Medical examiner: Singer died of meningitis complications

CHICAGO – The Cook County, Illinois medical examiner’s office has determined that former Temptations lead singer Dennis Edwards died of complications from meningitis.

Edwards died last month in Chicago after a long illness. He was 74.

The Chicago Tribune reports the medical examiner’s finding, released Friday, confirms what the family said when announcing Edwards’ death on Feb. 1.

The Birmingham, Alabama-born Edwards replaced founding member David Ruffin in 1968. His soulful, passionate voice defined the group for years. He was a member on and off for about two decades and part of the lineup that released “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” ”Ball of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today)” and “Cloud Nine.”

Edwards was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame with the rest of The Temptations in 1989.

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Information from: Chicago Tribune, http://www.chicagotribune.com