Ali-Ollie Woodson dies at 58; singer helped restore the Temptations to hit-making glory
Ali-Ollie Woodson, who led the legendary Motown group the Temptations in the 1980s and ‘90s and helped restore them to their hit-making glory with songs including “Treat Her Like A Lady,” died Sunday at a Los Angeles hospital. He was 58 and had leukemia.
Woodson was not an original member of the group, which had several lineup changes since its founding in the 1960s. But he played an integral part in keeping the Temptations from becoming just a nostalgia act.
By the early 1980s, the Temptations were no longer posting hit after hit as they did in the 1960s and ‘70s with classics such as “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “My Girl.”
The group had lost original members, and Woodson had the task of replacing Dennis Edwards, whose passionate voice defined the group during the 1970s.
Woodson’s voice, though similar in its fiery tone to Edwards’, was distinct in itself and helped the group notch the R&B hits “Treat Her Like A Lady,” “Sail Away” and “Lady Soul,” from 1984 to 1986.
Born Oct. 12, 1951, Woodson grew up in Detroit.
Services are planned for Saturday at the City of Refuge Church in Gardena. A viewing is scheduled for 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the funeral will begin at 11 a.m. at the church, 14527 S. San Pedro St.
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