The Temptations
The Temptations
Vocal group
The Temptations, one of the few groups to survive from the days when the sound of the Motown record company ruled the airwaves, have maintained their popularity through more than two decades of changing styles in popular music. Commenting on the group in the Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll, Joe McEwen and Jim Miller wrote: “While the Four Tops covered the frenetic side of the Motown sound and the Miracles monopolized its romantic side, the Temptations quite simply stood as the finest vocal group in Sixties soul: they could outdress, outdance, and outsing any competition in sight.” Today, the “Tempts” continue to project this dynamic yet elegant image in both their recordings and their live performances.
The group came together in Detroit in 1961, when Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, of the Primes, joined forces with Otis Williams, Al Bryant, and Melvin Franklin of the Distants. Both the Primes and the Distants were popular in Detroit, but neither had had a national hit. The five men originally christened the new group the Elgins, after a high-quality watch. Upon learning that the name was already taken, they settled for calling
For the Record…
Originally formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1961 as the Elgins; name changed to the Temptations, 1961; original group consisted of Otis Williams (born October 30, 1949, in Texarkana, Texas), Melvin Franklin (born October 12, 1942, in Montgomery, Alabama), Paul Williams (born July 1, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama; died August 17, 1973, in Detroit, Michigan, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound), Edward James Kendricks (born December 17, 1939, in Birmingham, Alabama), and Elbridge Bryant . Paul Williams was replaced in 1971 by Richard Street (born October 5, 1942, in Detroit, Michigan). Eddie Kendricks was replaced in 1971 by Ricky Owens; Owens was replaced in 1971 by Damon Otis Harris (born July 3, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland); Harris was replaced in 1974 by Glenn Leonard; Leonard was replaced in 1982 by Ron Tyson .Elbridge Bryant was replaced in 1964 by David Ruffin (born January 18, 1941, in Wyanot, Mississippi); Ruffin was replaced in 1968 by Dennis Edwards (born February 3, 1943, in Birmingham, Alabama); Edwards’s spot was filled from 1976–79 by Louis Price and from 1982–86 by OUie Woodson .
Awards: Grammy Award for best rhythm and blues performance by a group, 1969, for “Cloud Nine,” and 1972, for “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” ; Grammy Awards for best rhythm and blues song and best rhythm and blues instrumental performance, 1972, for “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” American Music Award for best vocal group, 1974.
Addresses: Office —c/o Motown Record Corporation, Hollywood, Calif. 90028.
themselves the Temptations. “You can see today that it was the perfect name,” commented Otis Williams in his book Temptations. “It was about style and elegance but also suggested romance and, frankly, sex.” Williams added that from their earliest days, the group consciously cultivated a sophisticated image: “In our songs and in our moves, we were subtler and more romantic than some other guys, who were always grunting and sweating and carrying on.”
After a few months of rehearsing, the Temptations auditioned for Detroit record producer Berry Gordy. Impressed by their intricate harmonizing, Gordy immediately offered them a contract with his fledgling record company, Motown. In their early days, the group played numerous gigs at Detroit clubs (where they had an enthusiastic following), sang backup for many of Motown’s established stars, and toured the country with the Motortown Revue in the company of the Supremes, Dionne Warwick, and others. Despite their obvious talent, however, the Temptations released seven singles without a hit. Gordy briefly renamed the act “the Pirates” in 1962, hoping to change their luck. The group’s members were relieved when the Pirates’ “Mind Over Matter” and “I’ll Love You Till I Die” flopped. Williams explained in Temptations, “We’d have died for a hit, but if it meant going through life in pirate uniforms, no thanks!” By 1964, personality conflicts forced Al Bryant to leave the group; he was replaced by David Ruffin, a Detroit singer who had enjoyed some solo success. Ruffin had an athletic stage presence; his spins, cartwheels, and splits added an exciting new dimension to the Tempts’ act. Further improvements came through the group’s association with Cholly Atkins. This long-time professional dancer, who had served as choreographer for Gladys Knight and the Pips, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, the Cadillacs, and other successful groups, developed many of the Temptations’ trademark smooth moves.
National success finally came in 1964 with “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” a tune written and produced by Smokey Robinson, which peaked at number eleven on the pop charts. Capitalizing on the song’s popularity, Motown released Meet the Temptations, an album containing “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and its B side, “Just Let Me Know,” along with all of the group’s previously unsuccessful singles. In 1965 another Smokey Robinson song, “My Girl,” became their first number-one hit. Like most of the Tempts’ early music, it was a ballad that Robinson had produced as well as written. In 1966 the group worked with producer Norman Whitfield for the first time, cutting one of their most popular songs, “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.” It was the beginning of a long and successful collaboration. “Norman Whitfield could and did produce soft, smooth ballads with the best of them but, stylistically speaking, he was headed into another realm,” wrote Otis Williams. “His backing tracks crackled with more intricate percussion, wailing, almost rock-style guitars, and arrangements that featured us as five distinct singers instead of one lead singer fronting a homogenized doo-wop chorus. …[He] took us in new directions without losing the heart of our sound.”
For several years, the Temptations were one of the most popular acts in America. They played the hottest nightclubs, appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and numerous other television programs, and did a series of recordings and television appearances with the Supremes that broadened both groups’ appeal. Their stage routine became even more refined after a special four-headed microphone was designed for them. It allowed them to keep their distance so that even when executing complicated moves, they were in no danger of stepping on each other. Their great success brought its own set of problems, however. Some members proved unable to handle the wealth and popularity that had come their way. Ego clashes within the group became common. There were many personnel changes during the late sixties and early seventies: David Ruffin left to pursue a solo career in 1968 and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. Edwards’s career with the group was fitful; he was asked to leave in 1974 and replaced by Louis Price; he returned briefly in 1979 but was soon turned out in favor of Ollie Woodson; and he came back to the group a third time in 1986. In 1970, Eddie Kendricks decided to follow Ruffin’s lead and go solo; he was replaced by Ricky Owens of the Vibrations, but Owens was almost immediately dismissed in favor of Damon Harris, who stayed with the group until 1974. Harris was then replaced by Glenn Leonard, whose spot was taken by Ron Tyson in 1982. Paul Williams, considered by some as the soul of the Temptations, was asked to leave the group in 1971 because of his worsening alcoholism and related health problems; his spot was filled by Richard Street. Two years later, Williams committed suicide in Detroit.
In the late 1960s and early 1970s, the Temptations and producer Whitfield pioneered the “psychedelic soul” movement, which was characterized by an electric funk sound and socially conscious lyrics. The trend yielded several big hits for the Tempts, including “Cloud Nine,” “Ball of Confusion,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Whitfield stuck with it long after it had been imitated enough to become a cliche, however, and the once-creative relationship between the Temptations and their producer stagnated. Otis Williams reported in Temptations that Whitfield began minimizing the singers’ contributions to their own albums: “On some tracks our singing seemed to function as ornamentation for Norman’s instrumental excursions. When we started reading articles where writers referred to us as ‘the Norman Whitfield Choral Singers,’ we really got mad.” The Temptations’ fans were disappointed as well. Record sales fell dramatically. The Temptations sought more artistic control over their recordings, but Berry Gordy was deaf to their requests. Frustrated, the group severed its association with Motown in 1976.
A two-year contract with Atlantic failed to help them out of their slump, however. It was the age of disco, when many Motown acts faded away. The Temptations weathered their share of personnel changes and inactive periods, but remained intact. In 1979 they renegotiated with Motown and returned to their old company. Shortly thereafter, the classic Motown sound came back into vogue and the Temptations were once again in demand. They reunited briefly with Ruffin and Kendricks for a tour, but personality conflicts soon resurfaced, and they quickly returned to a five-man lineup. After their appearance on the Motown 25 television special, they teamed with the Four Tops for a “T’n’T Tour” that played to enthusiastic audiences around the world for nearly three years.
Selected discography
Singles; for Gordy Records, except as noted
“The Way You Do the Things You Do,” 1964.
“My Girl,” 1964.
“Since I Lost My Baby,” 1965.
“Get Ready,” 1966.
“Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” 1966.
“Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” 1966.
“(I Know) I’m Losing You,” 1966.
“I Wish It Would Rain,” 1967.
“Cloud Nine,” 1968.
(With the Supremes) “I’ll Try Something New,” Motown, 1969.
“I Can’t Get Next to You,” 1969.
“Ball of Confusion (That’s What the World Is Today),” 1970.
“Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me),” 1971.
“Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone,” 1972.
“Keep Holding On,” 1975.
“I Just Don’t Know How to Let You Go,” Atlantic, 1979.
”Sail Away,” 1984.
“Treat Her Like a Lady,” 1984.
“How Can You say That It’s Over,” 1985.
“I Wonder Who She’s Seeing Now,” Motown, 1987.
LPs; for Gordy Records, except as noted
Meet the Temptations, 1964.
The Temptations Sing Smokey, 1965.
Temptin’ Temptations, 1965.
The Temptations Greatest Hits, 1966.
Temptations Live!, 1967.
Cloud Nine, 1969.
Temptations Greatest Hits, Volume II, 1970.
All the Million-Sellers, 1981.
The Temptations 25th Anniversary, Motown, 1986.
To Be Continued, 1986.
Together Again, Motown, 1987.
LPs; with Diana Ross and the Suprêmes; all for Motown
Diana Ross and the Suprêmes Join the Temptations, 1968.
TCB, 1968.
Together, 1969.
On Broadway, 1969.
Sources
Books
Dalton, David and Lenny Kaye, Rock 100, Grosset & Dunlap, 1977.
Hardy, Phil and Dave Laing, Encyclopedia of Rock, McDonald, 1987.
Miller, Jim, editor, The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll, Rolling Stone Press, 1976.
Williams, Otis, and Patricia Romanowski, Temptations, Putman, 1988.
Periodicals
Billboard, May3, 1986.
Newsweek, January 27, 1986.
People, August 25, 1986; September 1, 1986.
—Joan Goldsworthy
The Temptations
The Temptations
Rhythm and blues group
Filed Lawsuit Against Former Member
First formed in 1961, The Temptations are one of the few surviving groups from the days when Motown reigned the airwaves. In forty years, the group has dealt with numerous changes in the group’s lineup and the ever-changing tastes of popular music. Despite such changes, The Temptations have managed to maintain their style, sound, and popularity.
It was in 1961 that two members of the Primes, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, and three members of the Distants, Otis Williams, Elbridge Bryant, and Melvin Franklin decided to form a group. Although both the Primes and the Distants were popular in their local Detroit, neither group had produced a national hit. The quintet decided on the name, the Elgins. But the group soon learned that the name of a high-quality watch had already been adopted by another music group. Finally, the group decided to call themselves the Temptations. “You can see today that it was the perfect name,” wrote Otis Williams in his book Temptations. “It was about style and elegance but also suggested romance and, frankly, sex.” From their earliest days, Williams added, the group made a conscious effort to cultivate an image of sophistication. Williams wrote, “In our songs and in our moves, we were subtler and more romantic than some other guys, who were always grunting and sweating and carrying on.”
Signed to Motown Records
The Temptations auditioned for Berry Gordy, and, impressed by their harmonizing, Gordy immediately offered them a contract on the spot. Now a fixture of Motown Records’ roster, the group played at numerous Detroit clubs, earning an enthusiastic following. The also sang backup for many Motown stars, in addition to touring with the Motortown Revue. After none of the group’s first seven singles produced a hit, Gordy briefly renamed the act the Pirates. Gordy had hoped the 1962 name change would change their luck, but the group was relieved their releases as the Pirates, “Mind Over Matter” and “I’ll Love You Till I Die,” also flopped. Williams explained in Temptations, “We’d have died for a hit, but if it meant going through life in pirate uniforms, no thanks!”
Elbridge Bryant left the group in 1964, due to personality conflicts, and he was replaced by David Ruffin, a Detroit singer who had enjoyed some solo success. Ruffin possessed an athletic stage presence, performing spins, cartwheels, and splits. The addition of Ruffin brought an exciting new dimension to the act. The Temptations then began working with Cholly Atkins, choreographer for Gladys Knight and the Pips, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, the Cadillacs, and other
At a Glance …
Born Otis Williams (original member) on October 30, 1949, in Texarkana, TX; born Melvin Franklin (original member) on October 12, 1942, in Montgomery, AL, died 1995; born Paul Williams (original member) on July 1, 1939, in Birmingham, AL, died on August 17, 1973, in Detroit, MI; born Edward James Kendricks (original member) on December 17, 1939, in Birmingham, AL, died on October 5, 1992; Elbridge Bryant (original member). Born David Ruffin (replaced Bryant, 1964) on January 18, 1941, in Wyanot, MS, died of a drug overdose on June 1, 1991; born Dennis Edwards (replaced Ruffin, 1968) on February 3, 1943, in Birmingham, AL; born Richard Street (replaced Paul Williams, 1971) on October 5, 1942, in Detroit, Ml; Ricky Owens (replaced Kendricks, 1971 ); born Damon Otis Harris (replaced Owens, 1971 ) on July 3, 1950, in Baltimore, MD; Glenn Leonard; Ron Tyson; Louis Price; Ollie Woodson; Theo Peoples; Harry McGill-berry; Terry Weeks; Barrington Henderson.
Career: Originally formed as the Elgins, Detroit, Ml, 1961; name changed to The Temptations, 1961; albums include: Meet the Temptations, 1964; The Temptations Sing Smokey, 1965; Temptin’ Temptations, 1965; The Temptations Greatest Hits, 1966; Temptations Live!, 1967, 1969; Temptations Greatest Hits, Volume II, 1970; All the Million-Sellers, 1981; The Temptations 25th Anniversary, 1986; To Be Continued, 1986; Together Again, 1987; Phoenix Rising, 1998; Ear-Resistable, 2000; Awesome, 2001.
Awards: Grammy Award, Best R&B Performance by a Group, for “Cloud Nine,” 1969, for “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” 1972; Grammy, Best R&B song and Best R&B instrumental performance, for “Papa Was a Roiling Stone,” 1972; American Music Award, Best Vocal Group, 1974.
Addresses: Office —c/o Motown Record Corporation, Hollywood, CA 90028.
successful groups. Atkins developed many of the Temptations’s trademark dance steps.
The group finally achieved national success with the 1964 single, “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” Written and produced by Smokey Robinson, the song peaked at number 11 on the pop charts. Motown, capitalizing on this success, released Meet the Temptations that same year. The album included “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” and its B side, “Just Let Me Know,” along with all of the group’s previously unsuccessful singles.
Scored First Number One
The following year, the Temptations had their first number-one hit, “My Girl.” Also that year, the group worked with producer Norman Whitfield, and the end result was one of their most popular songs. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” marked the start of a long and successful collaboration. “Norman Whitfield could and did produce soft, smooth ballads with the best of them but, stylistically speaking, he was headed into another realm,” wrote Otis Williams in Temptations. “His backing tracks crackled with more intricate percussion, wailing, almost rock-style guitars, and arrangements that featured us as five distinct singers instead of one lead singer fronting a homogenized doo-wop chorus…. [He] took us in new directions without losing the heart of our sound.”
The Temptations remained one of the most popular acts in America for several years. They played the hottest nightclubs and appeared on numerous television shows, including The Ed Sullivan Show. The group also joined with the Supremes for a series of recordings and television appearances that broadened both groups’ appeal. A special four- headed microphone was designed specifically for them, allowing members enough distance from each other so that, even when executing complicated moves, they were in no danger of stepping on each other.
Success, however, brought its own set of problems. Some members proved unable to handle their wealth and fame. Ego clashes often flared within the group, and the late 1960s and early 1970s saw several changes in the group’s roster. David Ruffin left to pursue a solo career in 1968 and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. Edwards’s career with the group was fitful; he was asked to leave in 1974 and replaced by Louis Price, but returned briefly in 1979, only to be turned out in favor of Ollie Woodson. Edwards returned to the group a third time in 1986. In 1970 Eddie Kendricks decided to go solo, and he was replaced by Ricky Owens of the Vibrations. Owens was almost immediately dismissed in favor of Damon Harris, who stayed with the group until 1974. Harris was then replaced by Glenn Leonard, who was, in turn, replaced by Ron Tyson in 1982. Paul Williams, with his worsening alcoholism and related health problems, was asked to leave the group in 1971; his spot was filled by Richard Street. Williams committed suicide two years later.
Pioneered Psychedelic Soul
At the same time that the group was undergoing these rapid roster changes, the Temptations and producer Whitfield still managed to pioneer the “psychedelic soul” movement. Characterized by an electric funk sound and socially conscious lyrics, this new musical trend yielded several big hits for the Temptations, including “Cloud Nine,” “Ball of Confusion,” and “Papa Was a Rolling Stone.” Whitfield persisted with the movement long after psychedelic soul had run its course, and the once-creative relationship between the Temptations and their producer became stagnant. Otis Williams reported in Temptations that Whitfield began minimizing the singers’ contributions: “On some tracks our singing seemed to function as ornamentation for Norman’s instrumental excursions. When we started reading articles where writers referred to us as ‘the Norman Whitfield Choral Singers,” we really got mad.”
Fans of the group were disappointed as well, and record sales fell dramatically. The Temptations sought more artistic control, but Berry Gordy was deaf to their requests. Frustrated, the group severed its ties with Motown in 1976.
It was now the age of disco, and many Motown acts faded away. A two-year contract with Atlantic failed to help the Temptations out of their slump. In 1979 they renegotiated a return to Motown. Shortly thereafter, the classic Motown sound came back into vogue and the Temptations were once again in demand. Ruffin and Kendricks briefly rejoined the group for a tour, but personality conflicts soon resurfaced, and the Temptations quickly returned to a five-man lineup. After their appearance on the Motown 25 television special, they teamed with the Four Tops for a “T ‘n T Tour” that ran worldwide for nearly three years.
The early 1990s saw the deaths of several Temptations. On June 1, 1991 David Ruffin, who had left the group in 1968, died of a drug overdose. Ruffin’s ex-wife, Sandra, told People Weekly, “The only downfall he had was the drugs. He was really trying, but after 24 years with the drugs, he just couldn’t conquer it” The following year, Eddie Kendricks, one of the group’s original members, died of lung cancer. Another original member, Melvin Franklin, died in 1995. Franklin had left the group in 1994, due to failing health. After suffering a series of brain seizures in February of 1995, Franklin was hospitalized, dying of heart failure a month later. Otis Williams was now the only living, original member of the Temptations.
This decade also saw further changes in the Temptations’s roster. Ali Woodson, a member since 1983, left the group to pursue a solo career. Theo Peoples joined the group in the early 1990s. Temptation Ron Tyson had seen Peoples perform at a St. Louis jazz club, and invited Peoples to audition. Peoples told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that the new members of the group try to sound as much like the original members as possible, maintaining a consistent Temptations sound. “But maybe we also interject a little of ourselves,” he added.
Filed Lawsuit Against Former Member
When former member Dennis Edwards began performing under such names as Dennis Edwards & the New Temptations or Dennis Edwards & the Temptations Review, Williams, along with Franklin’s estate, filed suit against Edwards, claiming trademark infringement. Edwards told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch “I need a piece of the name in order to make people remember me.” In 1999 a federal judge issued a permanent injunction preventing Edwards from performing under any variation of the group’s name.
In 1998 the Temptations released Phoenix Rising. Like the mythological figure of the phoenix, Williams told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, “We’ve always been able to rise out of the ashes. That’s what The Temptations have always been about.” In the fall of 1999, the album was certified platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America. Phoenix Rising was the group’s first album to ever be officially certified platinum. “This is tremendously gratifying after so many years,” Williams told Billboard.
Also in 1998, the story of the Temptations came to life on the small screen when NBC aired a two-part mini-series. Based on Williams’s book, Temptations, the mini-series was also co-produced by Williams. “Everywhere I would go from Hollywood to Europe, people would ask me when we were going to do a show like this,” Williams told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
In November of 2001 the Temptations released Awesome. The group’s lineup now included Williams, Tyson, Harry McGillberry, Terry Weeks, and Barrington Henderson. There have been a total of 19 members over the years. “I always compare the Temptations to a great sports franchise,” Williams told the Seattle Post- Intelligencer. “Great players will come and go but the team endures. We are a team that has endured against tremendous odds and we will continue to endure. The Temptations are forever.”
Selected discography
Albums
Meet the Temptations, 1964
The Temptations Sing Smokey, 1965.
Temptin’ Temptations, 1965.
The Temptations Greatest Hits, 1966.
Temptations Live!, 1967, 1969.
Temptations Greatest Hits, Volume II, 1970.
All the Million-Sellers, 1981.
The Temptations 25th Anniversary, 1986.
To Be Continued, 1986.
Together Again, 1987.
Phoenix Rising, 1998.
Ear-Resistable, 2000.
Awesome, 2001.
Albums with Diana Ross and the Supremes
Diana Ross and the Supremes Join the Temptations, 1968.
TCB, 1968.
Together, 1969.
On Broadway, 1969.
Sources
Books
Contemporary Musicians, Volume 3. Gale Research, 1990.
Dalton, David and Lenny Kaye, Rock 100, Grosset & Dunlap, 1977.
Hardy, Phil and Dave Laing, Encyclopedia of Rock, McDonald, 1987.
Miller, Jim, editor, The Rolling Stone Illustrated History of Rock and Roll, Rolling Stone Press, 1976.
Williams, Otis, and Patricia Romanowski, Temptations, Putman, 1988.
Periodicals
Atlanta Journal-Constitution, October 30, 1998.
Billboard, May 3, 1986 October 14, 1992; August 20, 1994; November 22, 1997; January 9, 1999; November 6, 1999.
Dallas Morning News, November 1, 1998.
Jet, March 13, 1995; January 18, 1999; August 16, 1999.
Los Angeles Times, July 15, 1996.
Morning Call (Allentown, PA), February 9, 2002.
Newsweek, January 27, 1986.
People, August 25, 1986; September 1, 1986.
People Weekly, June 17, 1991.
Seattle Post-Intelligencer, October 30, 1998; February 1, 2002.
Seattle Times, November 1, 1998.
St. Louis Post-Dispatch, March 4, 1998; March 14, 1999; July 1, 1999; October 7, 2000; June 3, 2001.
On-line
Biography Resource Center, Gale Group, 2001, http://www.galenet.com/servlet/BioRC
—Joan Goldsworthy and Jennifer M. York
The Temptations
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."
—Jana Pendragon
Further Reading:
Gordy, Berry. To Be Loved. New York City, Warner Books, 1994.
Williams, Otis, and Patricia Romanowski. Temptations. New York, Putnam Publishing, 1988.
The Temptations
The Temptations ★★½ 1998
Miniseries bio of the Motown group from its high school beginnings in 1958 (under various names) through a meeting with Motown founder Berry Gordy (Babatunde) and major success in the ‘60s. Told from the viewpoint of the last original Temp, Otis Williams (Whitfield), as he and buddies Melvin Franklin (Woodside) and Paul Williams (Payton) hook up with first lead singer Eddie Kendricks (Brooks). When Kendricks goes solo it's the turn of David Ruffin (Leon) but the group suffers various ego traumas and tragedies. Naturally, the music's the real highlight. 150m/C VHS, DVD . Charles Malik Whitfield, DB Woodside, Terron Brooks, Christian Payton, Leon, Alan Rosenberg, Obba Babatunde, Charles Ley, Tina Lifford, Gina Ravera, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Chaz Lamar Shepherd; D: Allan Arkush; W: Kevin Arkadie, Robert P. Johnson; C: Jamie Anderson. TV