Bruce Williamson, the lead singer of the Temptations, has died. He was 50.
According to TMZ, Williamson passed away at his home in Las Vegas on Sunday night (September 6) from complications related to coronavirus.
Per the outlet, Williamson’s son provided the following statement in the wake of his father’s death: “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 and we will meet again. I love you Daddy R.I.H KING WILLIAMSON."
Williamson, though not an original member of the Temptations, joined the group in 2006 and performed with the Temptations until 2015. Apart from performing some of the Temptation’s biggest hits for concerts and television, Williamson released two albums with the legendary Motown troupe, including 2007’s Back to Front and 2010’s Still Here.
A native of Compton, California, Williamson’s love for soulful music manifested during his time singings in churches as a child. As he detailed in an interview with Las Vegas Black Image Magazine, the musician said he had been mentored by Temptations member Ron Tyson for 10 years before he was inducted into the group.
However, Williamson said original member Otis Williams was against him joining. “Williams was initially against me joining the group because he thought I was too big and too young,” he explained at the time.
Williamson joins a long list of celebrities who have battled or passed away from COVID-19, including late stars like Nick Cordero, John Prine, Ellis Marsalis, and others.
Photo: Getty Images