1727 4th Avenue North | Birmingham AL
From Birmingham to Motown!
Growing up with parents from Birmingham, Alabama, the city holds a special place in my heart. My dad, a true lover of Motown music, often shared stories about growing up around Eddie Kendricks and a couple of other members of The Temptations. Yes, those Temptations!
Naturally, I was raised on their music—Motown was the soundtrack of my childhood. And to this day, no matter where life takes me, I gravitate toward that unmistakable, undeniable sound of Motown. So, when I visited Eddie Kendricks Memorial Park in Birmingham, it wasn’t just a stop on the map—it felt like a homecoming.
Where You’ll Find It
The park is located at 1727 4th Avenue North, right in the heart of Birmingham’s historic Fourth Avenue Business District. It’s the perfect spot to honor one of Birmingham’s native sons, surrounded by an area rich in cultural and historical significance. Plus, there’s so much to see nearby, making it easy to turn your visit into a day of exploration.
What Makes This Park Special
At the center of the park, you can’t miss the striking bronze statue of Eddie Kendricks, microphone in hand, mid-serenade. He’s cool, confident, and timeless—just like the music he helped create. Behind the statue, there’s an impressive wall of art, featuring bas-relief sculptures of Eddie and his fellow Temptations members, capturing the group’s legendary contributions to music history.
The park itself is peaceful and inviting, with plenty of benches and green space to relax and reflect. It’s a spot where you can sit back, let the wind carry snippets of “My Girl” through your mind, and feel the power of that soulful Motown magic.
I couldn’t help but imagine my dad as a young man, listening to Eddie and the other Temps before they became international icons. Knowing he grew up near these legends makes their music hit a little deeper for me. And now, standing in this park surrounded by tributes to their legacy, it’s clear that Motown is more than music—it’s a cultural thread that ties generations together.
The Story Behind the Memorial
Eddie Kendrick (no ‘s’) was born in Union Springs, Alabama, and raised right here in Birmingham. As a founding member of The Temptations, his signature falsetto voice helped shape Motown’s golden era in the ‘60s and ‘70s. From “Get Ready” to “Just My Imagination”, Eddie’s voice was pure magic—and his influence remains undeniable.
The park was dedicated in 1999, five years after Eddie’s passing, as a tribute to his incredible legacy and the city that shaped him. The artist behind this memorial is Ronald Scott McDowall. For fans of Motown, it’s a chance to honor not just Eddie, but the sound that brought so much joy to the world.
Why You Should Visit
If you’re a fan of Motown—or just music history in general—this park is a must-see. For me, it felt like walking through a personal connection to my family’s roots, a reminder of the stories my dad shared and the music that defined my upbringing. Eddie Kendricks Memorial Park is a place where history, family, and music intersect beautifully.
Bring a friend, queue up your favorite Temptations playlist, and take it all in. Snap a photo with Eddie’s statue, let the music play in your mind, and reflect on the undeniable power of that Motown Sound.
The great part about it is the cost is FREE! Music history should always be accessible. Perfect for music lovers, history buffs, or anyone with a soft spot for that timeless Motown groove. Trust me—if you grew up on this music like I did, you’ll leave with your heart a little fuller and a Motown melody stuck in your head. And that’s a beautiful thing.
Interesting Fact: Artist, Ronald Scott McDowall taught MICHAEL JACKSON how to draw! 💕
