Elbridge Bryant apparently made a name as one of the original lineups of the Motown Records singing group The Temptations. The group had 14 r&B singles as well as captured the mood of the 60s and 70s on movie soundtracks. Though the lineup of the group has changed within sixty years, it is a four-time Grammy winner with hit songs like My Girl, Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone, and Aint Too Proud to Beg among others.
Born in Thomasville in 1939, he found wide acclaim alongside other members of the group like Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and others.
While the Thomasville native was later replaced in the group, he remains an important part of the group that made him famous.
A Look Into The Early Life Of Elbridge Bryant
He was born Elbridge Bryant on September 28, 1939, in Thomasville, Georgia. He moved to Detroit, Michigan where he would meet his lifelong friend and band member, Otis Williams.
As to his heritage, he has some traces of native American ancestry in his blood. Having met Otis at an early stage of their lives, it was only natural for the pair to plan the future together. The two joined or formed different groups together before they had a breakout with temptations.
Known by nicknames like Al or Bones, his other details are quite obscure.
Elbridge Bryant Was A Founding Member Of The Temptations
Ever since he joined the Temptations, Elbridge became an important member. He and Williams had been part of groups like the El Domingoes, the Siberians, and the Elgins which they formed in 1960.
Joining the Elgins was the turnaround that they needed since the group brought together other acts and collaborators like Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams. As part of their rebranding, they changed the group’s name to the Temptations and then signed with Miracle records which was a part of Motown.
Despite recording two singles, their brief exposure was hindered when Miracle Records shot down forcing Elridge and his fellow collaborators to move to Gordy Records Label. He sang background vocals while only doing the lead for a few songs like May I Have This dance. Other members of the group’s current lineup include;
- Ron Tyson
- Terry Weeks
- Jawan M. Jackson
- Anthony Grant
The Truth About The Death Of Elbridge Bryant
Like most well-known music groups, The Temptations lived hard and picked up many vices as well. While many members were able to control the drinking, Elbridge could not and as a result, they started calling him the ‘wild one’.
The lifestyle caught up with him when he fell into alcoholism in 1963. He suffered a series of health challenges leading to liver cirrhosis. The Georgian-born died of liver cirrhosis on October 26, 1975, in Florida. He was only 36 years old at the time of his death.
Other Elusive Facts About The Musician
1. He was Married To Bobbie Jean Bryant
At the time of his death in 1975, he was said to be married to Bobbie Jean Bryant. Findings have still not unraveled who this lady is. Yet many sources report that they had either one or two children with him.
As per these sources, his wife and child(ren) were living in the Detroit area when he passed away.
2. The Tenor Singer was fired From The Temptations
Though the singer is known for his time with the group, he was later replaced by David Ruffin three years after the group was formed. Ruffin who is the younger brother of another Motown act, Jimmy Ruffin was also kicked out in 1968.
Though the many personalities involved in moving a successful group over the years could have affected its lineup, Bryant’s firing from the group is usually linked to clashes he had with other members.
Reportedly, Bryant fell into alcoholism in 1963 leading to outbursts against other group members. He had several altercations with band members and once broke a beer bottle across Paul Williams’s face. Though Williams later forgave him and talked the band out of firing him, other altercations will follow after.
The final straw that broke the camel’s back was the second altercation that occurred on stage during a Christmas party in 1963. It led to the group firing him.
3. Elbridge Tried To Put Together His Own Group
After the Temptations kicked him out of the group, the tenor singer tried to form his own group but the venture was unsuccessful.
However, he worked with the Premieres and briefly reunited with former band members. There are speculations suggesting he may have worked with the Dramatics.
4. His Friend Otis Williams is the Only Surviving Original Temptations Member
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Of all the original members of The Temptations, Bryant and Otis had a long history that started from childhood. This friendship progressed as they pursued their passion for music and joined many groups. Despite Bryant’s short stay with the group, Otis remained with it for many decades.
He witnessed the personality changes that came with the lineup change of over twenty people. Sadly, he also witnessed the deaths of some of the people he started with him. Starting with the suicide of Paul Williams in 1973, others soon followed. franklin and Kendricks died from ailments in the ’90s.
Another traumatizing loss was the death of Ruffin, who died of an overdose in 1991. As it is Otis owns the rights to The Temptations name since he still performs with the group. So far, the Temptations are five-time Grammy award winners with a record sale of over a million albums.
See Also: Is Diana Ross Still Alive? See All The Times She Was Reported Dead
5. How much is Elbridge ‘Al’ Bryant’s Net Worth?
The last years of the former singer were quite sad having failed to launch a successful career. He never revealed how much net worth he had. Yet, his former group the Temptations had a long run over a period of sixty years.
The frontman and de-factor leader, Otis Williams has a net worth of $8 million which he made from his music career.
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