Who is Otis Williams?
Otis Williams is An American singer, songwriter, and musician, he is best known as the founding member and last original surviving member of the classic Motown group, The Temptations. Forming the group in 1960 with fellow singers Elbridge “AI” Bryant, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams.
He served as the group’s leader and bass vocalist, helping to shape their distinctive sound and style that blended R&B, soul, and pop music.”
About | Info |
Full Name | Otis Williams |
Profession | American Tenor |
Popular For | Goodfellas (1990), Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story (2007) and The Last Dragon (1985) |
Birthday and Zodiac
Age (As of 2022) | 81 year old |
Date of Birth | October 30, 1941 |
Zodiac Sign | Scorpio |
Birth Place | Texarkana, Texas, United States |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Education
School | N/A |
University | Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton & Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia |
Physical Stats
Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.78 m) |
Eye Color | Black |
Weight | 76 Kg |
Net Worth
Estimated Net Worth | $8 Million |
Family and Relationship
Father | Otis Miles |
Mother | Hazel Louise Williams |
Spouse | Arleata Williams (m. 1983–1997), Ann Cain (m. 1967–1973), Josephine Rogers (m. 1961–1964) |
Siblings | N/A |
Children | Otis Lamont Williams, Elan Carter, |
Social Media
Social Media | N/A |
Biography Timeline
Otis Williams is an American singer and songwriter best known as the founding member and last surviving original member of The Temptations, one of the most successful R&B groups ever. Born on October 30, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas, Williams started his career in music at a young age and has since become a legend in the industry. Here is a timeline of his life and career:
- 1941: Born in Texarkana, Texas.
- 1958: Formed a singing group called The Siberians in Detroit, Michigan, which later became The Elgins.
- 1960: Williams and The Elgins signed with Motown Records and changed their name to The Temptations.
- 1962: The Temptations released their first single, “Dream Come True.”
- 1964: The group’s hit song “The Way You Do the Things You Do” reached No. 11 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- 1965: The Temptations released the hit song “My Girl,” their first No. 1 single on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
- 1968: The Temptations won their first Grammy Award for the song “Cloud Nine.”
- 1971: He released his first solo album, “The Temptation,” while still a member of The Temptations.
- 1989: The Temptations were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 1998: He published his autobiography, “Temptations,” which detailed his life and career with the group.
- 2013: The Temptations received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The singer has been recognized throughout his career for his contributions to the music industry and has received numerous awards and honours. He has also been involved in various charitable causes, including organizations that support sickle cell anaemia research and education. Williams continues to perform and tour with The Temptations and is regarded as one of the most influential figures in the history of R&B music.
Early Life, Growing Up and Education
Otis was born “Otis Miles Jr.” on October 30, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas, to parents Otis and Hazel Williams. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he developed an early interest in music and singing and attended Northeastern High School in Detroit and later enrolled at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton, Florida, before transferring to Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. While in college, Williams formed a singing group called The Distance, which later evolved into The Elgins and eventually The Temptations.
Professional Career: Hit songs and Accolades
His professional career as a member of The Temptations spans several decades and includes numerous hit songs and albums. Some of his primary breakthrough songs and albums include:
- “The Way You Do the Things You Do” (1964)
- “My Girl” (1965)
- “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” (1966)
- “Cloud Nine” (1968)
- “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” (1972)
- “All Directions” (1972)
- “Masterpiece” (1973)
- “1990” (1973)
Throughout his career, Williams also received numerous awards and honours for his contributions to music, including induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Net Worth
The estimated net worth is around $8 million. Despite his net worth, Otis is widely recognized as a highly successful musician and a true icon in the music industry. His contributions to the world of music are immeasurable.
Personal Life, Wife and Kids
This singer is a legendary American musician who has been a part of the music industry for over five decades. However, the singer has also had a fascinating personal life beyond his music career. He has been married thrice, with his first marriage to Josephine Rogers from 1961 to 1964.
Together, they had a son named Otis Lamont, who tragically passed away in 1985 at 24. His second marriage was to Ann Cain from 1967 to 1973, but the couple had no children. His third and current marriage is to Aeleata “Goldie” Williams, whom he married in 1983. Goldie had a daughter named Elan Carter from a previous relationship, whom Williams had helped raise as his own.
Physical Measurements, Height and Eye Color
This singer is around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm) tall and weighs approximately 76 kilograms (167 pounds). He is also known for his distinctive black eyes and African-American ethnicity. He was born on January 30, 1941, which makes him a Scorpio according to the Zodiac Calendar.
Trivia
- Otis Williams is a founding member and the only surviving original member of the legendary Motown group The Temptations.
- The singer was born in Texarkana, Texas but grew up in Detroit, Michigan.
- In addition to singing, Williams has also worked as a record producer, helping to create hits for other Motown artists such as The Supremes and Stevie Wonder.
- The singer has written an autobiography called “Temptations” that chronicles the history of the group and his experience as a member.
- In 2013, Williams was honoured with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contributions to the music industry as a member of the Temptations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Otis Williams is an American tenor and the founding member of the iconic Motown group, The Temptations.
Otis Williams is 81 years old.
He was born on October 30, 1941, in Texarkana, Texas, USA.
He has performed on several of The Temptations’ most famous songs, including “My Girl”, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg”, and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone”.
Otis has won multiple awards with The Temptations, including three Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In addition to his work with The Temptations, He has also released solo music and authored a book about his life and career.
He was still performing with The Temptations.
His net worth is around $8 million.
Yes, He has been married multiple times. His most recent marriage was to Goldie Williams, whom he married in 2001.
The Singer has four children, including a son who died in 1983.
His height is reported to be 6 feet 1 inch (185 cm).
He has been involved in several philanthropic organizations throughout his career, including the Special Olympics and the United Negro College Fund.
He was discovered by Berry Gordy, the founder of Motown Records, and signed to the label with The Temptations in the early 1960s.
He has faced several challenges throughout his life and career, including struggles with addiction and the loss of several band members.
The Singer is widely regarded as a pioneer of Motown music and a significant figure in the development of soul music. His work with The Temptations has had a lasting impact on popular music and has influenced generations of artists.