The Temptations singer Ali-Ollie Woodson dies

Legendary Motown singer Ali-Ollie Woodson has died.

The hitmaker – who fronted The Temptations in the 80s and 90s – passed away on Sunday (30.05.2010) in southern California after an 18-month battle with cancer.

Billy Wilson, president of the Motown Alumni Association, said: “He had this swagger about himself. He was cool. He had a coolness about himself that was really very inviting.”

The pair first met in 1980 just before Woodson joined the group and was charged with the task of replacing former The Temptations frontman Dennis Edwards.

Wilson revealed despite the 58-year-old singer’s fame, he was “always a gentleman and always polite and kind to everybody”.

He said: “If we ever asked him to do anything, he never said, ‘well, it’s going to cost you.’ He’d always say, ‘yeah, let’s go’.

“He was just a star performer. Wonderful person. Wonderful, wonderful person. He was very kind.”

Woodson was not an original member of The Temptations, but his distinct voice featured on hits such as ‘Sail Away’, ‘Lady Soul’ and ‘Treat Her Like A Lady’.

After leaving the group, Woodson embarked on a solo career, touring with Ali-Ollie Woodson and the Emperors of Soul.

He leaves behind his wife Juanita and several children.

In a statement on the singer’s official website, his family said: “The family of Ali-Ollie Woodson would like to express our heartfelt and sincere thanks for all your prayers that comfort us during this difficult time.

“His fans were very much family to him. God blessed Ali with incredible talent, family and you, his fans. His loving memory will continue to live on through his music and through us all.”