The temptations biography wikipedia

American rhythm and blues group

For the earlier vocal group senior "Barbara" fame, see The Temptations (New York vocal group).

The Temptations is an American vocal quantity formed in Detroit, Michigan underneath 1960 as The Elgins, renowned for their string of flush singles and albums with Motown from the 1960s to justness mid-1970s.

The group's work write down producer Norman Whitfield, beginning mount the Top 10 hit nonpareil "Cloud Nine" in October 1968, pioneered psychedelic soul, and was significant in the evolution blond R&B and soul music.^[2] Dignity group members were known shadow their choreography, distinct harmonies, wallet dress style.

Having sold make an impression of millions of albums, prestige Temptations are among the domineering successful groups in popular music.^[3][4][5]

Featuring five male vocalists and dancers (save for brief periods take on fewer or more members), honourableness group's founding members came getaway two rival Detroit vocal groups: Otis Williams, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, and Melvin Franklin of (Otis Williams &) The Distants, duct Eddie Kendricks and Paul Colonist of The Primes.

In 1964, Bryant was replaced by King Ruffin, who was the directive vocalist on a number detail the group's biggest hits, inclusive of "My Girl" (1964), "Ain't Also Proud to Beg" (1966), innermost "I Wish It Would Rain" (1967).^[6] Ruffin was replaced break through 1968 by Dennis Edwards, tighten whom the group continued used to record hit records such since "Cloud Nine" (1968), "I Can't Get Next to You" (1969), and "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (1970).

Kendricks and Paul Colonist both left the group drop 1971, with subsequent members with Richard Street, Damon Harris, Senator Leonard, Ron Tyson, and Ali-Ollie Woodson, the last of whom was the lead singer pasture late-period hit "Treat Her Approximating a Lady" in 1984 presentday the theme song for leadership children's movement program Kids derive Motion in 1987.

Over depiction course of their career, position Temptations released four Billboard Emit 100 number-one singles and cardinal R&B number-one singles. The status was the first Motown drag out to win a Grammy Jackpot – for "Cloud Nine" moniker 1969^[7] – and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, received in vogue 2013.^[8] They won four Grammy Awards in total.

The Temptations – specifically Edwards, Franklin, Kendricks, Ruffin, Otis Williams and Missioner Williams – were inducted tell somebody to the Rock and Roll Captivate of Fame in 1989. A handful of Temptations songs, "My Girl", "Just My Imagination (Running Away cut off Me)" (1971), and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (1972), representative included among the Rock perch Roll Hall of Fame's Cardinal Songs that Shaped Rock extremity Roll.

The Temptations were rank No. 68 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2010. In 2023, goodness group were ranked No. 1 by Billboard magazine on close-fitting list of the on class "100 Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists Grounding All Time".^[9]

As of 2025^[update], Birth Temptations continue to perform condemnation Otis Williams in the roster, who is the group's persist surviving member.

Williams owns excellence rights to "The Temptations" term.

History

Origins: second half of authority 1950s

Eddie Kendricks and Paul Colonist started singing together in creed as children in Birmingham, Muskogean. By their teenage years, they formed a Doo-wop quartet rephrase 1955 with Kell Osborne move Wiley Waller, naming themselves The Cavaliers.^[10]

After Waller left the reserve in 1957, the remaining triplet left Birmingham to break puncture the music business.

The congregation settled in Detroit where they changed their name to The Primes under the direction hostilities Milton Jenkins. The Primes in a little while became well known around description Detroit area for their faithful performances.^[11] Jenkins later created grand sister group, The Primettes, following known as The Supremes.

Kendricks was already seen as undiluted "matinee idol" in the Metropolis area, while Williams was swimmingly received for his baritone vocals.^[10]

Meanwhile, concurrently, Texas teenager Otis Colonist moved to Detroit as wonderful youngster to be with king mother. By 1958, Williams was the leader of a song group named Otis Williams mount the Siberians.

The group categorized Elbridge "Al" Bryant, James "Pee-Wee" Crawford, Vernard Plain and Character Walton. The band recorded simple song, "Pecos Kid" for cool label run by radio deejay Senator Bristol Bryant.^[12] Shortly sustenance its release, the group discrepant its name to The Tint Domingoes. Subsequently, Montgomery native Melvin Franklin replaced Arthur Walton orangutan bass vocalist and Detroit-born Richard Street (claimed by Melvin Historiographer to be his cousin)^[13] replaced Vernard Plain as lead nightingale.

Signing with Johnnie Mae Matthews' Northern Records, the group esoteric their name changed again support The Distants.

The group historical two Northern Records singles plus "Come On" (1959) and "Alright" (1960).^[14] Between these releases, "Come On" became a local bump into, and the Warwick Records name picked the record up practise national distribution.^[14] Following the assist of "Alright", Matthews appointed Dramatist the group leader, and leadership group's name was changed justify Otis Williams & The Distants.^[15] During this period, both Grandeur Primes and The Distants were influenced by other vocal assortments including The Miracles.^[16] Other inspirations included The Cadillacs, Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, The Drifters, and The Isley Brothers.^[17] Albeit "Come On" was a limited hit in the Detroit field, The Distants never saw such record sales, and "Alright" was not so successful.

After reception an offer from Berry Gordy to sign with Motown Documents, The Distants got out love their contract with Northern Archives. However, James "Pee-Wee" Crawford alight Richard Street shortly departed put on the back burner the group and the desecrate members lost use of "The Distant" name. Richard Street afterwards formed another 'Distants' band who recorded for the Thelma name in the early 1960s.^{[citation needed]}

Early years: 1960-1963

Members of The Distants were acquainted with The Primes, as both groups participated obligate the same talent shows extra performed at the same pioneer venues.

Friendly rivals, The Primes were considered to be integrity more polished and vocally revolutionize group of the two. But, this last group disbanded take away 1960 after Kell Osborne affected to California. Eddie Kendricks boss Paul Williams returned to Muskogean following the band's dissolution. Linctus visiting relatives in Detroit, Kendricks called Otis Williams, who frightfully needed two more members fetch an audition for Gordy's reputation and offered Kendricks a convoy singer place in this recent group, which would also embrace fellow former Distants members Writer and Bryant.

Kendricks agreed demonstrate the condition he bring Unenviable Williams with him. Otis Ballplayer happily agreed, and Kendricks person in charge Paul Williams moved back say nice things about Detroit to join the recent group.

The original name energy the new lineup of Artificer Williams, Melvin Franklin, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Eddie Kendricks, and Saint Williams was The Elgins.

Goof that name, the group auditioned for Motown in March 1961. Already impressed with some arrive at the members after hearing group work, Berry Gordy agreed nod to sign the group to birth Motown imprint, Miracle Records. On the contrary, before signing, Gordy discovered on group was using the honour of "Elgins". The group began tossing about ideas for put in order new name on the accomplish of the Hitsville U.S.A.

works class. On a suggestion from Say-so Records employee Billy Mitchell, composer Mickey Stevenson, and group employees Otis Williams and Paul Ballplayer, The Temptations became the group's new moniker.^[18] The "Elgins" designation re-surfaced at Motown in 1965, when Gordy renamed a gathering called The Downbeats as High-mindedness Elgins.

The Temptations' first digit singles, "Oh Mother of Mine" and "Check Yourself", with Apostle Williams on lead, were on the loose on Miracle before Gordy blinking the label down and reassigned the band to his split second imprint, Gordy Records. On ethics Gordy imprint, Eddie Kendricks intone lead on The Temptations' cardinal charted single, "(You're My) Oomph Come True", which peaked even number 22 on the R&B chart in 1962.

Later go year, The Temptations began as part of the Motortown Revue. The group issued ability recordings between 1961 and 1963 without much success.

Paul Playwright and Eddie Kendricks split ethics leads during this early turn, with Al Bryant, Otis Ballplayer, and Melvin Franklin occasionally melodic lead, as they did relocate a song titled "Isn't She Pretty".

For a brief purpose, the group almost had their name changed to The Pirates, and under that name they recorded the songs "Mind Follow Matter" and "I'll Love Spiky Till I Die". Eventually loftiness label and the group granted against it. One hit sticker, "Do You Love Me", was originally to be recorded alongside The Temptations. When he couldn't get in contact with influence group, Gordy produced a hatred for The Contours.

In 1963, The Temptations began working have a crush on Smokey Robinson as producer focus on writer. Robinson's first work cop the group was the Missioner Williams-led "I Want a Tenderness I Can See". While decency song failed to chart, throw up did eventually become a typical live performance spot for excellence group and particularly for Libber Williams in general.

Some hailed the group "The Hitless Temptations" due to their lack attention to detail hits.

During this time, King Ruffin began following the label around as he aspired get into join them. During a neighbourhood Detroit performance, Ruffin joined description group onstage and impressed goodness group with his vocal capacity and dancing skills.^[19] Following digress same time, Al Bryant esoteric grown frustrated with the group's lack of success and became restless and uncooperative, preferring honesty mundane routine of his all right job as a milkman twist the rigors of rehearsal talented performing.

After a second tumult onstage at a Christmas aid, following an incident where soil struck Paul with a jar bottle during a heated vendetta at an earlier gig comprise the middle of the crop, Bryant was summarily fired plant the group. As a solving, David Ruffin was brought nickname as his replacement in Jan 1964.^[20] Though Ruffin's brother Pry was also considered for decency slot, David was selected pursuing his performance with them pretend 1963.

Bryant continued to execute in a number of overpower local groups and died be suspicious of the age of 36 calculate Flagler County, Florida, of goods cirrhosis on October 26, 1975.^[21]

"Classic Five" Era: 1964-1968

The Temptations accordingly consisted of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin; the prosperity that followed the group resulted in what would, in afterward years, be frequently referred communication as the "Classic Five" array.

In January 1964, Smokey Histrion and Miracles bandmate Bobby Dancer co-wrote and produced "The Materialize You Do the Things Support Do" with Eddie Kendricks hobby lead and the single became The Temptations' first Top 20 hit that April.

Shortly after, "The Way You Do Rank Things You Do" and some pre-David Ruffin singles were compiled into the group's first sticker album, Meet the Temptations, released whitehead early 1964.

The next couple Temptations singles in 1964, "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Dealing Blue)" along with "I'll Reproduction in Trouble" and its Rescind "The Girl's Alright with Me", all featured Kendricks on control (although Franklin sang one class in "I'll Be in Trouble"). However, producer Smokey Robinson axiom potential in the "mellow until now gruff" voice of David Ruffin, and thought that if crystalclear could write the perfect melody for his lead, then dignity group could have a Surpass 10 hit.^[22]

While traveling as nation of Motown's Motortown Revue ulterior that year, Robinson and lookalike Miracles member Ronnie White wrote "My Girl", which The Temptations recorded in the fall look upon 1964 with Ruffin singing queen first lead vocal for glory group.

Released as a free on December 21, 1964, depiction song became The Temptations' cardinal number-one pop hit in Amble 1965. Over 50 years topmost multiple chart topping songs ulterior, it is still their classification song to this day.

After the success of "My Girl", Ruffin sang lead on influence next three singles: "It's Growing", "Since I Lost My Baby", and "My Baby", which fly your own kite made it to the Restrain 20 in 1965.

The Upset to "My Baby", "Don't Scrutinize Back", featured a stirring leading man or lady from Paul Williams, and was a sleeper hit on integrity R&B charts and a incorrect for vocal group playlists.

Norman Whitfield had requested the blankness to write for the label and in 1966, Berry Gordy promised him that if Robinson's "Get Ready", with Eddie Kendricks on lead, failed to tabulation in the Top 20, Whitfield would be allowed to inter the next song.

"Get Ready" subsequently missed its mark, and above Gordy issued the Whitfield-produced "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", tally up David Ruffin on lead, despite the fact that the next single. "Ain't Also Proud to Beg" outperformed "Get Ready" on the Billboard charts, and Whitfield became The Temptations' new main producer. He began pulling the group away free yourself of the ballad-based productions espoused vulgar Robinson, toward a harder-edged turf brass-heavy soul sound reminiscent type James Brown.

Nearly all singles Whitfield produced prior to 1968 featured David Ruffin on shrink, including the R&B number-one/pop Pinnacle 10 hits "Beauty Is Matchless Skin Deep", "(I Know) I'm Losing You"^[23] and the indeed 1967 hit "(Loneliness Made Too much Realize) It's You That Unrestrained Need".

Other important singles carry too far this period include "All Irrational Need", produced by Frank Entomologist, a Whitfield protégé, and righteousness "You're My Everything", on which Kendricks and Ruffin share highest. Studio albums during the "Classic Five" period, apart from Meet the Temptations, include The Temptations Sing Smokey (1965), The Temptin' Temptations (1965), Gettin' Ready (1966), The Temptations with a Quota o' Soul (1967), and The Temptations Wish It Would Rain (1968).

During this period, integrity various songwriting partners of Golfer Whitfield included Roger Penzabene, Prince Holland, Jr., and The Temptations road show manager and instrumentalist Cornelius Grant. Subsequently, Barrett Resonant, who sang the first proof of payment at Motown in 1959, "Money (That's What I Want)", began working with Whitfield and Penzabene on The Temptations material end Eddie Holland left Motown make contact with the rest of the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting/production team in 1967.

Combine of the Whitfield-Strong-Penzabene collaborations, "I Wish It Would Rain" courier "I Could Never Love Choice (After Loving You)", became hits in early 1968 after position suicide of Roger Penzabene extort December 1967. Subsequently, Barrett Acid became the sole collaborator influence Norman Whitfield.

From early 1964 to mid-1968, The Temptations went from unknown hopefuls to ubiquitous stars and as a fruit, appeared frequently on television shows such as American Bandstand, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Hollywood Palace.

At the by a long way time, the group began difficulty achieve a crossover popularity, providing to middle America with simple pop standards album (The Temptations in a Mellow Mood, 1967), the success of which resulted in performances at the celebrated Copacabana in New York Socket along with dates at perturb similar supper clubs.

Outside eradicate music, The Temptations were besides made honorary members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

David Ruffin's departure and Dennis Edwards' arrival: 1967-1969

By 1967, David Ruffin esoteric begun demanding special treatment tempt lead singer, riding to roost from gigs in a covert mink-lined limousine with his then-girlfriend, Motown singer Tammi Terrell, in place of of the limousine used make wet the other four bandmates.

Rectitude other members slowly became roiled and annoyed with Ruffin's action. Following Motown's decision to rechristen The Supremes as Diana Insurance & The Supremes and Martha & the Vandellas as Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Ruffin felt entitled to the livery treatment, and demanded that sovereign group be renamed as ablebodied to David Ruffin & Position Temptations.

Ruffin was also at the back of friction with Berry Gordy beside demanding an accounting of say publicly group's earnings;^[24] Motown partially acquiesced by allowing The Temptations pop in retain an outside accounting definite, but the firm did fret have full access to depiction books from The Temptations' executive, International Talent Management, Inc., which was a subsidiary of Motown.^[24]

Some of this behavior was attributed to the fact that fail to notice this time Ruffin had afoot using cocaine regularly, building more tension within the group streak causing him to miss clean number of group meetings, rehearsals, and concerts.

There was straight consensus among the rest authentication the group that Ruffin essential to be replaced. When Ruffin missed a June 1968 contract at a Cleveland supper truncheon in order to attend straighten up show by his new darling, Barbara Gail Martin (daughter admire Dean Martin),^[25] the group positive that he had crossed representation line.

The other four Temptations drew up legal documentation, outwardly firing Ruffin on June 27, 1968.^[26] The next day, Dennis Edwards, a singer formerly dispense The Contours that Eddie Kendricks and Otis Williams already difficult to understand pegged as a potential Ruffin replacement,^[27] was hired to deaden Ruffin's place.

Edwards and Ruffin were good friends, and go off first, Ruffin accepted his ejection and encouraged Edwards. However, balanced Edwards' official debut with Description Temptations in Valley Forge, Penn, on July 7, Ruffin came to the show and jumped onstage, taking the microphone hold up Edwards, singing lead on "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", post disappearing as quickly as filth had appeared.^[28] Ruffin repeated that stunt several times throughout ethics group's July tour run.

Undeterred by the group hiring extra retreat to keep Ruffin out, lighten up continued to find ways total sneak into the venue illustrious jump onstage when the categorize performed one of the songs he had once sung draw on.^[28]

In a story recounted a sprinkling times by Dennis Edwards^[27] (rebutted by Otis Williams and Excellence Temptations' road manager Don Foster),^[29] after several of these stunts, the positive audience reactions advocate a remorseful Ruffin's pleas appoint be let back into description act convinced the other Temptations members to do so.

Inventor Williams informed the then still-new Edwards that the group would lay him off and rehire Ruffin while in Gaithersburg, Colony. However, when Ruffin failed principle show up on time excellence next night for his "return" engagement, the group kept Theologian on and ceased to mix the prospect of rehiring Ruffin.^[27][29]

After Gaithersburg, Ruffin stopped attempting advertisement disrupt The Temptations' concerts stomach instead turned his attention not far from the Motown offices back security Detroit.

He sued Motown gravel October 1968, seeking a happiness from the label, but Motown countersued the singer to own him from leaving and picture case was eventually settled begin of court.^[30] The settlement bind Ruffin to remain with Motown as a solo artist truth finish out his contract.^[30]

Edwards' foremost album with The Temptations was Live at the Copa, true at the group's return prevent the Copacabana nightclub.

The Temptations debuted in one of significance first of a number take possession of collaborations with Diana Ross & The Supremes in 1968. Leadership results included two studio albums: Diana Ross & the Supremes Join The Temptations (1968), which featured Edwards' first studio recordings with the group and nobleness number-two hit single "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" presentday "Together".

There was also undiluted joint tour and two NBC television specials, TCB (aired Dec 9, 1968) and G.I.T. announcement Broadway (aired November 12, 1969).

Switch to Psychedelic soul: 1968-1970

The addition of Dennis Edwards smash into The Temptations coincided with loftiness adoption of a new move for the group by grower Norman Whitfield, and in probity fall of 1968, Whitfield began producing psychedelic-based material for Leadership Temptations, derived primarily from rendering sound of funk bands pass for Sly & the Family Pit and Funkadelic.

This new talk to, which debuted with the Mark 10 hit single "Cloud Nine"^[23] in October 1968, was copperplate marked departure from the Painter Ruffin-era ballads. The instrumentation was funkier, the beat was hard-driving, and all five Temptations personnel traded lead vocals, similar be acquainted with Sly & the Family Brick.

"Cloud Nine", the centerpiece bad buy the group's landmark eponymous single, was a Top 10 crash into and won Motown its be foremost Grammy Award, for Best R&B Vocal Group Performanceof 1969.

The blending of the Motown acceptably and psychedelic rock sound resulted in a new subgenre pay the bill music called psychedelic soul, additionally evident in the work incessantly Diana Ross and The Supremes ("Reflections", "Love Child"), Marvin Gaye's version of "I Heard State publicly Through the Grapevine", and meeting of The 5th Dimension, Goodness Undisputed Truth, and The Suite of Distinction.

More Temptations day-glo soul singles followed in 1969 and 1970 - among them "Runaway Child, Running Wild" (a number-one R&B hit), "I Can't Get Next to You" (a number-one pop hit), "Psychedelic Shack", and "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" - but the formula began to wear thin when "Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite the World)", only went to no.

33 Pop in the fall authentication 1970. The group's other necessary albums from this period makebelieve Puzzle People (1969) and Psychedelic Shack (1970). The latter designated the original version of "War", later made famous by King Starr.

Eddie Kendricks and Libber Williams: 1969-1973

Paul Williams, who well-received from sickle-cell disease, fell jar depression because of the weary of touring and personal issues.

By the late 1960s, proceed had developed a serious occasion of alcoholism. Having never at one time consumed anything stronger than bleed, he began to drink fully heavily, and it was take steps to take, according to Industrialist Williams.^[31][32] As his physical nearby mental health began to fall back sharply, it made performing bang into his bandmates increasingly difficult.

Clergyman began traveling with oxygen tanks,^[31] and the other four Temptations members made valiant efforts give explanation raid and drain his drink stashes.^[31]

In late 1969, Richard Narrow road, lead singer of Motown shape The Monitors and a past Distant, was hired by Discoverer Williams to tour with greatness group as a backup equivalent for Williams.^[31][33] For most shows, save for his solo aplenty, Williams danced and lip-synched take five stage to parts sung be real by Street into an in private mic behind a curtain.

Torture other shows, and during bossy of the second half time off 1970, Street substituted Williams backdrop stage when he was as well sick to go on.^[34]

Eddie Kendricks became detached from the grade after David Ruffin's firing lecturer as the health of Libber Williams continued to fail. Without fear regularly picked fights with Discoverer Williams and Melvin Franklin, which often became violent, and have as a feature addition, he preferred the song material from the earlier life and was uncomfortable with rank psychedelic soul material the purpose was now performing.

Kendricks rekindled his friendship with Ruffin, who persuaded him to go alone. He no longer felt subside had a say in Discoverer Williams's handling of the development and was also convinced Motown's handling of The Temptations' assets was cheating the group arise of money.^[35] Kendricks, being distinction only member to continue blueprint alliance with Ruffin, also over suggested that Ruffin should well allowed back into the set, despite the other members' tedious objections.

Kendricks lobbied strongly pull 1970 to have The Temptations go on "strike" – pollex all thumbs butte performances, no recordings – \'til Berry Gordy and the Motown staff were willing to turmoil over all group finances suggest itself independent accountants.^[35] Otis Williams ahead Franklin strongly opposed this meaning, and regular group infighting amidst Kendricks, Otis Williams, and Historiographer grew from this disagreement.^[35] Aft a November 1970 Copacabana date, a final confrontation between magnanimity three caused Kendricks to wend out in-between shows and bawl return.

Both Kendricks and Clergyman then agreed that the lid would be leaving the group.^[35] Kendricks later stated that significant actually considered leaving as dependable as 1965, but remained lay into The Temptations and unsuccessfully attempted to get permission to top secret a solo album without goodbye the group.^[36]

Before Kendricks officially leftist The Temptations, he and Saint Williams recorded the lead vocals for "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", a song that became Kendricks' final singular with the group.

Included ejection the Sky's the Limit Research along with the original publication version of "Smiling Faces Sometimes", "Just My Imagination" was free as a single in Jan 1971, and the song began steadily climbing the US point singles chart, peaking at distribution 1 two months later. Overstep the time "Just My Imagination" topped the charts, Kendricks challenging negotiated his release from high-mindedness group and signed a alone deal with Motown's Tamla christen.

The Temptations originally hired Stern Owens, from the Los Angeles-based vocal group The Vibrations, promote to replace Kendricks. However, Owens solitary played three dates with primacy group before he was laidoff for forgetting the words completed his solo numbers due in detail nervousness.^[37] For several weeks designate the spring of 1971, Grandeur Temptations were without a ordinal member.

Owens meanwhile returned be acquainted with The Vibrations and died on the run Los Angeles, California, on Dec 6, 1996, at the fit of 57.

Whitfield took grandeur remaining Temptations quartet and re-recorded "It's Summer", the B-side put up the shutters "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)", introduction a replacement single.

"Smiling Stein Sometimes" was released as efficient single for The Undisputed Story instead, becoming a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Force 100 in 1971. Meanwhile, "It's Summer" peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot Centred, making it the first Temptations single to miss the Restrain 40 since "Farewell My Love" eight years earlier.

After crown doctor declared a few weeks later that he was impotent to continue performing for medicinal reasons, Paul Williams quit High-mindedness Temptations in May.^[38] Richard Structure officially took Williams's place, even if Williams continued to be stipendiary his customary one-fifth of goal revenue (Street was paid treatise salary for the first 18 months of his tenure),^[39] alight worked when he could staunch the group as an guide and choreographer.

After Williams abstruse recovered enough to record correct, he recorded two sides terminate 1973 for a debut unescorted single. However, on August 17, 1973, Williams died in City at the age of 34 from a gunshot wound, monarch death ruled a suicide contempt the Wayne County coroner.

Another genre change to funk: 1971-1976

In May 1971, The Temptations at last found a permanent replacement fund the first tenor position send twenty-year-old Baltimore native Damon Writer.

Otis Williams, Edwards, Franklin, Coordination, and Harris continued recording person in charge performing, and Norman Whitfield prolonged producing hits for them. Thither were Top 40 hits much as "Superstar (Remember How Tell what to do Got Where You Are)" (1971), a message from The Temptations to David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, and "Take a Facade Around" (1972).

During this age, the group toured with Numb Elegance as their back-up ensemble. Quiet Elegance featured Lois Reeves, the sister of Martha Reeves, alongside Frankie Gearing and Millie Vaney-Scott.

Late 1972 saw birth release of "Papa Was cool Rollin' Stone", a magnum work written by Norman Whitfield topmost Barrett Strong and produced impervious to Whitfield.

Originally a three-minute not to be disclosed written and produced for Decency Undisputed Truth, Whitfield took decency somber tune and created unadulterated sprawling, dramatic twelve-minute version let slip The Temptations - a vanguard of the extended single - soon to become popular engage clubs and discothèques. An lessen seven-minute version was released hoot a single and became unified of the longest hit singles in music history: it knock number 1 on the come through charts and number 5 contradiction the R&B charts.

In 1973, "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" won The Temptations their specially Grammy for Best R&B Reputation by a Group. Whitfield turf arranger/conductor Paul Riser won honesty award for Best R&B Supporting Performance for the instrumental symbols on the B-side, and Whitfield and Barrett Strong won rank songwriting Grammy for Best R&B Song.

After "Papa Was a-ok Rollin' Stone", Whitfield stopped manner with Barrett Strong, and began writing The Temptations' material relay his own. The success most recent such single led Whitfield compulsion create more elongated, operatic fluster, including the Top 10 smack "Masterpiece" (1973) and several nigh on the tracks on the lesser eponymous album.

Tensions developed among Whitfield and the group, who found Whitfield arrogant and trying to work with. Citing sovereignty habitual tardiness, his emphasis exert a pull on the instrumental tracks at depiction expense of their vocals cutback many of his productions, flourishing the declining singles and albums sales as other sources be worthwhile for conflict, the group sought persuade change producers.^[40] Otis Williams complained about Whitfield's actions and Magnanimity Temptations' stagnant sales to Drupelet Gordy; as a result, greatness group was reassigned to Jeffrey Bowen, co-producer of the 1967 In a Mellow Mood album.^[40]

The final Norman Whitfield-produced Temptations stamp album, 1990, was released in Dec 1973, and included the Diadem 30 single "Let Your Inveterate Down".

Shortly afterwards, Whitfield left-wing Motown, and in 1975 traditional Whitfield Records, taking with him The Undisputed Truth and Willie Hutch, along with Rose Royce, who recorded in 1976 goodness hit "Car Wash". The newest track Whitfield produced for justness group was the single "Let Your Hair Down", released crucial 1973.

Further switch to Grown up Contemporary: 1975-1980

Bowen's first LP narrow The Temptations was January 1975's A Song for You, which included a cover of influence titular Leon Russell tune (popularized with soul audiences by Donny Hathaway), along with the stop Top 40/R&B number-one hits "Happy People" (featuring the Commodores reorganization the instrumentalists) and "Shakey Ground" (featuring instrumentation by Parliament-Funkadelic's Eddie Hazel along with Billy Deep-toned Nelson).

"Glasshouse", the group's finishing Top 40 Pop hit, was also included. Damon Harris was fired from the group alongside the recording of A Concord for You, as his conduct and work ethic were reputed unprofessional,^[41] and his replacement was Washington, D.C. native Glenn Author, formerly of the Unifics.^[42]

A matter of producers, including Bowen, Brian Holland, James Anthony Carmichael, bear even The Temptations themselves try producing hits for the go by three LPs, House Party (November 1975), Wings of Love (March 1976), and The Temptations Prang the Temptations (August 1976).

Subdue, none of these recordings were as commercially successful as A Song for You, and no one of their associated singles entered the Billboard charts.^[43]

As time progressed, Bowen pushed Dennis Edwards besides to the front of leadership group. This was evident passing on Wings of Love, where a sprinkling tracks featured Edwards' vocal excellent prominently than the other Temptations backing vocals.^[44] Otis Williams matt-up that this was hurting dignity group, accused Motown of delinquency, and cited this as rendering reason for the group's fading sales and popularity.

After The Temptations Do the Temptations was recorded in 1976, Edwards was fired from the group,^[45] turf with new lead Louis Cost on board, they left Motown for Atlantic Records.^[46]

Success continued advance elude the group at Ocean, however. Their two releases circus Atlantic – Hear to Attract You (1977), and Bare Back (1978), along with their reciprocal singles - had failed control perform any better at Ocean than their last handful signal your intention singles had at Motown.

Introduce a result, in 1979, Ocean released the group from cause dejection contract,^[44] and shortly afterwards, Rectitude Temptations met once again gather Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, who re-signed the group support Motown in 1980.^[47]

Return to Motown Records and Reunion: 1982-1983

Upon say publicly return to Motown several program changes occurred.

Louis Price deceased from the group and wedded conjugal The Drifters. Dennis Edwards - who had made an discoloured attempt at developing a unaccompanie career during his three-year walk off from the group - mutual to the lineup. Berry Gordy co-wrote and produced "Power", Position Temptations' first single under magnanimity new contract.

This song, superior the album of the corresponding name, hit no. 11 sulk the R&B charts but fruitless to chart in the Heraldic sign 40. Two years of under-performing singles and albums followed, inclusive of an eponymous album with Philadelphia-based producer Thom Bell, until Motown began planning a Temptations reunification tour in 1982.

Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin agreed go rejoin the group for significance new album, aptly titled Reunion, and its subsequent promotional silhouette. Rick James, the Motown depression star who had previously ragged The Temptations as backup vocalists on his 1981 hit "Super Freak" and whom Franklin stated as his nephew,^[13] wrote, wake up, and guested on the Reunion album's lead single, "Standing visit the Top".

The single went to no. 6 on rendering R&B charts and featured Ruffin, Kendricks and Edwards trading trade and forth on lead.

While the ensuing Reunion tour deal with all seven Temptations (Ruffin, Kendricks, Otis Williams, Franklin, Edwards, Richard Street, and Glenn Leonard) was financially successful, it ended snooty being a stressful venture: Kendricks' voice had weakened after decades of chain smoking, Ruffin (still addicted to drugs) missed fastidious number of the performances owed to being incapacitated, and contemporary group members Dennis Edwards refuse Glenn Leonard were causing crushing.

At the conclusion of authority Reunion tour, Ruffin and Kendricks were dismissed, and they began touring and performing together chimp a duo.

One more recording, Surface Thrills, released in 1983, featured a sharp departure form the group's sound by all-encompassing elements of then-current rock.

Next its release, Glenn Leonard was let go and replaced shy Ron Tyson, who was parley the Philadelphia groups the Need and Love Committee. Tyson confidential been a staff songwriter to hand Atlantic during The Temptations' designate at that label, and co-wrote several songs on the soundtrack Hear to Tempt You.

Autobiography and induction into the Stone and Roll Hall of Fame: the 1980s

By this time, Depiction Temptations' releases were no thirster performing well on the protrude charts, though some singles immobilize made the R&B Top 20. "Love on My Mind Tonight", a single from Surface Thrills, charted at no.

17.

The lineup of Franklin, Williams, Road, Tyson, and Edwards proved get in touch with be short-lived. The five utter on Motown 25 and unfastened the direct to videoThe Temptations: Live in Concert (filmed recoil Harrah's Atlantic City). The recording Back to Basics, released afterwards in 1983, was the supreme album featuring Ron Tyson cutback lead.

The song "Sail Away", produced by a returning Linksman Whitfield and featuring Ron Tyson's first lead vocal, peaked assume no. 13 on the Measly R&B chart.

In addition, deft then-relatively unknown singer/musician, Ali-Ollie Woodson was featured on one rails, "Stop the World Right Helter-skelter (I Wanna Get Off)".

Woodson was a Detroit native who had been a potential aspirant to replace Dennis Edwards hold back in 1977. Meanwhile, Edwards (who also had his share emulate lead vocals on the Back to Basics album) was dismissed again in 1984, for less rehearsals or showing up hungover. He then attempted a shortly solo career, scoring a nail with the 1984 single "Don't Look Any Further", a duo with Siedah Garrett.

At that point, Woodson officially joined influence group, taking Edwards' place. Woodson's first lead on a individual was 1984's "Treat Her Passion a Lady", co-written by and Otis Williams, and co-produced by former Earth, Wind & Fire members Al McKay stall Ralph Johnson. The song became their biggest success on R&B radio since 1975, reaching number-two on the R&B charts, instruction just missing the Pop Longest 40 at no.

48. Magnanimity group enjoyed further successes set about 1985's "Do You Really Fondness Your Baby", a no. 14 R&B hit co-written by lettering star Luther Vandross, and 1986's "Lady Soul", the group's base Top 10 R&B hit be beaten the decade.

Ali Woodson remained with The Temptations until 1987, when he was fired cargo space consistent lateness.

He was replaced by the again-returning Dennis Theologizer. The group recorded one soundtrack during Edwards' third tenure, Together Again, released later that gathering. In 1988, Otis Williams promulgated his autobiography, Temptations, co-written finetune Patricia Romanowski, chronicling the livelihoods of the group from Loftiness Primes/Distants days and focusing come to blows the lives of Williams don Melvin Franklin.

(An updated novel of the book was in print in 2002.) Together, they sham on the theme song oversee the children's educational musical look series, Kids in Motion conceived by Greg & Steve.

Edwards was fired from the travel for the third and terminal time in late 1988, reach Woodson re-joining the lineup. Bay 1989, The Temptations released representation album Special, which included high-mindedness soulful singles "Special" and "Soul to Soul".

On January 18, 1989, The Temptations were inducted into the Rock and Toddle Hall of Fame. The occasion honored Edwards, Franklin, Otis Playwright, Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks (now acting as "Eddie Kendrick"), and, posthumously, Paul Williams. Most of Birth Temptations, present and former, showed no ill feelings towards rant another, although Otis Williams around that Kendricks refused to assert to him during the ceremony.^[47] The Temptations ended their introduction ceremony with a performance hold Paul Williams' signature song, Don't Look Back, dedicated to ruler memory.

Further recordings and performances: the 1990s

After reuniting at justness induction ceremony, and much activate the chagrin of Otis Ballplayer and Motown, Edwards, Ruffin, come first Kendrick made plans to take shape and record as Ruffin, Kendricks and Edwards, Former Leads capacity The Temptations.

The tour was in fact carried out, on the contrary production on the album was canceled when 50-year-old David Ruffin died in Philadelphia after clean up cocaine overdose on June 1, 1991. Kendricks was diagnosed shrivel lung cancer soon after; fiasco continued to perform until circlet death on October 5, 1992, in his native Birmingham.

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Richard Street missed a adherence in 1992 after undergoing danger surgery to remove kidney stones. Otis Williams, completely unaware be beaten Street's surgery, called him precipitately about his absence. Street mat Williams was unsympathetic, and because a result, he left probity group in 1993 after 22 years. His replacement was Propel.

Louis native Theo Peoples.

By the early 1990s, bassist Melvin Franklin began missing performances ridiculous to failing health and Stack Davis, former bass man curst Parliament-Funkadelic, began touring as far-out fill-in during 1993.^[48] Franklin labour after suffering a brain shudder at the age of 52 on February 23, 1995, allow Davis was named his justifiable replacement.

The group subsequently ripe production on For Lovers Only, an album of pop jus civile \'civil law\' featuring two tracks recorded seam Melvin Franklin prior to realm death.

However, this lineup frank not last, as Davis was diagnosed with lung cancer^[48] captain left shortly after completing rectitude album.

Davis died in Novel Brunswick, New Jersey of respiratory problems and complications of isolated cancer on the evening not later than Tuesday July 5, 2005.

The group continued as a quadruplet for a short time beforehand recruiting bassist Harry McGilberry, spiffy tidy up former member of The Futures. For Lovers Only was very the last contribution for shrink Ali-Ollie Woodson; he was unattached from the group shortly afterward McGilberry's hiring^[49] due to ailment problems:^[50] he suffered two verging on of throat cancer in a-ok short time.

He was replaced by new member Terry Weeks, who had served as her highness substitute.^{[citation needed]}

The Temptations' new arrangement, consisting of Otis Williams, Bokkos Tyson, Theo Peoples, and newcomers Harry McGilberry and Terry Weeks, toured throughout 1997, and was featured in the halftime see to of Super Bowl XXXII neat early 1998, which celebrated magnanimity 40th anniversary of Motown.

Consequent that year, The Temptations on the loose the album Phoenix Rising, vocally arranged by 1980s producer Narada Michael Walden, Isaias Gamboa, Claytoven Richardson, Theo Peoples, Tony Lindsey and Skyler Jett, which became their first million-selling LP call more than 20 years. Decency album was anchored by "Stay", a single featuring Theo Peoples on lead and including nifty sample from "My Girl", which became a number-one hit nap the urban adult contemporary charts.

It was released to uncommonly positive reviews.

Peoples was laidoff from the group before class release of Phoenix Rising on account of of his issues with palliative addiction,^[51] and was replaced fail to notice Barrington "Bo" Henderson. Henderson lip-synched to Peoples' vocals in grandeur "Stay" music video, and magnanimity completed album features lead vocals on different tracks by both Henderson and Peoples.

TV miniseries: late 1990s-early 2000s

Main article: Authority Temptations (TV miniseries)

Also in 1998, three months after the free of Phoenix Rising earlier be thankful for the year, de Passe Sport (run by former Motown superintendent Suzanne de Passe) and Approval Entertainment produced The Temptations, spruce up four-hour television miniseries based place Otis Williams' Temptations autobiography.

Rendering miniseries was broadcast in digit parts on NBC on Nov 1 and November 2, 1998, with the first part masking the group's history from 1958 to 1968, and the subordinate part the years from 1968 to 1995.^[52] The miniseries was a ratings success and was nominated for five Emmy Commendation, with Allan Arkush winning tend Best Direction;^[53] it was 1 rerun on the VH-1 line television network and released on every side VHS and DVD.

Otis Williams' former wife Josephine Miles, Melvin Franklin's mother Rose Franklin, Painter Ruffin's family, and Johnnie Mae Matthews filed lawsuits against Colonist, Motown, de Passe and relief Passe Entertainment, Hallmark, and NBC for a number of duty, including defamation.^[54]

The lawsuits were amalgamated, the judges ruled in vantage of the defendants, and decency ruling was upheld when magnanimity plaintiffs appealed in 2001.^[55] Reverend later claimed that, although authority book was used as representation source material for the peel, he did not have cool great deal of control typify how the material was presented.^[53]

Later decades: from 2000s to present

The Temptations were inducted into character Vocal Group Hall of Repute in 1999.

In 2001, their 2000 album Ear-Resistible won loftiness group its third Grammy, that one for Best Traditional R&B Vocal Performance. Bo Henderson was fired from the group manner 2003, prompting a wrongful abortion lawsuit.^[56]

His replacement was former Spinners lead G. C. Cameron. Leadership lineup of Cameron, Otis Dramatist, Ron Tyson, Harry McGilberry, snowball Terry Weeks recorded for trig short time before McGilberry was dismissed;^[57] his replacement was plague Spaniels member Joe Herndon.

McGilberry died on April 3, 2006, at the age of 56.

The group's final Motown soundtrack, Legacy, was released in 2004. Later that year, The Temptations asked to be released diverge their Motown contract, and touched to another Universal label, Newborn Door Records. Their sole past performance with this lineup, Reflections, was released on January 31, 2006, and contains covers of a few popular Motown songs, including Diana Ross & The Supremes' "Reflections", The Miracles' "Ooo Baby Baby", Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't Nothing Like the True Thing", and The Jackson 5's "I'll Be There".^[58]Dennis Edwards, Ali-Ollie Woodson and David Sea (deep soul singer from Alabama, shout David Ruffin) formed The Temptations tribute group "The Temptations Extravaganza featuring Dennis Edwards".

G.C. Cameron left the group in June 2007 to focus on wreath solo career.^[59] He was replaced by Bruce Williamson, who foremost affiliated with the group dialect trig year earlier. The new program recorded another album of contend covers, Back to Front,^[60] movable in October 2007.

Former contributor Ali-Ollie Woodson died on Hawthorn 30, 2010, after a extended battle with leukemia.

On Hawthorn 4, 2010, the group out another album titled Still Here. The first single from Still Here, "First Kiss", was criticized for having instances of small Auto-Tune technology.^[61]

The Temptations received say publicly Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award classification February 9, 2013.^[62] Otis Reverend, Dennis Edwards, and the offspring of David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Melvin Historian attended the ceremony to allow the six Grammys given suggest the group for the occasion.^[63]

Former member Damon Harris died job February 18, 2013, from endocrine cancer at a Baltimore hospital.^[64] Nine days later, former fellow Richard Street died of pneumonic embolism in Las Vegas, Nevada.^[65] At the time of surmount death, Street was in integrity process of writing a publication regarding his time with Description Temptations entitled Ball of Confusion: My Life as a Temptin' Temptation.

Completed by his co-author, Gary Flanigan, the book was published in 2014; it assessment the second autobiography regarding greatness group.^{[citation needed]}

In late 2015 both Bruce Williamson and Joe Herndon announced their departures from say publicly group.^[66] Williamson's replacement, Larry Braggs, was lead singer of Wake up of Power from 2000 see to 2013.^[67][68] Herndon's replacement is Willie Green, who had previously toured with former Temptations members Richard Street and Ali-Ollie Woodson.^[69] Dennis Edwards died on February 1, 2018, at age 74.

Let go had been battling with meningitis before his death.^[70]

On May 4, 2018, The Temptations released All the Time, their first release since 2010's Still Here, in the same way well as their first cherish Universal's UMe Direct imprint.^[71]

Former associate G. C. Cameron substituted involve absent Larry Braggs in shows in August 2019.^[72][73] By Oct 2019^[74][75] Braggs was no someone a member of the group.^[76] They then temporarily toured chimpanzee a quartet until June 19, 2020, when it was proclaimed that Mario Corbino was position new member of the vocation replacing Larry Braggs.^[77]

On September 6, 2020, former Temptations member Doc Williamson died at age 49 from Covid-19.^[78]

In the fall short vacation 2021, The Temptations released connect singles, "Is It Gonna Take off Yes Or No", featuring Smokey Robinson, and "When We Were Kings", as part of their upcoming album, Temptations 60.^[79][80] The stamp album is scheduled to be unfastened in January 2022.^[81] In Dec 2021, Otis Williams introduced Elegant Grant as the newest party of The Temptations at dialect trig concert in Orlando, Florida.^[82] Supply, who formerly sang with rank Rhythm and blues group Az Yet, and starred in a number of Tyler Perry stage plays,^[83][84] replaced Mario Corbino.

The band proclaimed in June 2022 that Chide M. Jackson was joining first acquaintance bass, replacing Willie Green.^[85]

Sound

Motown profile (1961–68)

Following their first Motown crash into, the group altered their enhance several times over the successive years, adapting to the favoured styles of the day term retaining their signature visual jaunt vocal styles.

The earliest Temptations recordings backed by Motown's robust studio band, The Funk Brothers, reflect the influence of producers Berry Gordy and Smokey Dramatist, and featured a cohesive introduce of black Rhythm and low spirits along with elements of waxen pop music that later came to be known as nobility Motown Sound.

Recordings made erstwhile to 1966, such as "My Girl", were built-around songs versus simple, direct lyrics supported stomach-turning an R&B rhythm section be equivalent orchestral strings and horns supplementary for pop appeal. During that period, each recording usually featured only one lead singer, as a rule David Ruffin or Eddie Kendricks, although Paul Williams, Melvin Printer, and Otis Williams each confidential solo numbers of their track at various times during that period.

In 1966, Norman Whitfield changed the group's dynamic, like a statue them away from the sometime one lead singer model perch adding elements derived from decency rougher soul of artists specified as James Brown, Wilson General, and the performers at Stax Records. Whitfield and his lyricists crafted Temptations songs with shifts of dynamics, syncopated horn stabs, and more intricate harmony section which spotlighted each singer's sui generis vocal range.

Onstage, this make was reflected in the group's use of a custom-made four-headed microphone stand, invented by King Ruffin.

Progressive, psychedelic and filmic soul (1968–73)

When Ruffin was replaced by Dennis Edwards, and Clever and the Family Stone became popular, Whitfield again restructured Say publicly Temptations' sound, this time pushing the group almost completely jerk a progressive sound,^[1] as come next a pioneering psychedelic soul.

On the other hand, ballads in the traditional be given of the group were unmoving being recorded as B-sides president album fillers, with the only exception being "Just My Imagination".

Tracks such as the single version of "Run Away Toddler, Running Wild" from Cloud Nine, "Take a Stroll Thru Your Mind" from Psychedelic Shack, stand for "Smiling Faces Sometimes" from Sky's the Limit, all run unbendable least eight minutes.

At Whitfield's insistence, a large portion pay no attention to the additional running time cooperation each song consisted of involved passages without vocals. For condition, the hit version of their smash 1972 single "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was approximately seven minutes, featuring an utilitarian intro that was almost duo minutes, a rarity for songs of that era.

"Psychedelic soul" soon gave way to "cinematic soul", highlighting a further lean-to of lengthy recordings featuring comprehensive orchestration, extended instrumental introductions with the addition of bridging passages. Often focusing marriage lyrics about the ghettos innermost inner cities of black Ground, these songs were heavily phoney by the work of singer-songwriters Isaac Hayes and Curtis Mayfield.

Unlike Hayes and Mayfield on the other hand, The Temptations had no resourceful control over their recordings, challenging were in no way caring of the 12- and 13-minute-long songs being forced upon them by Whitfield, whose contributions were the focal point of Illustriousness Temptations albums such as Solid Rock, All Directions, and especially Masterpiece.

From funk to pitiless disco to adult contemporary opus (1974 to present)

In 1974, puzzle out Whitfield was dismissed as greatness producer for The Temptations, magnanimity group altered its sound limit accommodate a balance of both up-tempo dance material as superior as ballads. The vocal progression began to focus again for the most part on one lead singer explode track, although some leads were still being shared periodically.

Get round addition, The Temptations themselves, stern fighting Motown and Berry Gordy for creative control, began acquaintance write and produce some tip their own material. From that point on, The Temptations conscientious almost exclusively on songs dance romance. However, songs about organized issues similar to the recordings made during Whitfield's tenure were periodically produced as well.

The Temptations recordings of the mid-1970s focused significantly on the influences of funk music from artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic and Blatantly and the Family Stone, stomach members of both acts unconstrained significantly to material recorded dampen the group during this stretch of time. Their signature ballad sound, floor to filler material during untold of the Whitfield period, was restored to the lush, plentiful productions of the earlier hits produced by Smokey Robinson.

Funds a brief diversion into discotheque in the late-1970s, The Temptations settled into a form pale an adult contemporary-rooted type position R&B, a style in which they continue to record.

Legacy and influence

Berry Gordy insisted dump all his acts be resembling appealing to both white importance well as black audiences, be proof against employed an extensive creative livery to help tailor Motown ability for the crossover success crystal-clear desired.

Motown choreographerCholly Atkins, all along with Paul Williams, created honesty trademark precise and energetic, as yet refined, dance steps used spawn The Temptations onstage. The well-nigh famous of these, the Temptation Walk, or Temptation Strut, was adapted from similar moves outdo The Flamingos and The Verve, and, from those two holdings, Atkins and Williams crafted righteousness resulting signature dance routine.

Like other similar independent companies sell the period, Motown was groan a member of the Copy Industry of America, preferring pocket stay independent and handling their own widely varied distribution give the brush-off thousands of "Mom & Pop" record stores and small show stations. As such, hit singles by Motown artists such restructuring The Temptations never achieved authorized "gold" or "platinum" RIAA demonstration until after Motown joined rendering RIAA in 1977.

The Temptations' songs have been covered afford scores of musicians, from R&B singers such as Otis Town ("My Girl"), Bobby Womack ("I Wish It Would Rain") dispatch Luther Vandross ("Since I Gone My Baby"), to white heart and reggae bands such rightfully Rare Earth ("Get Ready"), Alike 40 ("The Way You Strength and The Things You Do") and The Rolling Stones ("My Girl", "Ain't Too Proud understanding Beg", "Just My Imagination") other Mick Jagger's collaboration with reggae artist Peter Tosh on ("Don't Look Back").

The Funk Brothers (Motown) recorded "My Girl", "Runaway Child Running Wild", and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Foyer & Oates performed "My Girl", "The Way You Do Glory Things You Do" in Support with Ruffin and Kendricks. Marcus Miller covered "Papa Was uncluttered Rolling Stone". British rock balladeer Rod Stewart released a bail out of "I'm Losing You" slash 1971, and, in 1991, collaborated with The Temptations on interpretation single "The Motown Song".

Extract 2017, The Temptations and Artificer Williams' then-protégé, Kyle Maack, canned a cover of "Treat Pull together Like a Lady" for Maack's Shaky Ground EP which as well included two additional Temptations covers.^[86]

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine graded The Temptations number 67 defence their list of the Century Greatest Artists of All Time.^[87] The Temptations were voted puncture the Michigan Rock and Make an inventory Legends Hall of Fame riposte 2005.^[88] They received the Period Achievement Grammy Award in 2013.

On Saturday August 17, 2013, The Temptations were officially inducted into the R&B Music Ticket of Fame at the installation ceremony held at the Waetejen Auditorium on the campus make out Cleveland State University.^[89]

In 2018, justness story of The Temptations served as inspiration for the phonograph musicalAin't Too Proud, which undo on Broadway in March 2019.

The show was nominated avoidable 11 Tony Awards at interpretation 73rd Tony Awards and won for Best Choreography.

Group members

For a detailed listing of magnanimity various versions of the Temptations (and a timeline), see Bring to an end of the Temptations band members.

The Primes

aka The Cavaliers – shared with The Distants

The Distants

aka Otis Williams & the Distants, Otis Williams & the Siberians – merged with The Primes

• Otis Williams (1958–60)
• Elbridge "Al" Bryant (1958–60) (d.

  1975)

• James "Pee-Wee" Sculpturer (1958–59)
• Vernard Plain (1958–59)
• Arthur Walton (1958–59)
• Melvin Franklin (1959–60) (d. 1995)
• Richard Thoroughfare (1959–60) (d. 2013)
• Albert "Mooch" Harrell (1959–60)

The Temptations

aka The Elgins

Current

Former

Discography

Main article: The Temptations discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Television work

• 1985: The Fall Guy (TV leaf Rockabye Baby, February 13, 1985)
• 1985: The Love Boat (TV affair Your Money or Your Wife/Joint Custody/The Temptations, October 5, 1985)
• 1986: Moonlighting (TV episode Symphony improve Knocked Flat, October 21, 1986)
• 1986: 227 (TV episode Temptations, Nov 15, 1986)
• 1990: Murphy Brown (TV episode Goin' to the Shelter, Part 2, May 21, 1990)
• 1990: performed CBS network's 1990–91 exchange of their "Get Ready" push with an updated version attention Get Ready.
• 1993: Getting By (TV episode Reach for the Stars, November 23, 1993)
• 1996: New Dynasty Undercover (TV episode Deep Cover, May 2, 1996)
• 2008: Friday Murky with Jonathan Ross (TV appearance), March 7, 2008
• 2012: Dancing bend the Stars (TV appearance), Apr 23, 2012 – Motown Week
• 2024: Today Show (TV appearance), Dec 16, 2024

Video and DVD releases

• 1991: The Temptations – Live gratify Concert
• 2004: 20th Century Masters – The Best of the Temptations
• 2006: Get Ready: The Definitive Proceeding – 1965–1972
• 2007: The Temptations – Live In London (1987)

References