The Temptations
For more than 40 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world.

The history of The Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical life in Detroit in the early 1960s. It wasn’t until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do” turned the Temptations into stars.

An avalanche of hits followed, many of which—”My Girl,” for instance—attained immortality. The hits kept coming, including “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is only Skin Deep,” and “I Wish It Would Rain.”

The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, The Temptations became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptations Walk became a staple of American style. Flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw their Temptations as cultural heroes.

When the 1960s and 1970s turned political, The Temptations got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards (who had replaced David Ruffin), burned with intensity. “Runaway Child,” “Cloud Nine,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” and “Psychedelic Shack” still smolder.

Other stellar singers such as Richard Street and Ali-Ollie Woodson joined, adding their luster to the groups’ growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, The Temptations remained true to The Temptations tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns.

“Great singing,” says Otis, “will always prevail.”

In the 1980s, The Temptations prevailed with smashes like the Otis Williams-penned “Treat Her Like A Lady.” Another Temptation explosion began with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983; it continued with the NBC mini-series that chronicled the group’s history, a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time. An Emmy Award followed.

Then came a series of acclaimed records: For Lovers Only, a collection of love standards, termed an instant classic by critics, remains among the most cherished of all Temptations recordings. Phoenix Rising went through the roof, a platinum-plus mega-hit featuring “Stay,” the Narada Michael Walden-produced song that topped the charts. Ear Resistible earned a Grammy and a legion of new fans. Awesome, released in 2001, is The Temptations at their freshest, strongest, and most appealing.

The current lineup of the Temptations is Otis Williams, Terry Weeks, G.C. Cameron, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon.