Louis Price

Louis Price

    Louis Price is best known by soul music fans for his stint as the lead singer of the Temptations from 1977 to 1980, but he has had a full career over the course of several decades.

    Following Dennis Edwards' departure from the Tempts, Price took over the vocal spotlight on the group's two Atlantic Records albums, Hear to Tempt You and Bare Back.

    Born and raised in Chicago to gospel singer Vernon Oliver Price, Louis attended John Marshall High School before moving to Los Angeles and performing in various singing groups. When he was only 24 years old, he was hired to replace Dennis Edwards in the Temptations, at a time when the group's fortunes were certainly on the wane. He stayed for both Atlantic albums, two of the act's least successful releases. When Berry Gordy, Jr. lured the Temptations back to Motown for the 1980 release Power, Edwards rejoined the group and Price was left on the sidelines. He linked up with the Drifters (which was also a stopping point for the next Edwards replacement, Ali Woodson), and became part of that group for several years.

    In the early 90s, Price signed a solo deal with Motown and released Louis Price, but the album made few waves. However, Price found for himself a second singing career and also an acting career. His voice can be heard on the music of such movies as Norbit, The Lion King and Happy Feet. He also gained many acting roles, including a part in the movie White Men Can't Jump and a lead role in the television series, My Wife and Kids. In a great irony, Price also served as the voice of Dennis Edwards in the television miniseries The Temptations. He also provided supporting vocals a few years later on an album by Smokey Robinson.

    An avid golfer, Price regularly travels the country playing top tier courses. He also continues to perform as a solo act, performing Temptations songs as well as a variety of other material.

    By Chris Rizik

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