Music is the only language that everyone understands in this world. It has an incredible power to make us feel better instantly. There are so many musical genres to listen to. R&B is one of the most popular and soothing ones. When it comes to the American musical scene, it’s incomplete without R&B musical groups and artists. They have contributed a lot to making this genre a big rage all across the world. One of the prominent R&B musical artists is Elbridge Bryant, who was also one of the founding members of the famous Motown singing group, The Temptations. The classic musical group doesn’t need an introduction. Elbridge Bryant took the musical group to new heights with his singing capabilities. In fact, with his impressive dancing skills, people used to love his live performances.
Elbridge Bryant’s Early Days and Career
Elbridge Bryant was born on September 28, 1939, in Thomasville, Georgia. Later, he shifted to Detroit, Michigan, to make a musical career. After reaching Detroit, Michigan, he had a meeting with Otis Williams, who helped him establish his career. However, he became his good friend and worked with him in different musical ventures and groups, including the Siberians, The Distants, the El Domingoes, etc.
After featuring in multiple bands together, the duo decided to form their new band with the name The Elgins in 1961. They also invited their friends, such as Paul Williams, Primes Eddie Kendricks, and Melvin Franklin, to join the band. After a couple of years, the band was renamed The Temptations and became an essential part of Motown Records.
After creating the new musical group, the duo released two hit singles. Before doing anything else, the label dissolved, and other singles were then released on a different label known as Gordy Records. On the new record label, other members such as Paul Williams and Kendricks would bifurcate various leads, and Otis Williams and Franklin, along with Elbridge, used to sing the background and harmony vocals. They also used to sing some lead lines.
However, during the live performance on a big stage, all of them used to sing together. But Paul Williams, Elbridge Bryant, and Kendricks were mostly the prominent singers in the band.
During the early two years, the band The Temptations, while on MoTown Label, registered one super hit single, ‘Dream Come True, that climbed all the charts. It secured the #22 position on the R&B charts. Similarly, their other single, ‘Isn’t She Pretty’ also became a super hit. Unfortunately, it didn’t climb the U.S. Hot 100 pop singles charts and affected Elbridge Bryant, as he wanted national-level achievement for his singles.
Elbridge Bryant’s Personal Life and Nature
After that, Elbridge Bryant struggled and did low-paying jobs, such as a milkman job, to earn his bread and butter. Simultaneously, he consistently pursued his passion for music to become a hit singer.
As far as his behavior and nature are concerned, Elbridge Bryant was quite impulsive and uncertain. He was also involved in a backstage fight with Paul Williams, in which he smashed beer bottles on his face and got admitted to the hospital. However, Paul showed a big heart by forgiving him and giving him another chance. However, the same sort of incident happened again during the Christmas bash in 1963, which led to the termination of Elbridge Bryant from the band. The band then appointed David Ruffin in place of Elbridge Bryant. After his arrival, the band recorded their first top hit, ‘The Way You Do the Things You Do’. Luckily, the song climbed successfully to the Top 20 Pop Hits list.
What was the next move for Elbridge Bryant after leaving the Temptations?
After being terminated from the group due to his brawl, he started performing with Detroit groups, including The Dramatics at the Summit, The Premiers, etc. He recorded the Dramatics Live CD for the first time with the group, which was released in 1988.
Elbridge Bryant’s relationships, family, and death
Elbridge Bryant’s death was quite a setback for the music industry. He died young, at the age of 36. The reason behind his death was chronic liver disease. The legendary artist Elbridge Bryant died on October 26, 1975, in Flagler County, Florida.
Elbridge Bryant tied the knot with Bobbie Jean Bryant. He has one daughter, who is now living in the same Detroit area where her father started his career.
Elbridge Bryant: FAQs
What was Elbridge Bryant’s cause of the death?
As per the reports released by his group mates, he died due to a prolonged illness. He was getting weaker and sad with each passing day before his death. One could sense the sadness in his voice while singing. Despite creating a new group and doing hard work, he couldn’t survive due to chronic liver disease.
What was Elbridge Bryant’s role in the musical group Temptations?
Elbridge Bryant was one of the founding members of the Temptations and an American tenor singer.
Where was Elbridge Bryant burried?
Elbridge Bryant was buried in Thomas Cemetery in Brantley County.
What did he do after getting fired from the Temptations?
After getting terminated from the Temptations due to his brawl and aggressive behavior, he started working with various singing groups in Detroit, including The Premiers.
