The Temptations: Melvin Franklin

Smokey Robinson has been quoted saying the reason he adored writin for the Temptations was because they reminded him, of a church group. From, the tenor, baritone all the way down to the bass singer. And that bass vocalist was Melvin Franklin, who probably lifted the bass singer position into being addressed more than ever before when he was parlayed against the many vocalists, of the Temptations.

On Get Ready, listen to his splendid harmony gleaming against the sound, of Eddie Kendricks. The Fe, Fi, Fo, Fum rumbling off their lips. On, the non hit “Say You” watch the way he sell the song following David Ruffin lead which he also does on “Since I Lost My Baby” with the Oh Yeah. Sure, there are constant others songs he led him deep tone too. What Berry Gordy vision? And, Smokey Robinson molded into creating, as a vital focus, of the group.

You must give a high respect to the man that place Melvin Franklin upon many fantastics hits during the years when Ruffin’s was relieved, of his membership. And, we know him, as Norman Whitfield, who still hold the record for being the only producer to this day to understands the importance, of the bass singer upon recording, of the Temptations.

From, the moment he split the harmony among the five members, with Edward aboard. He strecthed it further down the path. We know “And The Band Played On” made you notice Melvin Franklin vocals more than any other with that tone. Robinson used it on the Marvelletes “My Baby Must Be A Magician” to get that magic touch. Teena Marie, used it on “It’s Must Be Magic” in similar ways. Punk Funk King Rick James used it to a great effect too. That just how important his vocals was to a record. We know “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone” wouldn’t be the same without his voice. But the whole song would be lost with out all the Classic II seventies Temptations members.

Others producers failed to use his voice in the way Whitefield/ Robinson was able to do when the ascended to the producer chair. Why? They was struck on the voices they thought was the Temptations, without understanding that Franklin’s also made them, what they became.

On “Run Charlie Run” a song that needed his voice to proclaim the “Look! the niggers are coming” which is repeated although the song about the moralistic teaching, of life we learn on Sunday and totally forget on Monday was the most vital part, of the song. We can’t give enough credit to David English, known as Melvin” Blue” Franklin to the world. He wasn’t the best blues bass singer. He wasn’t the best country bass singer. He wasn’t the best gospel bass singer. He simply was the world’s greatest bass singer.

And, the funniest thing about being the best. It would take a best bass singer to take his place in the Temptations. And, during the years when Harry Mcgilberry was apart, of the Temptations after the late Ray Davis you would swear it was Melvin Franklin being recarnated because he sounded so similar to the man spot that’s only a few has walked in his shoes to earn undying love, from the fans of this great group.

What soul group can states they have had the best tenor? The best baritone and bass singer upon the best known records in the world. Not many. Not any except the Temptations. Who had a man name Melvin?


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