DETROIT (AP) - Ali-Ollie Woodson, who led the legendary Motown quintet The Temptations in the 1980s and '90s and helped restore them to their hit-making glory with songs including "Treat Her Like A Lady," has died, a friend said. He was 58.
Woodson died Sunday in southern California after battling cancer, Motown Alumni Association President Billy Wilson said. Wilson said Woodson's wife, Juanita, told him about the death Sunday.
Woodson was not an original member of the group, which had several lineup changes since it started in the 1960s. But he played an integral part in keeping the Temptations from becoming just nostalgia act.
By the early 1980s, the Temptations were no longer posting hit after hit like they did in the 1960s and '70s with classics such as "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," ''My Girl," and "I Wish It Would Rain."
The group had lost original members, and Woodson was charged with replacing Dennis Edwards, whose passionate voic e defined the group during the 1970s.
Woodson's voice, though similar to Edwards' with its fiery tone, 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.
"He had this swagger about himself. He was cool. He had a coolness about himself that was really very inviting," said Wilson. He said he first met Woodson in 1980 before Woodson joined the group and that he last spoke with his friend about two weeks ago.
Despite his fame, Woodson was "always a gentleman and always polite and kind to everybody. If we ever asked him to do anything, he never said, 'well, it's going to cost you.' He'd always say, 'yeah, let's go,'" said Wilson, who founded the Detroit-based Motown association in the mid-1990s.
"He was just a star performer. Wonderful person. Wonderful, wonderful person. He was very kind."
Messages were left Monday for a producer and a manager who worked with Woodson. A recorded message at a phone number for his wife said the voice mailbox was full.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
Thank-you, Mr. Woodson for sharing your soulful, rich, and beautiful voice that inspired and lifted us. In Honored Remembrance.....May you Rest in the Arms of the Angels.
Sondra Hill-English Greene
March 05, 2026 | Other
A GREAT SONG MASTERS if ALL TIME LOVE and MISS YOU MORE. There will NEVER BE a REPLACEMENT for YOU Forever REST in PEACE MY KING
Linda Waters
February 15, 2026
Ali's wonderful voice still lives on in 2026.
Marcia
February 09, 2026
Thanks for the music, Ollie!
Alan Denis
February 08, 2026 | Tallahassee, FL | Friend
I remember Ollie from school in Courtland Al. Central High School at the time, we would have assembly programs by grades. When it became time for his class I would be excited because I knew he would be like the "headliner". That day he sang the song by Len Berry- 123,He showed out. He even had his background. I use to tell my family of how good he could sing and this was in 1970. Truly Truly missed even to this day.
Rebell Sanders
October 13, 2025 | School
I just finished looking at your video some enchanted evening. You are greatly missed much from your fans heart
Bobbie Dabney
September 28, 2025 | Other
I remember when Ali Ollie Woodson 1st came 2 The "Tempting" Temptations and sang lead on Treat Her Like A Lady. It blew audiences away! The live performances of it were mesmerizing and took all the ladies' breaths away! What a memorable song it was! My sincere condolences 2 Mrs. Woodson and children. Ali Ollie will always be the voice that brought back that spark 2 The Temptations! He will always have a place in the hearts of so many!
Barbara Daniels
September 28, 2025 | Other
Rest in peace
Geneva Davidson
June 19, 2025 | Friend
My prayers are with Ollie's entire family.
Unknown fan of Ollie Woodson,a very extraordinary performed who song from h
June 13, 2025 | Other
