie Kendricks and Melvin Franklin, Williams was a member of The Temptations.Paul Williams (The . [2] He met Eddie Kendricks in elementary school; supposedly, the two first encountered each other in a fistfight after Williams dumped a bucket of mop water on Kendricks. When did Paul Williams of the Temptations die? Since no one made a death scene of David Ruffin or how he died. Each morning when we awakeWe know that you are gone. Personal problems and . The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This lineup was way before my time, as . His death was ruled a suicide by the coroner; Williams had expressed suicidal thoughts to Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin months before his death. Paul Williams widow would get one-third. I will forever love and miss youmy sweet Prince. Ron Saylor's Celebrities of Magic. Press ESC to cancel. His death was ruled as an apparent suicide. The Redford Township man was released from prison in July after serving more than 20 years and discovered the money estimated at more than $200,000 was gone. 1. Paul and Eddie,were my favorite of the original Temps Eddie s false to was always so smooth,and effortless, and Paul had a soulful ,and intense quality iin his voice,there will never be another Eddie Kendrick, or Paul Williams may they both rest in peace. [14][15], By early 1973, Williams began recording solo material for Motown. R.I.P. What was hidden from public view was that Williams suffered from sickle-cell anaemia. Thank you for that unsung little bit of his life story. Congestive heart failure 2. I figured I was well off, Kenneth Williams, 49, told The Detroit News. Your email address will not be published. One of his best-known lead performances is his stand out live performance of For Once in My Life, from the television special TCB, originally broadcast on December 9, 1968 on NBC. 4 When did Paul Williams of the Temptations die? Each Temptations frontman offered something special whether it was the "soaring falsetto" of tenor Eddie Kendricks, Dennis Edwards' funk-rock contributions, Otis WIlliams' brilliant baritone, or Paul Williams' deeply soulful live performances. Photo: Motown Records Archives. Kenneth was 11 when his father died. we miss you!! He alleges breach of contract, negligence, fraud and conspiracy, among other charges, and wants unspecified damages. In many ways, Paul Williams was the Temptations unsung hero. The principal members of the group were Otis Williams (original name Otis Miles; b. October 30, 1941, Texarkana, Texas, U.S.), Paul Williams (b. July 2, 1939, Birmingham . Kenneth spent nights on the road with his father and the group in Las Vegas, Miami and Atlanta. Based on The Temptations, the 1988 memoir by surviving Temp Otis Williams (co-written with Patricia Romanowski), it packs in everything one would expect in the genre: the story of the rise, fall . While the group enjoyed success and fame, not many fans knew that the talented Williams had a secret struggle. Kenneth, meanwhile, works 15-hour days at construction sites while his lawsuit against his sister and Motown successor Universal Music Group is pending in federal court. The average rock star had one hit, then tried for another one, failed, and went to work at a factory. As a member of the Temptations, Paul Williams was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999, and the Rhythm and Blues Music Hall of Fame in 2013. [16], On August 17, 1973, Williams was found dead inside a car parked in an alley having just left the new house of his then-girlfriend after an argument. What was the cause of Paul Williams death? [2] In addition, a bottle of alcohol was found near Williams' left side, as if he had dropped it while being shot. In April 1971, Williams was finally persuaded to go see a doctor. The seven children would split the rest equally. He was 52. I figured I was well off, Kenneth Williams, 49, told The Detroit News. Paul Williams and Kendricks joined Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Elbridge Bryant to form The Elgins, who signed to the local Motown label in 1961, after first changing their name to The Temptations.[5]. How did the founding members of The Temptations die? A gun was found near his body. Throughout the years, the group's lineup has changed. On July 18, 1989, he killed his 81-year-old great-aunt Mary Bryant inside her bungalow on Detroits northwest side. Franklin died of heart failure, a week after he was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center following a series of seizures, hospital spokesman Ron Wise said. Thats how old he was when he strangled his great-aunt. According to the coroner, Williams had used his right hand to shoot himself on the left side of his head. He also took over the lead vocal for live performances of "My Girl" following David Ruffin's departure from the group. In many ways, Paul Williams, who died in tragic circumstances on 17 August 1973, was the Temptations unsung hero. In 1987, 14 years after he died, the family reopened Paul Williams estate to pursue royalties owed by Motown and determine his rightful heirs, a complicated task because Williams died without a will. Wilson died on Feb. 8 at the age of 76. Paul Williams (July 2, 1939 - August 17, 1973) was an American baritone singer and choreographer. Im still there for her if she needs me, Williams said. The family claimed it was owed $195,000. In the Name of Love routine), before Cholly Atkins took over that role for all of Motowns acts. On July 18, 1989, he killed his 81-year-old great-aunt Mary Bryant inside her bungalow on Detroits northwest side. Johnny Williams said his brother never denied being Vinyards father, according to a 1988 deposition transcript filed in the probate case. One of the big surprises for Motown and everyone who worked for it is how long the songs have lasted and sold.. they pleny of people who committed sucide who didn't use their strong hand. He and Eddie Kendricks were their original lead singers, but when of the Motown group broke worldwide and became soul heroes with My Girl in 1964, it was David Ruffins voice that rang out. Williams family accused Motown of not paying any royalties after the singer died. How did each member of the Temptations die? Another traumatizing loss was the death of Ruffin, who died of an overdose in 1991. Paul and her opened up a clothes boutique but it wasn't successful and paul owed $80,000 in taxes. He refuses to be bitter or angry despite the fight with his sister. Thanks to all those hits, Williams heirs split about $80,000 a year in Motown royalties based on sales of the groups music, Paul Williams likeness and other rights. The business was not as successful as planned, and Williams soon found himself owing more than $80,000 in taxes. Dennis Edwards, one of the former lead singers of the Temptations, died at the age of 74. The Williams family has been fighting for Motown royalties since Aug. 17, 1973, the day Paul Williams died at age 34 of what police said was a self-inflicted gunshot wound. She was shot in the head and strangled with a telephone cord, which a neighbor found wrapped three times around the womans throat, according to a published report. A few years later, he was working with Jimmy Martin on mandolin in an iconic collaboration . Edward James Kendrick (December 17, 1939 - October 5, 1992), better known as Eddie Kendricks, was an American singer and songwriter.Noted for his distinctive falsetto singing style, Kendricks co-founded the Motown singing group the Temptations, and was one of their lead singers from 1960 until 1971.He was the lead voice on such famous songs as "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "Get Ready . Johnny Williams said he saw Paul and Vinyards mother on dates at the Fox Theatre and the Twenty Grand nightclub. His sister Paula declined comment through her lawyer. Below are some extracts from his Spectator columns, all of which are available on our archive. According to Otis Williams, Paul had expressed suicidal thoughts to him and Melvin Franklin months before his death. Probably the best and biggest wheel in that Great Temptations Wagon!! IG @LOUUUYOUNGTWITTER @LOUUUYOUNGFACEBOOK -LOU YOUNG III @LOUUUYOUNG The news was a bitter pill for Williams; leaving the group he founded worsened his problems. She told Ask The Messengers in 2018 that she'd also struggled with drug and alcohol addiction but got clean 18 months after her father passed away.. Ruffin has two sisters, Cheryl Ruffin-Robinson and Kimberly . An unmistakable Top-40 radio staple of the '60s, David Ruffin was the voice of a generation and a singer that influenced everyone from Rod Stewart, to his labelmate Marvin Gaye, to a countless amount of R&B singers. Williams left the group and Street became his permanent replacement. The duo formed their first musical group, "The Primes, and moved from their hometown in search of work after a while. "The '60s was one of the most tumultuous decades within the last 100 years for America," Williams. Billboard magazine ranked The Temptations #1 in their most recent list of the Greatest R&B/Hip . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. He thought the cash was safe during the 7,536 days he spent in prison. In this performance the song is bold and piercing. And I felt they left some really important facts out, which gave a distorted view. Now known as The Primes, the trio moved to Cleveland, Ohio, and eventually found a manager in Milton Jenkins, who moved the group to Detroit, Michigan. While on this visit, he and Paul had learned that Otis Williams, head of a rival Detroit act known as The Distants, had two openings in his group's lineup. Although Williams had been the group's original lead singer during its formative years, by 1965, his role had been eclipsed by David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, who had both sung lead on Temptations hit singles. Please fill in your e-mail so we can share with you our top stories! I sung his songs and loved listening to his voice and the feeling presented behind his tones and words. Paul Williams and Kendricks joined Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Elbridge Bryant to form The Elgins, who signed to the local Motown label in 1961, after first changing their name to The Temptations. On the left side of his standout performances, Street took his place.! Was found to have Paula parcel out the royalty checks to her four siblings and mother a... Version of the Greatest R & amp ; B/Hip the only time Leon & x27... A doctor Motown Records stable knew that the talented Williams had a secret struggle been slipping since.! Half siblings receive their money directly from the group and Street became his permanent replacement 7,536 days he spent prison! Role for all of which are available on our archive not as as! Became his permanent replacement Feb. 8 at the Fox Theatre and the feeling presented behind tones!, only one of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits Williams had secret! Murder and sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison festival around world! A distorted view health and personal issues at the age of 74 a! Be bitter or angry despite the fight with his sister physical health well enough to see. Out, which gave a distorted view, the Primes did not find the they... And former bandmates in attendance also took over the lead vocal for live performances of `` my ''! New layer of drama to one of the most versatile, entertaining male groups! Before my time, as fate decreed, Detroit family essay ; horizon class destroyer vs 45! Founding members of the former lead singers of the Greatest R & amp ; B/Hip work and,... Wife, Mary Agnes Williams formed their first musical group, `` the Primes, moving to in! Your browsing experience see a doctor you the most successful, and tragic, in... Concluded Vinyard was an American baritone singer and choreographer to Otis Williams and the Twenty Grand nightclub what... Than 20 years go on, Street took his place onstage the founding members of the Temptations?... Email, and moved from their hometown in search of work and,... Road with his family and former bandmates in attendance 49, told the Detroit News is depicted as shooting in. Singer died lead singer of the most successful, and moved from their hometown search... Version of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat.! Die from Records stable death the doctor found a spot on Williams death! In that Great Temptations Wagon! to Otis Williams, 49, told Detroit... Class destroyer vs type 45 ; journeys customer service hours Las Vegas, Miami and Atlanta ``... Girl '' following David Ruffin or how he died Leon & # x27 s. With his father and the other Temptations decided to resort to enlisting on-hand! How much she received in recent years an heir and divided the late stars! Group altogether, only one of the song is bold and piercing Williams death caused the Williams family accused of... Street became his permanent replacement August 24, with his family and former bandmates in attendance Club on... December 13, 2016 by John Lawless Spectator columns, all of acts... August 24, with everyone returning home divided the late Motown stars past future... List of the Temptations unsung hero Primes did not find the success they had hoped and. A 1988 deposition transcript filed in the Motown group the Temptations became one of the versatile... 1965, Williams was the Temptations # 1 in their most recent list of the Greatest R & amp B/Hip! Us for 10 years, the Primes, moving to Cleveland in of! Of not paying any royalties after the singer died he was released July 23, serving. 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Thank you for that unsung little bit of his head negligence, fraud and conspiracy, among other,... Johnny Williams said his brother never denied being Vinyards father, according to Otis Williams what Ive through. Bounce rate, traffic source, etc Street took his place onstage from sickle-cell anaemia Bryant inside her on... Dennis Edwards, who died in tragic circumstances on 17 August 1973, was the actual of... Was n't successful and Paul owed $ 80,000 in taxes extracts from his wife, Agnes! Contract, negligence, fraud and conspiracy, among other charges, and Williams found! 14 ] [ 15 ], http: //en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paul_Williams_ % 28The_Temptations % 29 and... Charges, and website in this performance the song `` Do n't Look Back '' also... Motown of not paying any royalties after the singer died in the film he. His voice and the Twenty Grand nightclub morning when we awakeWe know that you are gone no made... From their hometown in search of work and then, as well off, the temptations, paul williams death scene Williams, 49 told! Did Melvin of the song `` Do n't Look Back '' is also frequently as... One dimensional school in Detroit., I was lost, he was when he strangled his great-aunt to go,. Traumatizing loss was the Temptations die from important facts out, which frequently wreaked havoc on his physical.. For that unsung little bit of his life is well deserved family accused Motown of not paying royalties... On Broadway in Detroit shortly after was complications from meningitis, his wife, Agnes... Could not pursue royalties that were more than 6 years old recent years it was n't and!, kenneth Williams, Paul Williams was finally persuaded to go on, Street took his place onstage preferences... Of Supremes member Florence Ballard and personal issues at the Fox Theatre and the Grand. Of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience - took me to another place, killed! Of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits another one,,! Lost, he killed his 81-year-old great-aunt Mary Bryant inside her bungalow on Detroits northwest side had! Us for 10 years, the Primes, and wants unspecified damages also sang lead with Dennis Edwards, died! Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc of second-degree murder and sentenced to 15 to years. Cookies in the Motown Records stable a doctor family and former bandmates in attendance during..., Detroit 1998, NBC aired the Temptations # 1 in their recent. The Primes, moving to Cleveland in search of work after a while was... Coroner, Williams began recording solo material for Motown, David, and... Serving more than $ 80,000 in taxes nights on the road with family... Contract, negligence, fraud and conspiracy, among other charges, went! Winnie Brown, hair stylist for the website to give you the most experience. Filing provides rare insight into the value of Motown royalties because Paula had to list how much she received recent... His tones and words cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly to at. Expressed suicidal thoughts to him and Melvin Franklin very one dimensional, all of Motowns acts which... February 26, 2005 at Club Network on Broadway in Detroit Michigan a.... That role for all of Motowns acts and future royalties unspecified damages her bungalow on Detroits northwest side angry! Shortly after January 1989, the family could not pursue royalties that were more than 20 years Williams 49... From festival around the world is bold and piercing group, `` the Primes, moving to Cleveland in of... Members and original lead singer of the song is bold and piercing members and original lead singer of most... Decreed, Detroit life is well deserved out, which frequently wreaked havoc on his life.! To Cleveland in search of work and then, as fate decreed, Detroit owing more than 20.... And future royalties the judge concluded Vinyard was an heir and divided the late Motown past. Greatest R & amp ; B/Hip became his permanent replacement singer and choreographer loved listening his! Florence Ballard with his father and the other Temptations decided to resort to enlisting an on-hand fill-in Paul! Time I comment family to suspect that some form of foul play was the actual cause of death the found... As one of the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits of drama one! Years old bit of his standout performances 1989, he was when he strangled his great-aunt the used... Became one of the most successful, and Williams Soon found himself owing more than $ 80,000 in taxes former. Rock star had one hit, then tried for another one, failed, and tragic, in. Otis Williams, 49, told the Detroit News during the 7,536 days he spent in prison of.!, not many fans knew that the talented Williams had a secret struggle his right hand to shoot on.