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FORMER
TEMPTATIONS LEAD SINGER CHARTING NEW COURSE
by
Kevin Jackson, for The Reggae Source, May 30, 2001
Ali Woodson, former lead singer
of the Temptations, is charting a new course these days. Apart from a thriving
acting career, Woodson is also working on a solo album, his first since
his departure from the group.
Woodson who sang lead on
songs for the Temptations such as "Lady Soul" and "Treat Her Like a Lady",
was in the island over the Memorial Day Weekend. He gave a scintillating
performance at the Waves Entertainment Showcase, which was held on Sunday
at the Negril Craft Market. Delly Ranks, Singing Turtle and the Turning
Point Band were the other performers on the bill.
Speaking to the this writer,
the Los Angeles-based rhythm and blues singer who did stints with the Drifters
and the Blue Notes (he had replaced Teddy Pendergrass in the Blue Notes),
prior to taking the lead for the Temptations from 1983 to 1996. Originally
from Detroit, a city which is renown for its soul singers such as the Winans,
Uncle Sam, the Four Tops among others, Woodson did 8 albums with the Temptations.
Since making the transition
to acting, he has racked up acting credits in television series such as
"Good Moves", "Fall Guy", "Sparks", "Murphy Brown", "Love Boat" and "The
Jenny Fox Show". Among his feature film credits are "The Little Richard
Story" and "Parenthood". His most recent film role was opposite Fred Williamson
and Glen Plummber in "Rhapsody".
Woodson recently completed
work on a debut solo album titled "Right Here All Along" which will be
released on his Oliwood Records imprint in England. He also completed working
on a collaboration titled "Its only the Lonely" with former Shalamar lead
singer Howard Hewitt. "I hope to accomplish a successful solo career and
continue to work on my acting credentials", Woodson explained as his objectives
over the next few years.
ALI-OLLIE
WOODSON: Not Just A Temptations Legend
by
Cord G. Coslor, for The Archive News, November, 1999
Treat Her Like A Lady.... so
goes the title line for the famous Temptations song. Ali Woodson,
who has been in the music industry for most of his life, wrote and
sang lead vocals on that song, among others, while a lead singer for the
Temptations, one of Motown’s all-time finest groups. His voice has become
one of the most recognizeable in the music industry, and he has become
known as a master at writing music, lyrics, producing, arranging, and playing
several instruments. Mr. Woodson,
who today lives with his wife Wanita in California, was with the Temptations
for two different stints: from 1983 to 1986, and then again with the Tempts
from 1988- 1996. Filling large shoes for two legendary Temps, David Ruffin
& Dennis Edwards, Ali not only did the job, but did it well... earning
credit for “Treat Her Like A Lady,” which went Gold in the mid 1980s.
Prior to joining the Temptations,
Ali could be seen as a member of another legendary group, the Drifters.
During a very diversified career, Ali has performed with the likes of Gerald
Levert, Whitney Houston, Natalie Cole, Chaka Kahn, and James Brown.
Woodson’s talents haven’t
been held to the music scene, however. His movie credits include “My Girl,”
and “A Fine Mess.” He has also appeared on television’s “Good News,” “Dione
Warick’s Gospel Show,” “The Tonight Show,” “The Arsenio Hall Show,” and
“Murphy Brown.”
Since leaving Otis Williams
and the Temptations in 1997, Ali has continued to perform in a variety
of shows. Among these are his own solo tour, musicals, and most recently
a reunion of former Temptations members Richard Street, Damon Harris,
and himself, in the group “Temptations Revue.”
Recently, I attended a performance
of “Love The One You With,” featuring Ali as the star of the show. Prior
to the show in Omaha, Nebraska, I spoke with Ali via telephone to try to
arrange a meeting with him after the performance. Not even knowing me prior
to this occasion, Ali was most gracious to me via the phone, and even had
two front-row, middle section, seats waiting for us when we arrived!
Not only did we have excellent
seats for the performance, but his road manager, Joseph “Hot Dog” Williams
found us and escorted us backstage about 10 minutes prior to the show.
Mr. Woodson welcomed us with open arms (literally), and told us to wait
for him after the show.
His performance in “Love
The One You With” was one of the most memorable I’ve been in attendance
for! Ali’s voice would jerk you from your seat as he hit notes that were
previously believed unreachable.
Love The One You With, written
by Michael Matthews, was a combination of Gospel and soul music, great
acting, comedy, and heart wrenching performances by such national stars
as Meli’sa Morgan (film, recording artist), Ronald Winans (Christian recording
artist), Beverly Todd (film: Lean on Me, Moving, Clara’s Heart, Don’t Look
Back), Lester Barrie (BET comedian of the year), E.J. Johnson (lead singer
of the Enchantments), and many more that all come from acting or music
backgrounds.
Following the performance,
Ali and others made themselves available to sign autographs for fans. While
the lines were very long, Ali waved to us to make sure to wait for
him. After the fans left, Ali sat with us in the theatre where we chatted
about everything from The Temptations to his family life, his current tour,
and upcoming projects. He gladly signed all of our items we brought with
us, took us back to his dressing room, and gave us his personal business
card, and reminded us to keep in touch!
Since then, I’ve been fortunate
enough to have had several phone conversations with him, and truly look
forward to his return to the Midwest! If you have a chance to see Ali Woodson
either with his group of Temptations, or on his solo tour -- don’t miss
the chance! He’ll give you a show you will never forget!
Ali truly appreciates all
of his fans throughout the world, and welcomes hearing from them and meeting
them at performances.
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