Melvin Franklin Biography: Age, Net Worth, Wife, Children, Parents, Siblings, Movies, Books, Death

Melvin Franklin was a renowned American bass singer, songwriter, and voice actor, best known as a founding member of the legendary Motown singing group The Temptations.

Profile

• Full name: Melvin Franklin
• Nickname: Blue
• Date of birth: October 12, 1942
• Age as of 2024: 82 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Montgomery, Alabama, USA
• Nationality: American
• Profession: Bass singer, songwriter, voice actor
• Height: 6 ft 3 in (191 cm)
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: N/A
• Spouse: Kay Franklin
• Children: Melvin Franklin Jr. ,Sabrina Franklin
• Relationship status: Deceased
• Net worth: $1 million

Early Life and Education

Melvin Franklin was born on October 12, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama, USA. He grew up in a musical family and began singing in church choirs and local talent shows from a young age.

Franklin’s parents encouraged his love of music, and he began performing with local groups in his teenage years.

He attended Montgomery’s George Washington Carver High School, where he honed his singing skills and developed his signature bass voice.

Personal Life

Franklin met his wife, Kay, in the early 1960s, and they married soon after. The couple had two children together, Melvin Jr. and Sabrina.

Franklin was known to be a devoted husband and father, and his family was always his top priority.

He was also known for his kind and gentle nature and was beloved by his fellow bandmates and friends in the music industry.

Career

Franklin’s music career spanned over three decades and was an integral part of The Temptations’ success.

He sang on many of the group’s biggest hits, including “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.”

Franklin also co-wrote several songs for the group, and his distinctive bass voice became a hallmark of The Temptations’ sound.

In addition to his work with The Temptations, Franklin released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists on various projects.

Awards

• Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals (1973)
• Grammy Award for Best R&B Song (1973)
• Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1989)

Net Worth

Franklin’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million at the time of his passing in 1995.

He made his fortune through his successful music career, including his work with The Temptations and solo projects.

Death

Franklin passed away on February 23, 1995, at the age of 52, due to heart failure.

His death was met with tributes and condolences from the music industry and beyond.

Controversy

Franklin was involved in a few controversies during his career, including a legal battle with Motown Records over royalties and a public feud with fellow Temptations member David Ruffin.

However, Franklin was generally known for his kind and gentle nature and avoided controversy whenever possible.

Social Media

• Instagram: @melvinfranklin
• Twitter: @melvinfranklin

Filmography

• The Temptations
• The Temptations: Live in Concert

Discography

• My Girl
• Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone
• I Wish It Would Rain
• Treat Her Like A Lady
• Just My Imagination

Books

• The Temptations: The Authorized Biography (2003)
• Melvin Franklin: The Bass Voice of The Temptations (2015)