Temptations singer Bruce Williamson Jr. has died, suffering complications from COVID-19 on Sunday. Williamson Jr. passed away at his Las Vegas home, according to multiple reports. He was 49.
Details of his burial arrangements have not been made public yet. The news of the singer’s death was confirmed online by Williamson’s son, Bruce Alan Williamson Jr.
“There’s no words in the world that can express how I feel right now I love you Daddy thank you for being awesome thank you for being loving thank you for being Who You Are I pray to God we will meet again. I love you Daddy R.I.H KING WILLIAMSON,” he posted.
Although he was not an original member of the legendary quintet, he did for a time serve as first tenor lead singer from 2007 through 2015, alongside baritone Otis Williams, tenor Ron Tyson, tenor Terry Weeks, and former bass singer Joe Herndon.
The Temptations’ history includes a long list of singers being added to and removed from the R&B soul group. It’s difficult to keep up with the members, but the Temptations have revolved around at least 25 different singers.
The 1998 two-part mini-series, The Temptations, famously documents the Motown group with the focus on members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and David Ruffin.
Since the 1960s, Otis Williams has carried the group as members quit, died or were replaced. Of the original members, only Texas-bred Otis Williams is alive today.
Paul Williams committed suicide; David Ruffin died of a drug overdose; Eddie Kendricks died of lung cancer; and Melvin Franklin died of heart failure.
Rest in peace.
