Melvin Franklin of The Temptations spent his spare time roller skating at Venice Beach

MELVIN FRANKLIN HAD A LIFE BEYOND THE TEMPTATIONS — AND ONE OF HIS FAVORITE ESCAPES WAS ROLLER SKATING AT VENICE BEACH

For millions of Americans, Melvin Franklin will always be remembered as the deep, unmistakable bass voice of The Temptations. But away from the recording studios, television appearances, and packed concert halls, there was another side to the Motown legend. Franklin reportedly enjoyed spending his spare time roller skating at Venice Beach, California — a surprisingly ordinary pastime for a man whose voice helped define an extraordinary era in American music.

THE MAN BEHIND THAT UNFORGETTABLE BASS VOICE

Born David Melvin English on October 12, 1942, Franklin became one of the founding members of The Temptations, the Detroit vocal group that rose to international fame under Motown Records.

Alongside Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin, Franklin helped create the group’s signature combination of smooth harmonies, elegant choreography, and emotional storytelling.

While Ruffin and Kendricks often commanded attention with their soaring lead vocals, Franklin provided something equally essential: a rich, resonant bass that gave the group’s harmonies their remarkable depth.

His voice became particularly memorable on recordings such as “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “My Girl,” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone.”

Yet Franklin’s personality extended far beyond his musical contributions.

A MOTOWN LEGEND ON THE CALIFORNIA BOARDWALK

The image of Franklin enjoying roller skating at Venice Beach offers a fascinating contrast to his carefully polished public image.

During the 1970s and 1980s, Venice Beach became famous for its lively outdoor skating culture, where music, movement, and California sunshine came together along the oceanfront.

For someone whose professional life revolved around rehearsals, touring schedules, and precisely coordinated performances, skating offered a very different kind of rhythm.

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Lyrics

🎵 Let’s sing along with the lyrics! 🎤

So in love, sad as could be
‘Cause a pretty face got the best of me
Suddenly, you came into my life
And gave it meaning and pure delight
Now, good looks, I’ve learned to do without
‘Cause now I know it’s love that really counts

‘Cause I know that
(Beauty’s only skin deep, yeah, yeah, yeah)
I know that
(Beauty’s only skin deep, oh yeah) yes indeed

Now you speak your words warm and sincere
And let’s me know that your love is near
A pretty face you may not possess
But what I like about you is your tenderness
A pretty face maybe some guys taste
But I’ll take lovin’ in it’s place

‘Cause I know that
(Beauty’s only skin deep, yeah, yeah, yeah)
And you know that
(Beauty’s only skin deep, oh yeah) oh baby, oh yeah
(Oh yeah, oh yeah)

Ooo
(Beauty’s only skin deep, oh yeah)

My friends ask, what do I see in you
But it goes deeper than the eye can view
You have a pleasin’ personality
And that’s an ever lovin’ rare quality
Now show me a girl, a girl that’s fine
And I’ll choose the one with true lovin’ every time

I know that
(Beauty’s only skin deep, yeah, yeah, yeah)
And I believe that
(Beauty’s only skin deep, oh yeah)

So if you’re lookin’ for a lover (oh yeah)
Don’t judge a book by it’s cover (oh yeah)
She may be fine on the outside (oh yeah)
But so untrue on the inside (oh yeah)