Temptations Singer Dies: Otis 'Damon' Harris Mourned

By Emma Koonse, Christian Post Reporter Saturday, February 23, 2013

Former singer for The Temptations Otis "Damon" Harris has died at age 62 earlier this week.

Harris was a member of the famed group when they recorded the 1972 hit song "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone."

The Baltimore, Maryland native died on Monday at the Joseph Richey Hospice after battling prostate cancer for 14 years.

An R&B singer, Harris joined The Temptations at 21-years-old in 1971 where he stayed until 1975. He helped the group earn three Grammys and also offered vocals on the popular songs "Take a Look Around" and "Masterpiece."

The singer had grown up admiring the group, and as a teen, Harris formed a band with three high school friends named the Young Tempts that sang Temptations cover songs.

Before his death on Monday, Harris actively promoted the awareness, diagnosis, and treatment of prostate cancer through The Damon Harris Cancer Foundation, which he founded.

Twitter users are mourning the singer's death on the social media site Saturday.

"R.I.P. Damon Harris, the one-time lead singer of The Temptations has died after a long battle with cancer," posted Mi Soul.

Stacy added, "Former Temptations lead singer and my friend Damon Harris loses his long battle with prostate cancer."

"RIP Former Temptations singer Damon Harris," started C. Ward. "You and your lovely voice will always be remembered."

The Temptations are one of Motown Records' most well known groups. Characteristics of the group include its distinct harmonies, which have been said to have influenced The Beatles and other aspects of pop and rock music.

Classic Temptations songs include "My Girl" and "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)."