2.4.18: Nation – (Music): The year 1968 in America is described by some historians and observers as contentious, consequential, monumental, and tumultuous; the aforementioned adjectives are almost always asserted in the context of politics and race.
But 1968 didn’t just usher in a new era of black power activism and a political climate of cynicism which kept journalists ever-so vigilant. That year, which in present day celebrates its 50th anniversary, gave way to a new brand of psychedelic soul at Motown that wasn’t inherently political but did, when appropriate – and even when not – respond to the political, social and cultural issues of the day.
Mr. Dennis Edwards, who at the age of 74 passed away last Thursday in Chicago after a long illness, was seemingly the catalyst for that change.
Formerly of The Contours, Mr. Edwards was a dashing young man approaching his mid-20s when he in June of 1968, two months after Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was assassinated, joined Motown’s supergroup, The Temptations. Like America at the time, The Temptations were in transition due to tensions that had been rising through the years.
Mr. Edwards was sought after because the group’s lead singer, Mr. David Ruffin – a then 27-year-old ostentatious showman with a distinct voice – was fired.
By September of 1968, Mr. Ruffin was seeking release from his contract and had filed suit against Motown, charging them with holding him in “economic peonage,” all the while The Temptations, with Mr. Edwards singing lead, was focused on recording Cloud Nine, the ninth studio album from the Detroit group which lead to their first Grammy Award in 1969.
Mr. Edwards – who in 1972 sang the lead on protest song ‘Stop the War Now’ on the album ‘Solid Rock’ – is a compelling public figure of 1968, albeit he isn’t always treated as such when historians review that year.
And that’s not to say he was unsung – his 1969 Grammy is surely acknowledgment of his work in the prior year – but overall, the way in which we talk about the events of 1968, and how they reshaped America, often exclude this Motown-shakeup, which included the record label divorcing its apparent apolitical ideology.
The events which succeeded and preceded Mr. Edward’s entrance to The Temptations – the assassinations of Dr. King, and the ensuing riots; the assassination of Mr. Robert F. Kennedy; the black-power salute at the summer Olympics; the outcome of the case of Terry v. Ohio, which informs modern-day urban policing; and North Korea capturing a U.S. ship, among other happenings – understandably cast a big shadow, one which seem almost impossible for The Temptations to escape.
Nonetheless, and unfortunately, the passing of Mr. Edwards puts into spotlight his dynamic role in 1968; his contribution to arguably the most historic year on the books is undeniable, even if it’s overlooked. His headline may not rank in the top ten of that year, or even the top 100, but it existed; he existed; and in a year of much tragedy, he thrived.
Thanks for reading! Until next time, I’m Flood the Drummer® and I’m Drumming for Justice!™
—
Join The Good Men Project Community.
“Here’s the thing about The Good Men Project. We are trying to create big, sweeping, societal changes—–overturn stereotypes, eliminate racism, sexism, homophobia, be a positive force for good for things like education reform and the environment. And we’re also giving individuals the tools they need to make individual change—-with their own relationships, with the way they parent, with their ability to be more conscious, more mindful, and more insightful. For some people, that could get overwhelming. But for those of us here at The Good Men Project, it is not overwhelming. It is simply something we do—–every day. We do it with teamwork, with compassion, with an understanding of systems and how they work, and with shared insights from a diversity of viewpoints.” —– Lisa Hickey, Publisher of The Good Men Project and CEO of Good Men Media Inc.
The $50 Platinum Level is an ALL-ACCESS PASS—join as many of our new Social Interest Groups, calls about life in the 21st century, and classes (writing, platform building, leadership, social change) as you want for the entire year. The $25 Gold Level gives you access to any ONE Social Interest Group and ONE Class–and other benefits listed below the form. Or…for $12, join as a Bronze Member and support our mission.