Elbridge Bryant reportedly became well-known as a member of The Temptations’ original lineup for Motown Records. The group produced 14 r&B singles and provided the soundtrack music for several films from the 1960s and 1970s. The group, whose lineup has changed several times over the past 60 years, is a four-time Grammy winner and is known for such popular songs as My Girl, Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone, and Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.
Elbridge Bryant gained widespread recognition alongside other band members like Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and others. He was born in Thomasville in 1939.
Although the native of Thomasville was later replaced in the group, he still plays a significant role in the one that first made him famous.
A Look At Elbridge Bryant’s Formative Years
On September 28, 1939, in Thomasville, Georgia, Elbridge Bryant was born. He relocated to Detroit, Michigan, where he eventually met Otis Williams, who would become a lifelong friend and bandmate.
He has some Native American ancestry in his blood, according to his heritage. It was only natural for the two to plan the future together after they first met Otis at a young age. Before they encountered temptations, the two formed or joined various groups together.
He goes by the monikers Al or Bones, but little else is known about him.
The Temptations’ Founding Member Elbridge Bryant
Elbridge has played a significant role in the Temptations ever since he joined. He and Williams had previously belonged to organizations such as the El Domingoes, the Siberians, and the Elgins, which they founded in 1960.
Since the Elgins brought together other acts and collaborators like Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams, joining the group was the turnaround they needed. The group’s name was changed to the Temptations as part of their rebranding, and they subsequently signed with Miracle Records, a division of Motown.
Although they produced two singles, their short-lived success was hampered when Miracle Records was shut down, forcing Elridge and his fellow performers to switch to Gordy Records Label. He only sang the lead on a few songs, such as May I Have This dance, and sang background vocals on the rest. The group’s current lineup additionally consists of;
- Ron Tyson
- Terry Weeks
- Jawan M. Jackson
- Anthony Grant
The Real Reason Behind Elbridge Bryant’s Death
Like most famous music groups, The Temptations led a hard life and developed a variety of vices. Elbridge was the “wild one,” as they began to refer to him because he was unable to control his drinking while the majority of the group could.
When he developed alcoholism in 1963, the lifestyle finally caught up with him. He encountered numerous health issues that eventually resulted in liver cirrhosis. The Georgian-born man passed away in Florida on October 26, 1975, from liver cirrhosis. He was only 36 years old when he passed away.
Additional Mysterious Facts About the Elbridge Bryant
1. His wife was Bobbie Jean Bryant.
He was reportedly married to Bobbie Jean Bryant when he passed away in 1975. Who this woman remains a mystery despite discoveries. Nevertheless, a lot of sources claim that they had one or two kids with him.
These sources state that at the time of his death, his wife and child(ren) were residing in the Detroit area.
2. The Temptations fired their tenor singer.
The singer is well-known for his time with the band, but three years after the band’s formation, he was replaced by David Ruffin. Ruffin, the younger brother of another Motown performer named Jimmy Ruffin, was expelled in 1968.
Bryant’s dismissal from the group is typically attributed to conflicts he had with other members, even though the various personalities involved in moving a successful group over the years could have had an impact on its lineup.
According to reports, Bryant developed an alcohol problem in 1963, which caused him to lash out at other group members. He frequently got into fights with the band members, and once Paul Williams was hit in the face with a beer bottle. Even though Williams later forgave him and convinced the band not to fire him, there will still be more fights.
The second altercation that took place on stage at a Christmas party in 1963 served as the straw that finally broke the camel’s back. He was fired by the group as a result.
3. Elbridge attempted to form his group.
The tenor singer attempted to start his band after the Temptations booted him out, but the endeavor was unsuccessful.
Nevertheless, he collaborated with the Premieres and briefly reconnected with bandmates. There are rumors that he may have collaborated with the Dramatics.
4. The sole surviving original member of the Temptations is his friend Otis Williams.
Bryant and Otis had the longest relationship of all The Temptations’ founding members, dating back to their early years. As they followed their passion for music and joined numerous groups, their friendship grew stronger. Bryant only stayed a short time with the group, but Otis stayed for many years.
He saw the personality shifts that occurred as the lineup of more than twenty people changed. Sadly, he also saw some of the people he started with pass away. Paul Williams committed suicide in 1973, and others soon followed. Franklin and Kendricks passed away in the 1990s from illnesses.
The overdose death of Ruffin in 1991 was yet another traumatic loss. Since he still performs with the group, Otis currently holds the trademark rights to The Temptations name. The Temptations have won five Grammy awards to date and have sold over a million albums.
5. Elbridge “Al” Bryant’s net worth is how much?
The former singer’s final years were quite depressing because she was unable to start a lucrative career. He never disclosed his wealth. However, his previous band, the Temptations, enjoyed a successful career that lasted for sixty years.
Otis Williams, the frontman and de-factor leader, earned $8 million from his career as a musician.