The Temptations


While many believe the Temptations to be the favorite soul singing group of all time, this assessment of the band's accomplishments is limited considering their substantial impact upon both the look and sound of popular music. Formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1960 at a time when AM radio was a multi-layered media format that gave access and success to a large quantity of artists from rock, pop, country, soul, blues, and rockabilly music, the Temptations set a standard for vocal performers and created a sound and style that remains distinctly their own. Built around the remnants of two previous bands, the Distants and the Primes, the Temptations were a major force in the success of Berry Gordy's Motown Records and have been referred to as the originators of the "Motown Sound." Rising to popularity with other precedent-setting Motown performers such as Marvin Gaye, Martha and the Vandellas, and the Supremes, the Temptations were at the center of a huge music explosion. Over the course of nearly 40 years the Temptations would have 19 members and earn 3 Grammy Awards. The group would place 43 singles in the rhythm and blues (R&B) Top 10 as well as earn 14 R&B number one hits. As pop artists, the Temptations would hit number one four times and place 15 sides in the pop Top 10.

Known for their lush harmonies, smooth on-stage choreography, and a bold sense of fashion which made them immediately recognizable, the Temptations conquered pop, rock, R&B, and the soul music market during the course of a career that remains strong. From the start, the membership of the Temptations was ever changing. The Distants, a local Detroit outfit, who recorded for the Northern label and released a single in 1959, "Come On," included Elbridge Bryant, bass singer Melvin Franklin, and baritone Otis Williams. The Primes were a trio of transplants from Alabama comprised of tenor Eddie Kendricks, Kell Osborne, and Paul Williams. It was Otis Williams who brought Kendricks and Paul Williams into the fold when the Primes broke up. Impressed by the Primes' use of choreography, Otis Williams wanted to incorporate that into the Distants' live performances. The Distants changed their name to the Temptations and by 1961 they were signed to a Motown subsidiary, Miracle. While at Miracle the Temptations released several sides with only one achieving any commercial success, "Dream Come True," in 1962. By 1963 Bryant was out of the band and was replaced in 1964 by the notable tenor voice of David Ruffin.
At this point the Temptations began working with William "Smokey" Robinson. A songwriter of immeasurable talent and a producer who would go on to achieve his own success with the Miracles, Robinson gave the Temptations their first hit, "The Way You Do the Things You Do." It would be the first of many Top 10 hits for the group. Their debut album, Meet the Temptations, was released in 1964. In 1965 the Temptations scored big and gave the world what would become their signature song, "My Girl." Another Robinson composition, "My Girl" was number one on both the pop and R&B charts. Crossing over as they were, in an era of racial strife and turmoil, made their accomplishments even more meaningful and paved the way for others to follow. They continued this pattern and in 1965 they release another hit from the pen of Smokey Robinson, "Get Ready." Harder and more edgy, "Get Ready" was of tremendous appeal to rock audiences. Two albums resulted from their early association with Robinson, Sing Smokey, in 1965 and Gettin' Ready, which also contained the stunning, "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," another signature tune for the Temptations.Moving on, the Temptations began working with producers Norman Whitfield and Brian Holland and also moved Ruffin into the lead vocal position, a spot Kendricks had filled admirably for some time. Ruffin's voice soared on well known hits "Beauty's Only Skin Deep" and "(I Know) I'm Losing You." Together, Kendricks and Ruffin shared lead vocal duties on the classic romantic hit, "You're My Everything," from the 1967 album With a Lot o' Soul. Ruffin pushed to have his name placed in front of the band's name, a request that resulted in his firing from the Temptations. He was replaced by Dennis Edwards, a former member of another band, the Contours. Edwards' voice was a perfect fit as the Temptations took their sound into a more psychedelic direction. Edwards' arrival ushered in a time of change for the Temptations and their sound when he recorded the stinging lead vocal for "I Can't Get Next to You," the most significant cut from the Puzzle People project in 1969.With Whitfield in full control of production, the Temptations were moving away from the smooth, soulful love songs that had made them so successful. Tunes like "Cloud Nine," "Psychedelic Shack," and "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World is Today)" were commentary on America's drug culture and politics. Changing their sound and style to fit into the world around them, the Temptations remained current, timely, and part of the mainstream. Furthermore, their influence carried over as rock and pop acts sought to emulate not only their moves, but their material.By 1971 Kendricks was leaving the band. His swan song with the Temptations was "Just My Imagination," a mellow, flowing tune that showed off the group's skillful harmonies. Paul Williams, who suffered from alcoholism, also left around this time. Damon Harris and Richard Street joined the Temptations. Rumors of the band's demise circulated. But, the Grammy-winning single, "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," displaying vast expanses of instrumental work and Edwards' strong vocals, was a huge crossover hit that only seemed to underscore the versatility and tenacity of the group. Their album, All Directions, released in 1972, put an end to the idea that the Temptations were about to disband as did a Grammy Award for their album Masterpiece the following year.

After more lineup changes, the Temptations recorded their final project for Motown Records in 1976. The Temptations Do the Temptations signaled the end of an era as the act moved to Atlantic Records. Atlantic had designs on turning the Temptations into a disco act. Unsuccessful and dissatisfied, the Temptations returned to Motown and hit the charts once again in 1979 with the single, "Power." A reunion tour and album followed in 1982. Ruffin and Kendricks joined the five current Temptations in what was a brief, but glorious moment in time that included an impressive SRO performance at Radio City Music Hall in New York City. Problems, both personal and professional, made it impossible for Ruffin and Kendricks to remain. In 1984 Ali-Ollie Woodson was on board as lead singer.Inducted into the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 by blue-eyed soul duo Daryl Hall and John Oates, the Temptations were formally acknowledged for their contribution to popular culture and to America's music. Yet, their success was marked by tragedy all along the way. Original member Paul Williams died in 1973 of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Later, Ruffin passed away in 1991 of a drug overdose while Kendricks succumbed to lung cancer in 1992. Another founding member, Melvin Franklin, lost his life in 1995 after a brain seizure. By the 1990s Otis Williams was the only original member left performing with the group and had spent years in court defending his right to use the Temptations' name after Edwards left and formed a rival group. Publishing his autobiography in 1988, he carried on while Motown released a number of anthologies and greatest hits packages, including Emperors of Soul in 1994, and the critically acclaimed Ultimate Collection in 1996.A 1990s renaissance of sorts, however, caused renewed interest in the band. Romantic R&B singing acts of all racial persuasions looked to the work of the Temptations for inspiration. The Temptations' sound was found in the work of chart topping 1990s acts such as BoyzIIMen, Babyface, and the Backstreet Boys. Further interest in the group was fueled by an NBC television movie, The Temptations, shown in two parts in November, 1998. Based upon Williams' book, the miniseries focused upon the classic Temptations lineup, the drama of their collective rise to fame and fortune, and the individual trials and tragedies of each member. The 1998 release of a brand new CD, Phoenix Rising, also on Motown, refuted the idea that the Temptations were merely an oldies act resting upon their laurels. Williams, along with tenor Ron Tyson, Barrington Henderson, Terry Weeks, and Harry McGilberry, Jr., give credence to the original member's expression, "Temps forever."

David Harrison Levi Beverly Hills, California 90210 USA