R.I.P.: Temptations’ Otis ‘Damon’ Harris Dead At 62

Damon Williams

Baltimore native Otis "Damon" Harris, a one-time member of the legendary Motown act The Temptations, died on February 18 after losing a 14-year-long battle to prostate cancer, according to family spokesman Chuck Woodson.

Harris was 62, reports The Baltimore Sun.

In 1971, Harris auditioned for The Temptations at the age of 21, more than a decade younger than the other members. He was brought into the group under one condition: He had to change his first name because the group already had an Otis — founding member Otis Williams.

Harris went on to win three Grammy Awards with The Temptations. As a member, the group also recorded nine gold records. Harris left The Temptations in 1975.

After his original diagnosis, Harris became an advocate for men getting regular prostate exams. He was also active with the organization Stand Up to Cancer. Woodson said Harris became vocal about cancer awareness because he had waited too long to get checked by a doctor.

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