while the temptations have frequently changed their lineup , the group has always employed a person for each of the following roles : main lead singer ( e.g. , david ruffin ) secondary lead singer ( e.g. , paul williams ) first tenor / falsetto lead singer ( e.g. , eddie kendricks ) bass lead singer ( e.g. , melvin franklin ) background second tenor/baritone w / occasional lead ( since 1961 otis williams has always held and continues to hold this role ) during their live performances , the falsetto and secondary leads have always been as predominant on stage as the group 's official main lead/front man .