5 Shocking Reasons Eddie Kendricks Left The Temptations At The Peak Of Their Fame

The legacy of Eddie Kendricks, the unmistakable falsetto tenor of The Temptations, remains one of the most compelling and dramatic stories in Motown history, even as the group continues its historic run into 2025. This article, updated in December 2025, dives deep into the career of the singer who helped define the sound of soul music, from the polished choreography of the "Classic Five" era to his explosive solo career.

From co-founding the group and lending his voice to some of the biggest hits of the 1960s, Kendricks’s journey was marked by creative tension and a desire for artistic freedom. His departure in 1971, immediately after delivering the group's final major hit of the era, "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," sent shockwaves through the music industry and set the stage for one of the most successful solo transitions in Motown history.

The Complete Biography and Profile of Eddie Kendricks

Edward James Kendrick, known professionally as Eddie Kendricks, was an American tenor and songwriter whose distinctive falsetto made him an essential voice of the Motown sound. He was a founding member of The Temptations and a key figure in their rise to global superstardom.

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• Full Name: Edward James Kendrick
• Stage Name: Eddie Kendricks
• Born: December 17, 1939, in Union Springs, Alabama
• Died: October 5, 1992 (Aged 52) in Birmingham, Alabama
• Cause of Death: Lung cancer
• Occupation: Singer, Songwriter
• Vocal Style: Distinctive Falsetto Tenor
• Group Affiliation: The Temptations (1960–1971)
• Key Temptations Lead Vocals: "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "Get Ready," "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)"
• Key Solo Hits: "Keep On Truckin’" (1973), "Boogie Down" (1974)
• Record Labels: Motown (The Temptations), Tamla (Solo Career)
• Legacy: Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with The Temptations in 1989.

The Golden Age: Kendricks’s Defining Role in The Temptations

Eddie Kendricks was a cornerstone of The Temptations from their inception. Before they were The Temptations, Kendricks and Paul Williams were members of The Primes, who eventually merged with members of The Distants (Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin) to form The Elgins, later renamed The Temptations.

His voice was the crucial ingredient in the "Classic Five" lineup, which consisted of Kendricks, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and David Ruffin.

While David Ruffin’s gritty baritone powered hits like "My Girl" and "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," Kendricks’s high, ethereal falsetto provided the sweet, romantic contrast that made the group's harmonies legendary. His lead vocals on the group’s early pop-leaning hits, such as 1964's "The Way You Do the Things You Do," established The Temptations as a commercial force.

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However, his most enduring contribution came right before his exit. The 1971 masterpiece, "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)," is arguably the definitive showcase for his vocal talent. The song’s lush, dreamy arrangement and Kendricks’s tender, soaring lead vocal made it a global smash and a timeless ballad, a bittersweet farewell to the group he co-founded.

The Bitter Split: 5 Key Factors That Forced Kendricks’s Exit

Kendricks’s departure in 1971 was not a sudden impulse but the culmination of years of mounting frustration and creative differences. The internal politics and artistic direction of Motown Records and The Temptations created an environment where one of the group’s key voices felt stifled. Here are the five main factors that led to the dramatic split:

1. Creative Conflict with Producer Norman Whitfield

The most significant factor was the shift in The Temptations’ sound under producer Norman Whitfield. After the late 1960s, Whitfield steered the group away from their classic R&B harmonies toward a new, experimental genre known as "psychedelic soul."

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This new, funk-heavy style, exemplified by tracks like "Cloud Nine" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," often featured darker, more abstract themes and complex arrangements. Kendricks was a vocal opponent of this direction, preferring the classic Motown sound he helped create. He felt his falsetto was being marginalized in favor of the new lead singer, Dennis Edwards, who was better suited for the grittier, funkier sound.

2. The Struggle for Lead Vocal Opportunities

Like David Ruffin before him, Kendricks grew tired of the ensemble structure. He felt he was not being given enough lead vocal opportunities, especially as the group moved into the psychedelic era. He was a singer who "wanted to sing those leads," and going solo was the only way he could achieve the creative control he desired.

3. Growing Internal Group Tensions

The Temptations were notorious for their rotating lineup and internal strife. Kendricks had a particularly difficult relationship with founding member Otis Williams, who, as the group’s leader, was often seen as the enforcer of Motown’s decisions. The constant lineup reshuffle, especially the firing of David Ruffin, created an atmosphere of distrust and resentment among the members.

4. The Shadow of David Ruffin's Firing

The firing of David Ruffin in 1968 deeply affected Kendricks, who was close to Ruffin. The two singers shared a similar frustration with the group's management and creative control. Ruffin's exit created a precedent and likely solidified Kendricks’s belief that the group environment was no longer sustainable for a strong-willed lead singer. The two would later perform together as a duo in the 1980s, a testament to their bond.

5. The Allure of Solo Stardom on the Tamla Label

Despite the internal conflicts, Kendricks was an immensely popular artist. Motown, recognizing his talent, offered him a solo contract on their Tamla subsidiary. This provided him with the perfect opportunity to escape the group’s politics and the psychedelic soul direction he disliked. He traded the harmony of the quintet for the spotlight of a solo career, a move that would prove highly successful.

The Solo Triumph: Keep On Truckin’ and Boogie Down

After a somewhat slow start, Kendricks’s solo career exploded in 1973 with the release of the funk-infused single, "Keep On Truckin’ (Part 1)." The song was a massive commercial success, hitting number one on both the R&B and Billboard Hot 100 charts.

This success was crucial, as it validated his decision to leave The Temptations and proved he could thrive independently of the Motown machine. He followed this up in 1974 with another major hit, "Boogie Down," which also climbed to the top of the charts, solidifying his status as a major solo artist in the disco and funk era.

Kendricks released nine solo albums on the Tamla label between 1971 and 1977, demonstrating a versatility that ranged from classic soul to disco. His ability to adapt to the changing musical landscape of the 1970s, something he resisted within The Temptations, ironically became the key to his solo triumph.

A Lasting Legacy and Reunion

Despite the acrimony of his departure, Kendricks maintained a deep connection to his former bandmates. He and David Ruffin briefly rejoined The Temptations for a reunion tour and album in 1982, titled Reunion. This tour, though short-lived, gave fans a final chance to see the iconic Ruffin and Kendricks back with Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin.

Eddie Kendricks passed away on October 5, 1992, but his voice remains immortalized. The enduring popularity of The Temptations, whose current iteration continues to perform and receive accolades, ensures that Kendricks's falsetto will continue to be heard by new generations. His solo hits remain staples of classic funk and soul radio, cementing his legacy not just as a member of a legendary group, but as a true musical visionary who dared to forge his own path.