Unraveling the Mystery: Eddie Kendricks’ True Height Revealed
As the music industry’s fascination with iconic figures continues to captivate audiences, one question has consistently perplexed fans and critics alike: How tall was Eddie Kendricks? For years, speculation and rumors have swirled around the true height of this beloved musician, leaving fans hungry for answers. As an accomplished journalist with a passion for music and a knack for investigative reporting, it is my honor to delve into the depths of this intriguing conundrum and shed light on Eddie Kendricks’ true height. Through extensive research, interviews with industry professionals, and a meticulous analysis of historical records, this article aims to finally separate fact from fiction and reveal the undeniable truth behind one of music’s most debated curiosities. So sit back, relax, and get ready to satisfy your curiosity as we embark on a journey to unveil the enigmatic stature of Eddie Kendricks.
How Tall Was Eddie Kendricks
Eddie Kendricks, renowned for his falsetto singing style, is a legendary figure in the world of music. But there’s a mystery that has long intrigued fans and critics alike – how tall was Eddie Kendricks? In this article, we dive deep into the realm of heights to separate fact from fiction and uncover the truth behind this enigma.
To understand Eddie Kendricks’ height, we must delve into his life and legacy. Born on December 17, 1939, in Union Springs, Alabama, Kendricks co-founded the iconic Motown singing group, the Temptations. From 1960 to 1971, he dazzled audiences with his mesmerizing vocal range and undeniable stage presence. Hits like “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Get Ready,” and “Just My Imagination” bear witness to his extraordinary talent.
Now, let’s address the burning question – how tall was Eddie Kendricks? According to historical records and various sources, Kendricks stood at an impressive height of 6 feet 1 inch (186 cm). Paired with his captivating voice, this physical stature added to his commanding presence on stage and screen. It’s important to note that height can fluctuate slightly due to measuring techniques or other factors, but this figure remains widely accepted.
Eddie Kendricks’ significance in music history extends beyond his tenure with the Temptations. His collaboration with Diana Ross and the Supremes on the timeless classic “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” showcased his versatility and further cemented his status as a musical icon. Moreover, Kendricks’ talent was acknowledged with a Grammy Award for “Cloud Nine” with the Temptations in 1969. His contributions to the industry will forever be etched in the annals of music.
Sadly, Eddie Kendricks’ life was cut short when he passed away on October 5, 1992, at the age of 52. Lung cancer claimed this extraordinary talent, leaving a void in the hearts of his fans and fellow musicians. To honor Kendricks’ remarkable legacy, a memorial park was established in Birmingham, Alabama, aptly named after him.
In conclusion, the question of Eddie Kendricks’ height has been unequivocally answered. Standing tall at 6 feet 1 inch (186 cm), he was a towering presence in both physical stature and musical prowess. As we reflect on his extraordinary career, let’s celebrate the gift Eddie Kendricks shared with the world – his unforgettable voice and the timeless melodies he brought to life.
Eddie Kendricks, the acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and actor, left an indelible mark on the world of music. With his distinct falsetto voice, Kendricks soared to fame as one of the leading members of The Temptations, the legendary Motown group. His incredible talent and contributions to the music industry have led many to wonder about Eddie Kendricks’ net worth. If you’re curious about this intriguing topic, click here to discover more about Eddie Kendricks’ net worth and get a glimpse into the financial success he achieved throughout his illustrious career.
The Untold Painful Hidden Story of Eddie Kendricks
[youtube v=”DOptfsa7RUs”]
Eddie James Kendricks, often referred to as the best falsetto singer to ever have existed, was a name that was always associated with The Temptations. His smooth and velvety vocals were unparalleled, and he brought a certain class to the falsetto style of singing. With his tall and slender stature, coupled with his shy and boyish charm, Eddie became a favorite among the ladies. Whenever he stepped on stage with The Temptations, the ladies would melt, chanting his name in admiration.
But beneath his innocent and handsome face, there was another side to Eddie Kendricks. He had a strong ego, loved to take control, and was not afraid to voice his opinions. He was cautious and trusted no one but himself, which led to him questioning everything, from relationships to business deals. He would always point out the flaws and wasn’t one to back down, even if it meant getting into altercations. Unfortunately, this trait of his often led to misunderstandings, with many confusing him for being rebellious.
As a result, many people base his legacy solely on how his life turned out in the latter years, which is far from the truth. Various stories have been concocted to justify his untimely death in 1992 at the age of 52. While reports suggest that his cancer was brought about by years of smoking, eyebrows were raised. Did those around him knowingly frustrate him to drive him into depression? Was there a secret motive behind their actions? Did his curious nature and constant questioning turn against him? Or did he poison himself with his own ego, which turned sour?
To truly understand the captivating and chilling story of Edward James Kendricks, let’s take a look at his early life. Born on December 17th, 1939 in Union Springs, Alabama, Eddie grew up in the Ensley neighborhood of Birmingham. He had four siblings – one sister, Patricia, and three brothers, Charles Robert, Clarence, and Paul Williams.
It was Paul Williams who became Eddie’s partner in crime from a young age. They were not only schoolmates but also churchmates, singing together in the church choir and practicing on the porches of their homes. They shared mischievous adventures and often got into trouble. Over time, their bond grew stronger, being reinforced by their love for music.
In 1955, Eddie, Paul, and their friends Kell Osborne and Willie Waller formed a doo-wop group called the Cavaliers and started performing around Birmingham. They were determined to chase their dreams, despite their parents being against their pursuit of secular music due to their religious beliefs. This determination was fueled by their discontent with how their lives were being planned out by their parents. Eddie’s brother, for example, pushed him to work in a slaughterhouse, a job he had no passion for. Paul’s stepfather wanted him to be a minister, but he had different aspirations.
In 1958, they hatched a plan to leave Birmingham and pursue their dreams elsewhere. Kelly saved up money from his job at a local hardware store, and Eddie even stole his brother’s income tax check to fund their escape. They hopped on a Greyhound bus and initially headed to Cincinnati but changed their minds and settled in Cleveland. There, they reunited with Willie Waller, who provided them shelter until they could find their own place.
While auditioning and singing gigs, they also worked as dishwashers at the Majestic Hotel. Although they didn’t get signed by any record labels, an article by a local press, which labeled them as the “dishwashing Trio,” caught the attention of Milton Jenkins, a local pimp who became their manager. Jenkins proposed that they move to Detroit, the new land of opportunity, and changed their name to the Primes. He also added a girl group, the Primettes, which featured Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson, Diana Ross, and Betty McGlown, who later became the Supremes.
However, this venture in Detroit didn’t pan out as expected, and the Primes disbanded in 1961. Kell decided to move to California, while Eddie and Paul returned to Alabama. Coincidentally, around the same time, Eddie heard that another group, The Distance, had lost two of its members and received an offer from Barry Gordy’s Motown label. Eddie called Otis, one of the remaining members, and asked if he could fill in, to which Otis gladly agreed. Eddie also requested that his friend Paul be included in the lineup. And just like that, with the addition of Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, The Elgins, later renamed The Temptations, were born.
Initially, The Temptations sang background for Mary Wells before launching their own career. They faced a series of challenges and setbacks but found success with their hit songs, such as “The Way You Do The Things You Do” in 1964, which catapulted them to fame. The classic five lineup, consisting of Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and David Ruffin, became legendary.
Each member had their unique contribution to the group. Eddie was the spark plug with his distinctive falsetto, while David Ruffin was the energetic force that kept the group going. Melvin Franklin brought a playful character to the mix, and Paul Williams was the dancer who entertained with his moves. Otis Williams, with his leadership skills, kept the team in check. Together, they created a sound that was unrivaled in the music world.
However, the success of The Temptations came with its fair share of challenges, and Eddie Kendricks faced some personal and professional struggles. The group underwent changes in roles and authority, with Norman Whitfield taking over as the main songwriter. The shift to a more psychedelic style of singing didn’t sit well with Eddie, who preferred the love ballads written by Smokey Robinson.
Eddie had worked tirelessly to contribute to the group’s success. He not only sang lead but also co-wrote some of their greatest hits, as well as served as the wardrobe manager. However, much of his work was taken away from him, causing him to feel undervalued and underappreciated. Additionally, the rebellious nature of David Ruffin caused tension within the group. Ruffin’s demand to change the group’s name to David Ruffin and The Temptations, similar to Diana Ross and The Supremes, further strained their relationship.
Another point of contention arose when David Ruffin questioned the financial records of the group, demanding an accounting of their money. This led to friction between Ruffin and Berry Gordy, the head of Motown. Eddie felt that the lack of support from Gordy was due to his past relationship with Diana Ross, creating further tension within the group.
The demotion of his childhood friend, Paul Williams, who was diagnosed with sickle cell anemia and turned to alcohol, also took a toll on Eddie. With the people he trusted losing their grip on the group’s authority, Eddie contemplated leaving The Temptations as early as 1965. However, he worried that he wouldn’t receive the support he needed if he went solo. So, he decided to stay with the group, hoping things would return to normal while quietly planning his exit.
In April 1971, Eddie Kendricks signed a solo deal with Motown’s Tamla division. However, his solo career was met with obstacles as the shadow of The Temptations continued to loom over him. Meanwhile, The Temptations carried on with their successful run of hits under the guidance of Norman Whitfield. They even released a hit song called “Superstar,” which took a jab at Eddie and David Ruffin.
Despite the challenges, Eddie managed to achieve some solo successes. In 1973, his single “Keep On Truckin'” reached number one on the pop charts and sold over a million copies. He followed up with several more hits, such as “Boogie Down” in 1974. However, his stardom was hindered by a lack of creativity and financial constraints imposed by the labels he worked with.
Tragically, Eddie Kendricks’ life was plagued by inner demons and personal struggles. The death of Paul Williams in 1973 had a profound impact on him, as they had been childhood friends and partners in music. This loss reminded Eddie of the turmoil he had experienced within The Temptations, and it haunted him. Eddie struggled with drug addiction and financial instability throughout his life.
Eddie Kendricks left an indelible mark on the world of music, both as a member of The Temptations and as a solo artist. His falsetto vocals and charismatic stage presence made him a beloved figure among fans and fellow musicians. Despite the challenges he faced, Eddie Kendricks will always be remembered for his contribution to one of the greatest groups in music history and for his own solo successes.
In conclusion, the untold painful hidden story of Eddie Kendricks reveals a complex individual who faced both triumphs and struggles throughout his life. From his early days as a mischievous kid in Birmingham to his growth as a member of The Temptations and a solo artist, Eddie left an enduring legacy in the music industry. Despite the untimely end to his life, his talent and influence remain undeniable. Eddie James Kendricks will forever be remembered as one of the greatest falsetto singers and a true music legend.
FAQ
Question 1
What is Eddie Kendricks’ reported height?
Answer 1
Eddie Kendricks was reported to have a height of 6 ft 1 in (186 cm).
Question 2
Did Eddie Kendricks’ height play a role in his career?
Answer 2
While Eddie Kendricks’ height did not directly impact his career, it was his unique falsetto singing style and talent that contributed to his success as a musician. His stature was not a determining factor in his ability to deliver powerful and emotive performances.
Question 3
Is there any speculation or debate about Eddie Kendricks’ height?
Answer 3
Yes, there has been some speculation and debate surrounding Eddie Kendricks’ height. Some sources have suggested alternative measurements, but the most frequently reported height for Kendricks is 6 ft 1 in (186 cm).
Question 4
What is the significance of Eddie Kendricks’ height in relation to other members of the Temptations?
Answer 4
Eddie Kendricks’ height was not particularly noteworthy in relation to the other members of the Temptations. The group consisted of individuals with various heights, and Kendricks’ talent and stage presence were more significant factors in his role within the group.
Question 5
How does Eddie Kendricks’ height compare to average male heights?
Answer 5
Eddie Kendricks’ height of 6 ft 1 in (186 cm) was above the average height for American men. According to statistical data, the average height for adult males in the United States is around 5 ft 9 in (175 cm). Kendricks stood taller than the average male during his time.
