He died in Chicago, his family told CBS News. They did not disclose the cause of death.
Edwards joined the Temptations in 1968 and had a number of hits including two Grammy award-winning songs, Papa Was a Rollin' Stone and Cloud Nine.
He pursued a solo career in the 1980s, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.
Edwards, who would have turned 75 on Saturday, had solo hits such as Don't Look Any Further and Coolin' Out.
