A Rainy Afternoon with Eddie

I love the Eddie Kendricks Memorial Garden on 18th Street and 4th Avenue North for many reasons.  I spent many an hour listening to him and The Temptations growing up and I think this memorial with the sculpture by Alabama's Ron McDowell is excellent.  It's nestled in a garden of flowering crape myrtles and hydrangeas, a lovely setting for the stage with Eddie singing into the microphone and the Temps in the background.  It was drizzling Saturday when we took a stroll through this quiet little urban garden... Eddie was still singing.  I'm certain this is the song .... My Girl!

Eddie Kendrick, a Birmingham Legend

Eddie Kendrick, lead singer for the fabulous Temptations was a Birmingham boy.  He never forgot his roots and we  have not forgotten him!  The Eddie Kendrick Memorial Park is located on 4th Avenue North within blocks of the Alabama Jazz Hall of Fame and the Civil Rights Institute.  It's a lovely small,shady, well kept park.  Eddie is center stage.  Artist Ron McDowell captured his lively stage presence and spirit perfectly.  The other four members of the group show off their legendary choreography in the background.  I am a long time fan and  always have wished I had been able to see them perform in person.  Standing in front of that granite stage, I felt like I finally got my chance.  What a lovely tribute to Eddie and his legendary career. Hometown boy makes good.  He certainly did and aren't we proud!

Note: Kendrick is the family's name.  Early in his career an "s" was added.  The park uses the family spelling.

TOMORROW: Portraits From My Heart II