The world is blessed with many talented song stylists, but only a few great voices. Ali Ollie Woodson was recognized as one of the most distinguished voices in the music world. Woodson loved what he did... and that was just about everything. He captured the attention of audiences worldwide.
A multifaceted performer, he played several instruments including keyboards, bass, and drums, wrote his own music, lyrics, and arrangements, and produced recordings. Woodson performed with legendary groups such as "The Drifters’ in the early 70’s, and later replaced Teddy Pendergrass with the group "The Blue Notes".
Born in Detroit, on September 12, 1951, Woodson started singing at the age of four in the local church choir. It was there that he exhibited heat rending harmonic melodies. At seven years old, Woodson entered and won first prize in a talent show, the first of many awards to come throughout his school days.
His incredible vocals and unbelievable range have led him to work with many of the other greats in the industry. He has performed with Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Whitney Houston, Chaka Khan, Patti Austin, James Brown, Lou Rawls, Bobby Womack, The Ojay’s, Doc Powell, Johnny Gill, Jimmie Jam and Terry Louis, Al Green, Charlie Wilson and The Gap Band, The Four Tops, Rachelle Ferrell, Sam Moore, and many others.
Ali also added acting to his resume. He appeared in many episodes of "Amen" and "The Jamie Fox Show", had a small role in "The Little Richard Movie" and appeared in several plays around the country.
For over 13 years he was the driving force behind the legendary group The Temptations. As lead singer, Woodson had to fill the shoes of two of the most powerful singers of all time, David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards. He filled those shoes, and even took it to the next level, creating a style all his own. Contributing original material for many new songs, Woodson put the Temptations back on top of the Pop and R&B charts with his "Treat Her Like a Lady", which went gold. The song continues to be a favorite all over the world.
In late 2008, Woodson was diagnosed with leukemia and hospitalized for several weeks. Woodson died in southern California on May 30, 2010.
Woodson is survived by his wife, Juanita, his two children with Juanita, Aj and Aliah Woodson, and a granddaughter.
