Michael Wright, who had already starred in another cult favorite, the 1979 film, 'Wanderers,' and had appeared in the 1983 NBC sci-fi miniseries 'V,' had no singing skills when he took on the role of the drug addict-reformed leader of the group.

Did The Five Heartbeats actors really sing?

To promote the film prior to its release, Townsend, along with the other actors who portrayed the fictional musical quartet The Five Heartbeats (Leon Robinson, Michael Wright, Harry J. ... The Dells sang and recorded the vocals as the actors lip synced.

Can the actor Leon really sing?

Can Leon really sing? Leon, however, did not provide the voice for David Ruffin. His singing was done by Louis Price, a former member of the Temptations who sang with them in the 70's. The only time Leon's singing voice can be heard was in the scene where Otis and Melvin visit David's apartment to warn him.