The world is now mourning the loss of another music icon as Dennis Edwards, one of the leading singers of the iconic music group The Temptations, has died. He was 74.

Edwards' family confirmed the news to CBS Chicago, revealing that he passed away on Thursday. He would have turned 75 on Saturday. His wife, Brenda Edwards, also told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that he died due to complications from meningitis. 

Edwards first joined the Temptations in 1968, replacing David Ruffin as the group's lead singer. He went on to sporadically perform with the group until 1989 with his vocals being featured front and center on classics like "Cloud Nine" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone."

According to the Guardian, prior to joining the Temptations, Edwards performed as the lead singer for the Contours, another group under Motown Records that would often open for the Temptations.

After spending 16 years in the group, off and on, Edwards left to pursue a career as a solo act in 1984. He managed to find success in the song "Don't Look Any Further," but returned to the Temptations three years later before leaving once again in 1989.

Both Edwards and the Temptations were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Edwards is survived by his daughter Issa Pointer, whom he had during his brief 1976 marriage to Ruth Pointer of The Pointer Sisters, and his wife Brenda.

We send our heartfelt condolences to Dennis Edwards' family, friends and fans during this time. May he rest in peace.