Music
Paul Williams
1939–1973 · singer, choreographer
Founding member and original lead singer of the Temptations, who also devised the group's early dance routines; he died in Detroit in 1973.
- Born
Birmingham, Alabama- Died
Detroit, Michigan
aged 34- Detroit years
- c. 1957–1973
- Field
- Music
01 / The Detroit story
The Detroit story
Williams grew up in Birmingham, Alabama, with his friend Eddie Kendricks, and in the late 1950s the two moved north with their group, which became the Primes in Detroit. In 1960 they joined Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin and Elbridge Bryant, and the new group signed to Motown in 1961 as the Temptations. Williams sang most early leads and was considered the group's best dancer: he created their routines and some for the Supremes, including the "Stop! In the Name of Love" hand gesture, before Cholly Atkins became Motown's choreographer. Sickle-cell anemia, alcoholism and debts from a downtown Detroit boutique he opened in 1969 wore him down, and he left the group in 1971. He was found dead in Detroit in 1973, an apparent suicide, and is buried in Macomb County.
Highlights
- Original lead singer of the Temptations
- Created early Temptations choreography and the Supremes' "Stop!" gesture
- Rock and Roll Hall of Fame 1989 (posthumously, with the group)
- Signature leads include "Don't Look Back"
02 / Their Detroit places
Their Detroit places 2
Where they lived, worked, performed and liked to hang out. Closed and demolished places stay here too, because they are part of the city's history.
Recorded here · 1961–1971
Motown Museum
The Temptations recorded here; Williams sang lead on many early sides.
Buried here · 1973
Lincoln Memorial Park Cemetery
His grave, in Clinton Township, Macomb County.