Eddie Kendricks, Tenor With Temptations

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Eddie Kendricks, a founding member of the Temptations who was the lead singer for such hits as "The Way You Do the Things You Do," died last night of lung cancer. He was 52.

Mr. Kendricks died at Baptist Medical Center-Princeton, said spokeswoman Betty Ingram. He had been hospitalized since Sept. 25.

The Temptations were formed in Detroit in 1961, and had their first No. 1 hit with "My Girl" in 1965, followed by "It's Growing" and "Since I Lost My Baby."

"Eddie just had that great, great tenor voice that just was so captivating," said Esther Edwards, the Temptations' first manager.

Mr. Kendricks began a solo career in 1971, but rejoined the group in 1982 for a "reunion" tour. The band was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.

Mr. Kendricks underwent surgery in Atlanta last year to have a lung removed. He later said the disease was caused by 30 years of smoking.

He is survived by his parents and a sister.