The Temptations bass player Kerry Turman dead at 59

Kerry Turman, a longtime bassist for Motown group The Temptations, has passed away at the age of 59.

The coroner in Cape Girardeau County says the musician died on Sunday April 23 at his hotel in the Missouri city, just hours after he had performed alongside his bandmates on stage.

The Temptations, who had been supporting the Beach Boys on their ‘Surf & Soul’ tour, confirmed the tragic news on their Facebook page, writing: “The Temptations lost a dear member of our family, as bass player Kerry Turman has passed away.

“Rest In Peace, much love, much respect.”

Kerry had performed with The Temptations since the 1980s. The vocal group, known for their precise choreography and distinct harmonies, had several hits in the 1960s and ’70s – including number-one single ‘My Girl.’

They had been due to appear on stage again on Wednesday night at the Baxter Arena in Omaha, Nebraska.

Beach Boys co-founder Mike Love was amongst the first to offer his condolences on Facebook, admitting that Sunday was a “very sad day” on the tour.

“Sometime around 7am, Kerry Turman, the bass player for The Temptations, was found in his hotel room unresponsive. It’s incredibly shocking as we were just chatting and hanging around backstage Saturday night in Cape Girardeau,” he said.

“KT was a gentle giant with incredible talent. He played bass on songs that will forever be part of our American songbook for the last 33 years. He was always so kind and jovial.

“KT was known to be a devoted father and family man. We certainy would’ve understood if the Temps cancelled their performance in St Charles, MO, but they soldiered on in KT’s memory and honour. KT’s bass stood in his place tonight.

“We performed in support of our touring family, The Temptations honouring the memory and talent of our family member, KT. His smile and spirit will be missed. R.I.P. KT. Peace & Love.”

Kerry’s exact cause of death is yet to be confirmed, though coroner John Clifton says an initial autopsy indicates that he died of natural causes.

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