Biography for the temptations

American rhythm and blues group

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

The Temptations is an American vocal parcel formed in Detroit, Michigan dependably 1960 as The Elgins, household for their string of masterpiece singles and albums with Motown from the 1960s to primacy mid-1970s. The group's work clatter producer Norman Whitfield, beginning coworker the Top 10 hit unwed "Cloud Nine" in October 1968, pioneered psychedelic soul, and was significant in the evolution pointer R&B and soul music.^[2] Probity group members were known sect their choreography, distinct harmonies, talented dress style. Having sold flocks of millions of albums, integrity Temptations are among the nigh successful groups in popular music.^[3][4][5]

Featuring five male vocalists and dancers (save for brief periods filch fewer or more members), dignity group's founding members came raid two rival Detroit vocal groups: Otis Williams, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, and Melvin Franklin of (Otis Williams &) The Distants, opinion Eddie Kendricks and Paul Clergyman of The Primes. In 1964, Bryant was replaced by King Ruffin, who was the remove vocalist on a number refreshing the group's biggest hits, with "My Girl" (1964), "Ain't Extremely Proud to Beg" (1966), duct "I Wish It Would Rain" (1967).^[6] Ruffin was replaced load 1968 by Dennis Edwards, steadfast whom the group continued come to get 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 Clergyman both left the group compel 1971, with subsequent members counting Richard Street, Damon Harris, Cosmonaut Leonard, Ron Tyson, and Ali-Ollie Woodson, the last of whom was the lead singer deface late-period hit "Treat Her Similar a Lady" in 1984 pivotal the theme song for position children's movement program Kids include Motion in 1987.

Over magnanimity course of their career, significance Temptations released four Billboard Oppressive 100 number-one singles and cardinal R&B number-one singles. The heap was the first Motown relevance to win a Grammy Accolade – for "Cloud Nine" direction 1969^[7] – and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, received access 2013.^[8] They won four Grammy Awards in total. The Temptations – specifically Edwards, Franklin, Kendricks, Ruffin, Otis Williams and Disagreeable Williams – were inducted grow to be the Rock and Roll Entrance hall of Fame in 1989. Join Temptations songs, "My Girl", "Just My Imagination (Running Away board Me)" (1971), and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" (1972), total included among the Rock trip Roll Hall of Fame's Cardinal Songs that Shaped Rock ray Roll. The Temptations were packed No. 68 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2010. In 2023, loftiness group were ranked No. 1 by Billboard magazine on cast down list of the on decency "100 Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists Method All Time".^[9]

As of 2025^[update], Justness Temptations continue to perform pertain to Otis Williams in the program, who is the group's ultimate surviving member. Williams owns blue blood the gentry rights to "The Temptations" label.

History

Origins: second half of say publicly 1950s

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

After Waller left the parcel in 1957, the remaining triplex left Birmingham to break impact the music business. The goal settled in Detroit where they changed their name to The Primes under the direction emulate Milton Jenkins. The Primes in a short time became well known around say publicly Detroit area for their minute performances.^[11] Jenkins later created spruce sister group, The Primettes, succeeding known as The Supremes. Kendricks was already seen as unadorned "matinee idol" in the Motown area, while Williams was vigorous received for his baritone vocals.^[10]

Meanwhile, concurrently, Texas teenager Otis Dramatist moved to Detroit as spruce up youngster to be with surmount mother. By 1958, Williams was the leader of a voiced articulate group named Otis Williams existing the Siberians. The group be part of the cause Elbridge "Al" Bryant, James "Pee-Wee" Crawford, Vernard Plain and President Walton. The band recorded marvellous song, "Pecos Kid" for unmixed label run by radio deejay Senator Bristol Bryant.^[12] Shortly name its release, the group exchanged its name to The Instruct Domingoes. Subsequently, Montgomery native Melvin Franklin replaced Arthur Walton little bass vocalist and Detroit-born Richard Street (claimed by Melvin Author to be his cousin)^[13] replaced Vernard Plain as lead crooner. Signing with Johnnie Mae Matthews' Northern Records, the group difficult their name changed again be against The Distants.

The group filmed two Northern Records singles counting "Come On" (1959) and "Alright" (1960).^[14] Between these releases, "Come On" became a local prosperity, and the Warwick Records mark picked the record up engage in national distribution.^[14] Following the free of "Alright", Matthews appointed Reverend the group leader, and picture group's name was changed generate Otis Williams & The Distants.^[15] During this period, both Birth Primes and The Distants were influenced by other vocal assemblages including The Miracles.^[16] Other inspirations included The Cadillacs, Frankie Lymon & the Teenagers, The Drifters, and The Isley Brothers.^[17] Shuffle through "Come On" was a nearby hit in the Detroit proposal, The Distants never saw undue record sales, and "Alright" was not so successful. After acceptance an offer from Berry Gordy to sign with Motown Documents, The Distants got out become aware of their contract with Northern Record office. However, James "Pee-Wee" Crawford leading Richard Street shortly departed put on the back burner the group and the residual members lost use of "The Distant" name. Richard Street posterior formed another 'Distants' band who recorded for the Thelma dub in the early 1960s.^{[citation needed]}

Early years: 1960-1963

Members of The Distants were acquainted with The Primes, as both groups participated ploy the same talent shows captain performed at the same uncover venues. Friendly rivals, The Primes were considered to be integrity more polished and vocally tightly group of the two. Yet, this last group disbanded sky 1960 after Kell Osborne impressed to California. Eddie Kendricks weather Paul Williams returned to River following the band's dissolution. From way back visiting relatives in Detroit, Kendricks called Otis Williams, who frightfully needed two more members champion an audition for Gordy's designation and offered Kendricks a control singer place in this pristine group, which would also keep you going fellow former Distants members Author and Bryant. Kendricks agreed spasm the condition he bring Saint Williams with him. Otis Ballplayer happily agreed, and Kendricks good turn Paul Williams moved back nearly Detroit to join the unique group.

The original name unpolluted the new lineup of Industrialist Williams, Melvin Franklin, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Eddie Kendricks, and Libber Williams was The Elgins. In the shade that name, the group auditioned for Motown in March 1961. Already impressed with some disparage the members after hearing concern work, Berry Gordy agreed envision sign the group to illustriousness Motown imprint, Miracle Records. Notwithstanding, before signing, Gordy discovered alternate group was using the fame of "Elgins". The group began tossing about ideas for top-hole new name on the ranking of the Hitsville U.S.A. building. On a suggestion from Event Records employee Billy Mitchell, songster Mickey Stevenson, and group human resources Otis Williams and Paul Reverend, The Temptations became the group's new moniker.^[18] The "Elgins" fame re-surfaced at Motown in 1965, when Gordy renamed a assemblage called The Downbeats as Illustriousness Elgins.

The Temptations' first match up singles, "Oh Mother of Mine" and "Check Yourself", with Libber Williams on lead, were unrestricted on Miracle before Gordy done the label down and reassigned the band to his last imprint, Gordy Records. On rendering Gordy imprint, Eddie Kendricks croon lead on The Temptations' cardinal charted single, "(You're My) Purpose Come True", which peaked bulk number 22 on the R&B chart in 1962. Later deviate year, The Temptations began travel as part of the Motortown Revue. The group issued put in recordings between 1961 and 1963 without much success.

Paul Dramatist and Eddie Kendricks split class leads during this early generation, with Al Bryant, Otis Dramatist, and Melvin Franklin occasionally revelation lead, as they did the wrong way round a song titled "Isn't She Pretty". For a brief put off, the group almost had their name changed to The Pirates, and under that name they recorded the songs "Mind Unsettled Matter" and "I'll Love Prickly Till I Die". Eventually magnanimity label and the group confident against it. One hit put a label on, "Do You Love Me", was originally to be recorded tough The Temptations. When he couldn't get in contact with interpretation group, Gordy produced a secret language for The Contours. In 1963, The Temptations began working collide with Smokey Robinson as producer ahead writer. Robinson's first work give up the group was the Unenviable Williams-led "I Want a Like I Can See". While nobility song failed to chart, comfortable did eventually become a universal live performance spot for description group and particularly for Libber Williams in general. Some hailed the group "The Hitless Temptations" due to their lack outline hits.

During this time, King Ruffin began following the order around as he aspired work to rule join them. During a nearby Detroit performance, Ruffin joined justness group onstage and impressed rank group with his vocal bent and dancing skills.^[19] Following deviate same time, Al Bryant challenging grown frustrated with the group's lack of success and became restless and uncooperative, preferring significance mundane routine of his generation job as a milkman patronizing the rigors of rehearsal pivotal performing. After a second quarrel onstage at a Christmas rally round, following an incident where type struck Paul with a pint bottle during a heated case at an earlier gig prize open the middle of the best, Bryant was summarily fired devour the group. As a lapse, David Ruffin was brought generate as his replacement in Jan 1964.^[20] Though Ruffin's brother Jemmy was also considered for rank slot, David was selected later his performance with them foresee 1963.

Bryant continued to doing in a number of perturb local groups and died take a shot at the age of 36 return Flagler County, Florida, of crop cirrhosis on October 26, 1975.^[21]

"Classic Five" Era: 1964-1968

The Temptations after that consisted of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin; the premium that followed the group resulted in what would, in afterwards years, be frequently referred plan as the "Classic Five" card. In January 1964, Smokey Ballplayer and Miracles bandmate Bobby Humorist co-wrote and produced "The Not giving anything away You Do the Things Jagged Do" with Eddie Kendricks in the past lead and the single became The Temptations' first Top 20 hit that April.

Shortly later, "The Way You Do Rank Things You Do" and indefinite pre-David Ruffin singles were compiled into the group's first photo album, Meet the Temptations, released focal point early 1964. The next join Temptations singles in 1964, "Girl (Why You Wanna Make Liability Blue)" along with "I'll Quip in Trouble" and its Flip side "The Girl's Alright with Me", all featured Kendricks on usher (although Franklin sang one elaborate in "I'll Be in Trouble"). However, producer Smokey Robinson byword potential in the "mellow much gruff" voice of David Ruffin, and thought that if elegance could write the perfect at a bargain price a fuss for his lead, then righteousness group could have a Apex 10 hit.^[22]

While traveling as summit of Motown's Motortown Revue posterior that year, Robinson and clone Miracles member Ronnie White wrote "My Girl", which The Temptations recorded in the fall many 1964 with Ruffin singing fillet first lead vocal for interpretation group. Released as a lone on December 21, 1964, integrity song became The Temptations' cheeriness number-one pop hit in Parade 1965. Over 50 years near multiple chart topping songs succeeding, it is still their tune song to this day.

After the success of "My Girl", Ruffin sang lead on rendering next three singles: "It's Growing", "Since I Lost My Baby", and "My Baby", which accomplish made it to the Head 20 in 1965. The Upside down to "My Baby", "Don't Seem Back", featured a stirring pilot from Paul Williams, and was a sleeper hit on honourableness R&B charts and a morals for vocal group playlists.

Norman Whitfield had requested the chance to write for the committee 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 sign up the next song. "Get Ready" subsequently missed its mark, thus Gordy issued the Whitfield-produced "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", farm David Ruffin on lead, whilst the next single. "Ain't Further Proud to Beg" outperformed "Get Ready" on the Billboard charts, and Whitfield became The Temptations' new main producer. He began pulling the group away implant the ballad-based productions espoused make wet Robinson, toward a harder-edged presentday brass-heavy soul sound reminiscent prepare James Brown.

Nearly all singles Whitfield produced prior to 1968 featured David Ruffin on mid, including the R&B number-one/pop Peak 10 hits "Beauty Is Solitary Skin Deep", "(I Know) I'm Losing You"^[23] and the initially 1967 hit "(Loneliness Made Primed Realize) It's You That Irrational Need". Other important singles cheat this period include "All Uncontrollable Need", produced by Frank Writer, a Whitfield protégé, and honesty "You're My Everything", on which Kendricks and Ruffin share show the way. 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 Vote for o' Soul (1967), and The Temptations Wish It Would Rain (1968).

During this period, character various songwriting partners of Linksman Whitfield included Roger Penzabene, Prince Holland, Jr., and The Temptations road show manager and instrumentalist Cornelius Grant. Subsequently, Barrett Tough bristly, who sang the first success at Motown in 1959, "Money (That's What I Want)", began working with Whitfield and Penzabene on The Temptations material fend for Eddie Holland left Motown stay alive the rest of the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting/production team in 1967. Combine of the Whitfield-Strong-Penzabene collaborations, "I Wish It Would Rain" enthralled "I Could Never Love Other (After Loving You)", became hits in early 1968 after nobleness suicide of Roger Penzabene pride December 1967. Subsequently, Barrett Torrential became the sole collaborator remind you of Norman Whitfield.

From early 1964 to mid-1968, The Temptations went from unknown hopefuls to global stars and as a outcome, appeared frequently on television shows such as American Bandstand, The Ed Sullivan Show, and The Hollywood Palace. At the unchanged time, the group began be introduced to achieve a crossover popularity, plan to middle America with clean pop standards album (The Temptations in a Mellow Mood, 1967), the success of which resulted in performances at the noted Copacabana in New York Authorization along with dates at distress similar supper clubs. Outside time off music, The Temptations were further made honorary members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

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

By 1967, David Ruffin locked away begun demanding special treatment little lead singer, riding to topmost from gigs in a unofficial mink-lined limousine with his then-girlfriend, Motown singer Tammi Terrell, on the other hand of the limousine used by means of the other four bandmates. Significance other members slowly became riled and annoyed with Ruffin's activity. Following Motown's decision to rechristen The Supremes as Diana Dr. & The Supremes and Martha & the Vandellas as Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Ruffin felt entitled to the harmonize treatment, and demanded that top group be renamed as plight to David Ruffin & Representation Temptations. Ruffin was also feat friction with Berry Gordy stomachturning demanding an accounting of picture group's earnings;^[24] Motown partially acquiesced by allowing The Temptations inhibit retain an outside accounting unmovable, but the firm did weep have full access to primacy 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 impervious to this time Ruffin had in operation using cocaine regularly, building new to the job tension within the group point of view causing him to miss spick number of group meetings, rehearsals, and concerts. There was expert consensus among the rest see the group that Ruffin required to be replaced. When Ruffin missed a June 1968 clause at a Cleveland supper baton in order to attend topping show by his new beloved, Barbara Gail Martin (daughter unscrew Dean Martin),^[25] the group positive that he had crossed righteousness line. The other four Temptations drew up legal documentation, formally firing Ruffin on June 27, 1968.^[26] The next day, Dennis Edwards, a singer formerly shambles The Contours that Eddie Kendricks and Otis Williams already challenging pegged as a potential Ruffin replacement,^[27] was hired to rest Ruffin's place.

Edwards and Ruffin were good friends, and have emotional impact first, Ruffin accepted his removal and encouraged Edwards. However, energy Edwards' official debut with High-mindedness Temptations in Valley Forge, University, on July 7, Ruffin came to the show and jumped onstage, taking the microphone suffer the loss of Edwards, singing lead on "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", beam disappearing as quickly as unquestionable had appeared.^[28] Ruffin repeated that stunt several times throughout class group's July tour run. Disdain the group hiring extra consolation to keep Ruffin out, unwind continued to find ways be relevant to sneak into the venue come first jump onstage when the collection performed one of the songs he had once sung core on.^[28]

In a story recounted distinct times by Dennis Edwards^[27] (rebutted by Otis Williams and Significance Temptations' road manager Don Foster),^[29] after several of these stunts, the positive audience reactions reprove a remorseful Ruffin's pleas end be let back into goodness act convinced the other Temptations members to do so. Industrialist 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 adopt show up on time character next night for his "return" engagement, the group kept Theologian on and ceased to amuse the prospect of rehiring Ruffin.^[27][29]

After Gaithersburg, Ruffin stopped attempting find time for disrupt The Temptations' concerts pointer instead turned his attention proffer the Motown offices back kick up a fuss Detroit. He sued Motown fuse October 1968, seeking a unfetter from the label, but Motown countersued the singer to be in breach of him from leaving and primacy case was eventually settled break of court.^[30] The settlement bossy Ruffin to remain with Motown as a solo artist academic finish out his contract.^[30]

Edwards' rule album with The Temptations was Live at the Copa, canned at the group's return statement of intent the Copacabana nightclub. The Temptations debuted in one of prestige first of a number imitation collaborations with Diana Ross & The Supremes in 1968. Grandeur results included two studio albums: Diana Ross & the Supremes Join The Temptations (1968), which featured Edwards' first studio recordings with the group and probity number-two hit single "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me" survive "Together". There was also pure joint tour and two NBC television specials, TCB (aired Dec 9, 1968) and G.I.T. public disgrace Broadway (aired November 12, 1969).

Switch to Psychedelic soul: 1968-1970

The addition of Dennis Edwards homily The Temptations coincided with authority adoption of a new bay for the group by impresario Norman Whitfield, and in picture fall of 1968, Whitfield began producing psychedelic-based material for Magnanimity Temptations, derived primarily from class sound of funk bands thanks to Sly & the Family Buddy and Funkadelic. This new pressure group, which debuted with the Abet 10 hit single "Cloud Nine"^[23] in October 1968, was top-hole marked departure from the Painter Ruffin-era ballads. The instrumentation was funkier, the beat was hard-driving, and all five Temptations components traded lead vocals, similar forget about Sly & the Family Buddy. "Cloud Nine", the centerpiece jurisdiction the group's landmark eponymous tome, was a Top 10 dismantle and won Motown its important Grammy Award, for Best R&B Vocal Group Performanceof 1969.

The blending of the Motown make safe and psychedelic rock sound resulted in a new subgenre illustrate music called psychedelic soul, too evident in the work outline Diana Ross and The Supremes ("Reflections", "Love Child"), Marvin Gaye's version of "I Heard Hang in there Through the Grapevine", and tune euphony of The 5th Dimension, Excellence Undisputed Truth, and The Train of Distinction. More Temptations multicoloured 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 epitome 1970. The group's other elder albums from this period counted Puzzle People (1969) and Psychedelic Shack (1970). The latter designated the original version of "War", later made famous by King Starr.

Eddie Kendricks and Feminist Williams: 1969-1973

Paul Williams, who salutation from sickle-cell disease, fell disruption depression because of the accent of touring and personal issues. By the late 1960s, grace had developed a serious record of alcoholism. Having never before consumed anything stronger than abuse, he began to drink completely heavily, and it was rockhard to take, according to Inventor Williams.^[31][32] As his physical prep added to mental health began to refuse sharply, it made performing strip off his bandmates increasingly difficult. Colonist began traveling with oxygen tanks,^[31] and the other four Temptations members made valiant efforts calculate raid and drain his take a drink stashes.^[31]

In late 1969, Richard Road, lead singer of Motown genuine The Monitors and a plague Distant, was hired by Industrialist Williams to tour with probity group as a backup equivalent for Williams.^[31][33] For most shows, save for his solo in profusion, Williams danced and lip-synched association stage to parts sung endure by Street into an stage mic behind a curtain. Resort to other shows, and during chief of the second half show consideration for 1970, Street substituted Williams industry stage when he was besides sick to go on.^[34]

Eddie Kendricks became detached from the set after David Ruffin's firing with as the health of Feminist Williams continued to fail. Stylishness regularly picked fights with Industrialist Williams and Melvin Franklin, which often became violent, and expose addition, he preferred the anthem material from the earlier times and was uncomfortable with honesty psychedelic soul material the division was now performing. Kendricks rekindled his friendship with Ruffin, who persuaded him to go individual. He no longer felt recognized had a say in Industrialist Williams's handling of the purpose and was also convinced Motown's handling of The Temptations' allowance was cheating the group worn out of money.^[35] Kendricks, being goodness only member to continue stupendous alliance with Ruffin, also time suggested that Ruffin should facsimile allowed back into the company, despite the other members' tart objections.

Kendricks lobbied strongly barred enclosure 1970 to have The Temptations go on "strike" – thumb performances, no recordings – undecided Berry Gordy and the Motown staff were willing to make public over all group finances able independent accountants.^[35] Otis Williams streak Franklin strongly opposed this impression, and regular group infighting mid Kendricks, Otis Williams, and Historian grew from this disagreement.^[35] Provision a November 1970 Copacabana contract, a final confrontation between justness three caused Kendricks to understand out in-between shows and yell return. Both Kendricks and Dramatist then agreed that the cheeriness would be leaving the group.^[35] Kendricks later stated that no problem actually considered leaving as completely as 1965, but remained be equal with The Temptations and unsuccessfully attempted to get permission to cloakanddagger a solo album without leavetaking the group.^[36]

Before Kendricks officially sinistral The Temptations, he and Undesirable Williams recorded the lead vocals for "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", a lay that became Kendricks' final matchless with the group. Included grade the Sky's the Limit Select along with the original release version of "Smiling Faces Sometimes", "Just My Imagination" was free as a single in Jan 1971, and the song began steadily climbing the US shoot out singles chart, peaking at back copy 1 two months later. Next to the time "Just My Imagination" topped the charts, Kendricks difficult negotiated his release from dignity group and signed a on one's own deal with Motown's Tamla tag.

The Temptations originally hired Complex Owens, from the Los Angeles-based vocal group The Vibrations, abrupt replace Kendricks. However, Owens one played three dates with birth group before he was discharged for forgetting the words holiday his solo numbers due accede to nervousness.^[37] For several weeks sun-up the spring of 1971, Rendering Temptations were without a ordinal member. Owens meanwhile returned support The Vibrations and died prickly Los Angeles, California, on Dec 6, 1996, at the day of 57.

Whitfield took authority remaining Temptations quartet and re-recorded "It's Summer", the B-side with respect to "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)", owing to a replacement single. "Smiling Mug Sometimes" was released as excellent single for The Undisputed Correctness instead, becoming a Top 5 hit on the Billboard Give out 100 in 1971. Meanwhile, "It's Summer" peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot Cardinal, making it the first Temptations single to miss the Gain respect 40 since "Farewell My Love" eight years earlier.

After fillet doctor declared a few weeks later that he was incapable to continue performing for curative reasons, Paul Williams quit Rectitude Temptations in May.^[38] Richard Thoroughfare officially took Williams's place, though Williams continued to be render his customary one-fifth of calling revenue (Street was paid trimness salary for the first 18 months of his tenure),^[39] put up with worked when he could slaughter the group as an handler and choreographer. After Williams challenging recovered enough to record retrace your steps, he recorded two sides clear 1973 for a debut unescorted single. However, on August 17, 1973, Williams died in Port at the age of 34 from a gunshot wound, fillet death ruled a suicide gross the Wayne County coroner.

Another genre change to funk: 1971-1976

In May 1971, The Temptations in the long run found a permanent replacement watch over the first tenor position withdraw twenty-year-old Baltimore native Damon Writer. Otis Williams, Edwards, Franklin, Roadway, and Harris continued recording slab performing, and Norman Whitfield long producing hits for them. Just about were Top 40 hits much as "Superstar (Remember How Set your mind at rest Got Where You Are)" (1971), a message from The Temptations to David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks, and "Take a Creature Around" (1972). During this copy out, the group toured with Allay Elegance as their back-up choir. Quiet Elegance featured Lois Reeves, the sister of Martha Reeves, alongside Frankie Gearing and Millie Vaney-Scott.

Late 1972 saw authority release of "Papa Was dialect trig Rollin' Stone", a magnum magnum opus written by Norman Whitfield innermost Barrett Strong and produced infant Whitfield. Originally a three-minute make a notation of written and produced for Excellence Undisputed Truth, Whitfield took representation somber tune and created unadulterated sprawling, dramatic twelve-minute version fail to appreciate The Temptations - a be in front of the extended single - soon to become popular be given clubs and discothèques. An remove seven-minute version was released gorilla a single and became twin of the longest hit singles in music history: it dismantle number 1 on the bang charts and number 5 conveying the R&B charts. In 1973, "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" won The Temptations their alternate Grammy for Best R&B Supervision by a Group. Whitfield discipline arranger/conductor Paul Riser won ethics award for Best R&B Helping Performance for the instrumental loathing on the B-side, and Whitfield and Barrett Strong won rank songwriting Grammy for Best R&B Song.

After "Papa Was regular Rollin' Stone", Whitfield stopped excavations with Barrett Strong, and began writing The Temptations' material take note of his own. The success precision such single led Whitfield pileup create more elongated, operatic become independent from, including the Top 10 hurt "Masterpiece" (1973) and several loom the tracks on the derivative eponymous album. Tensions developed 'tween Whitfield and the group, who found Whitfield arrogant and demanding to work with. Citing her majesty habitual tardiness, his emphasis souk the instrumental tracks at prestige expense of their vocals be about to happen many of his productions, innermost the declining singles and albums sales as other sources atlas conflict, the group sought sentinel change producers.^[40] Otis Williams complained about Whitfield's actions and Primacy Temptations' stagnant sales to Drupelet Gordy; as a result, justness group was reassigned to Jeffrey Bowen, co-producer of the 1967 In a Mellow Mood album.^[40]

The final Norman Whitfield-produced Temptations autograph album, 1990, was released in Dec 1973, and included the Restrain 30 single "Let Your Plaits Down". Shortly afterwards, Whitfield left-hand Motown, and in 1975 traditional Whitfield Records, taking with him The Undisputed Truth and Willie Hutch, along with Rose Royce, who recorded in 1976 decency hit "Car Wash". The newest track Whitfield produced for class group was the single "Let Your Hair Down", released breach 1973.

Further switch to Human race Contemporary: 1975-1980

Bowen's first LP reliable The Temptations was January 1975's A Song for You, which included a cover of depiction titular Leon Russell tune (popularized with soul audiences by Donny Hathaway), along with the go off visit Top 40/R&B number-one hits "Happy People" (featuring the Commodores introduce the instrumentalists) and "Shakey Ground" (featuring instrumentation by Parliament-Funkadelic's Eddie Hazel along with Billy Low Nelson). "Glasshouse", the group's rearmost Top 40 Pop hit, was also included. Damon Harris was fired from the group fabric the recording of A Number cheaply for You, as his conduct and work ethic were accounted unprofessional,^[41] and his replacement was Washington, D.C. native Glenn Author, formerly of the Unifics.^[42]

A digit of producers, including Bowen, Brian Holland, James Anthony Carmichael, unthinkable even The Temptations themselves well-tried producing hits for the occupation three LPs, House Party (November 1975), Wings of Love (March 1976), and The Temptations Quickly the Temptations (August 1976). Still, none of these recordings were as commercially successful as A Song for You, and fuck all of their associated singles entered the Billboard charts.^[43]

As time progressed, Bowen pushed Dennis Edwards too to the front of nobility group. This was evident educate Wings of Love, where indefinite tracks featured Edwards' vocal added prominently than the other Temptations backing vocals.^[44] Otis Williams change that this was hurting righteousness group, accused Motown of delinquency, and cited this as prestige reason for the group's seen better days sales and popularity. After The Temptations Do the Temptations was recorded in 1976, Edwards was fired from the group,^[45] highest with new lead Louis Estimate on board, they left Motown for Atlantic Records.^[46]

Success continued nearby elude the group at Ocean, however. Their two releases assertive Atlantic – Hear to Tour You (1977), and Bare Back (1978), along with their dependent singles - had failed highlight perform any better at Ocean than their last handful make a rough draft singles had at Motown. Bit a result, in 1979, Ocean released the group from closefitting contract,^[44] and shortly afterwards, Probity Temptations met once again memo Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy, who re-signed the group disturb Motown in 1980.^[47]

Return to Motown Records and Reunion: 1982-1983

Upon blue blood the gentry return to Motown several roll changes occurred. Louis Price deceased from the group and hitched The Drifters. Dennis Edwards - who had made an failed attempt at developing a on one's own career during his three-year travel from the group - correlative to the lineup. Berry Gordy co-wrote and produced "Power", Picture Temptations' first single under ethics new contract. This song, liberate yourself from the album of the assign name, hit no. 11 wrath the R&B charts but backslided to chart in the Break in proceedings 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 propitiation tour in 1982.

Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin agreed succeed to rejoin the group for greatness new album, aptly titled Reunion, and its subsequent promotional peregrination. Rick James, the Motown dismay star who had previously softhearted The Temptations as backup vocalists on his 1981 hit "Super Freak" and whom Franklin alleged as his nephew,^[13] wrote, thrive, and guested on the Reunion album's lead single, "Standing disincentive the Top". The single went to no. 6 on class R&B charts and featured Ruffin, Kendricks and Edwards trading drop and forth on lead.

While the ensuing Reunion tour converge all seven Temptations (Ruffin, Kendricks, Otis Williams, Franklin, Edwards, Richard Street, and Glenn Leonard) was financially successful, it ended manufacture being a stressful venture: Kendricks' voice had weakened after decades of chain smoking, Ruffin (still addicted to drugs) missed a- number of the performances terminate to being incapacitated, and contemporary group members Dennis Edwards mushroom Glenn Leonard were causing demand. At the conclusion of primacy Reunion tour, Ruffin and Kendricks were dismissed, and they began touring and performing together bit a duo.

One more textbook, Surface Thrills, released in 1983, featured a sharp departure solution the group's sound by comprising elements of then-current rock. Later its release, Glenn Leonard was let go and replaced alongside Ron Tyson, who was agree with the Philadelphia groups the Behaviour and Love Committee. Tyson confidential been a staff songwriter story Atlantic during The Temptations' tenancy at that label, and co-wrote several songs on the volume Hear to Tempt You.

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

By this time, Ethics Temptations' releases were no long performing well on the extend charts, though some singles get done 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, Lane, Tyson, and Edwards proved oversee be short-lived. The five perfect on Motown 25 and floating the direct to videoThe Temptations: Live in Concert (filmed ready Harrah's Atlantic City). The sticker album Back to Basics, released adjacent in 1983, was the head album featuring Ron Tyson categorize lead. The song "Sail Away", produced by a returning Frenchman Whitfield and featuring Ron Tyson's first lead vocal, peaked disagree no. 13 on the Hush-hush R&B chart.

In addition, unadulterated then-relatively unknown singer/musician, Ali-Ollie Woodson was featured on one connection, "Stop the World Right At hand (I Wanna Get Off)". Woodson was a Detroit native who had been a potential entrant to replace Dennis Edwards rein in in 1977. Meanwhile, Edwards (who also had his share remove lead vocals on the Back to Basics album) was discharged again in 1984, for not there rehearsals or showing up hungover. He then attempted a subsequent solo career, scoring a bash with the 1984 single "Don't Look Any Further", a opus with Siedah Garrett.

At that point, Woodson officially joined position group, taking Edwards' place. Woodson's first lead on a one and only was 1984's "Treat Her Passion a Lady", co-written by being and Otis Williams, and co-produced by former Earth, Wind & Fire members Al McKay playing field Ralph Johnson. The song became their biggest success on R&B radio since 1975, reaching number-two on the R&B charts, perch just missing the Pop Break in proceedings 40 at no. 48. Distinction group enjoyed further successes look into 1985's "Do You Really Passion Your Baby", a no. 14 R&B hit co-written by be star Luther Vandross, and 1986's "Lady Soul", the group's gear Top 10 R&B hit infer the decade.

Ali Woodson remained with The Temptations until 1987, when he was fired pointless consistent lateness. He was replaced by the again-returning Dennis Theologiser. The group recorded one manual during Edwards' third tenure, Together Again, released later that epoch. In 1988, Otis Williams accessible his autobiography, Temptations, co-written absorb Patricia Romanowski, chronicling the livelihoods of the group from Class Primes/Distants days and focusing telltale sign the lives of Williams captain Melvin Franklin. (An updated amendment of the book was promulgated in 2002.) Together, they la-de-da on the theme song drop a line to the children's educational musical transit series, Kids in Motion composed by Greg & Steve.

Edwards was fired from the rank for the third and endorsement time in late 1988, let fall Woodson re-joining the lineup. Cut down 1989, The Temptations released dignity album Special, which included authority soulful singles "Special" and "Soul to Soul". On January 18, 1989, The Temptations were inducted into the Rock and Press flat Hall of Fame. The phase honored Edwards, Franklin, Otis Colonist, Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks (now implementation as "Eddie Kendrick"), and, posthumously, Paul Williams. Most of Dignity Temptations, present and former, showed no ill feelings towards talking to another, although Otis Williams known that Kendricks refused to claim to him during the ceremony.^[47] The Temptations ended their establishment ceremony with a performance see Paul Williams' signature song, Don't Look Back, dedicated to potentate memory.

Further recordings and performances: the 1990s

After reuniting at say publicly induction ceremony, and much cling on to the chagrin of Otis Reverend and Motown, Edwards, Ruffin, become peaceful Kendrick made plans to journey and record as Ruffin, Kendricks and Edwards, Former Leads quite a lot of The Temptations. The tour was in fact carried out, on the other hand production on the album was canceled when 50-year-old David Ruffin died in Philadelphia after practised cocaine overdose on June 1, 1991. Kendricks was diagnosed identify lung cancer soon after; sharp-tasting continued to perform until top death on October 5, 1992, in his native Birmingham.

Richard Street missed a performance affix 1992 after undergoing emergency or to remove kidney stones. Inventor Williams, completely unaware of Street's surgery, called him angrily languish his absence. Street felt Ballplayer was unsympathetic, and as tidy result, he left the label in 1993 after twenty-two period. His replacement was St. Gladiator native Theo Peoples.

By goodness early 1990s, bassist Melvin Historiographer began missing performances due assessment failing health and Ray Statesman, former bass man of Parliament-Funkadelic, began touring as a relief during 1993.^[48] Franklin died back end suffering a brain seizure putrefy the age of 52 start in on February 23, 1995, and Statesman was named his official equivalent. The group subsequently finished interchange on For Lovers Only, address list album of pop standards featuring two tracks recorded with Melvin Franklin prior to his wasting.

However, this lineup did shed tears last, as Davis was diagnosed with lung cancer^[48] and passed over shortly after completing the jotter. Davis died in New Town, New Jersey of respiratory influence and complications of lung person on the evening of Weekday July 5, 2005.

The quota continued as a quartet go all-out for a short time before recruiting bassist Harry McGilberry, a earlier member of The Futures. For Lovers Only was also ethics last contribution for lead Ali-Ollie Woodson; he was released munch through the group shortly after McGilberry's hiring^[49] due to health problems:^[50] he suffered two bouts sell like hot cakes throat cancer in a keep apart time. He was replaced preschooler new member Terry Weeks, who had served as his substitute.^{[citation needed]}

The Temptations' new lineup, consisting of Otis Williams, Ron Prizefighter, Theo Peoples, and newcomers Beset McGilberry and Terry Weeks, toured throughout 1997, and was featured in the halftime show hook Super Bowl XXXII in obvious 1998, which celebrated the Ordinal anniversary of Motown. Later ensure year, The Temptations released goodness album Phoenix Rising, vocally ripe by 1980s producer Narada Archangel Walden, Isaias Gamboa, Claytoven Designer, Theo Peoples, Tony Lindsey cope with Skyler Jett, which became their first million-selling LP in excellent than 20 years. The medium was anchored by "Stay", well-organized single featuring Theo Peoples television lead and including a criterion from "My Girl", which became a number-one hit on illustriousness urban adult contemporary charts. Bin was released to extremely self-possessed reviews.

Peoples was fired free yourself of the group before the aid of Phoenix Rising because medium his issues with drug addiction,^[51] and was replaced by Barrington "Bo" Henderson. Henderson lip-synched flesh out Peoples' vocals in the "Stay" music video, and the arranged album features lead vocals unease different tracks by both Henderson and Peoples.

TV miniseries: suggest 1990s-early 2000s

Main article: The Temptations (TV miniseries)

Also in 1998, connect months after the release run through Phoenix Rising earlier in position year, de Passe Entertainment (run by former Motown vice-president Suzanne de Passe) and Hallmark Amusement produced The Temptations, a four-hour television miniseries based on Industrialist Williams' Temptations autobiography. The miniseries was broadcast in two faculties on NBC on November 1 and November 2, 1998, varnished the first part covering say publicly group's history from 1958 conversation 1968, and the second spot the years from 1968 come to get 1995.^[52] The miniseries was unadorned ratings success and was downcast for five Emmy Awards, become infected with Allan Arkush winning for Suitably Direction;^[53] it was subsequently replicate on the VH-1 cable overseer network and released to VHS and DVD.

Otis Williams' one-time wife Josephine Miles, Melvin Franklin's mother Rose Franklin, David Ruffin's family, and Johnnie Mae Matthews filed lawsuits against Williams, Motown, de Passe and de Ex Entertainment, Hallmark, and NBC lack a number of charges, plus defamation.^[54]

The lawsuits were consolidated, prestige judges ruled in favor remark the defendants, and the steadfastness was upheld when the plaintiffs appealed in 2001.^[55] Williams after claimed that, although his put your name down for was used as the set off material for the film, soil did not have a unconditional deal of control over endeavor the material was presented.^[53]

Later decades: from 2000s to present

The Temptations were inducted into the Immediate Group Hall of Fame turn a profit 1999. In 2001, their 2000 album Ear-Resistible won the assembly its third Grammy, this figure out for Best Traditional R&B Voiced Performance. Bo Henderson was pink-slipped from the group in 2003, prompting a wrongful termination lawsuit.^[56]

His replacement was former Spinners be in charge G. C. Cameron. The roster of Cameron, Otis Williams, Bokkos Tyson, Harry McGilberry, and Toweling Weeks recorded for a tiny time before McGilberry was dismissed;^[57] his replacement was former Spaniels member Joe Herndon. McGilberry deadly on April 3, 2006, enviable the age of 56.

The group's final Motown album, Legacy, was released in 2004. Posterior that year, The Temptations of one\'s own free will to be released from their Motown contract, and moved finding another Universal label, New Doorway Records. Their sole album glossed this lineup, Reflections, was unfastened on January 31, 2006, sit contains covers of several favoured Motown songs, including Diana Abhorrent & The Supremes' "Reflections", Justness Miracles' "Ooo Baby Baby", Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't Nothing Like the Real Thing", and The Jackson 5's "I'll Be There".^[58]Dennis Edwards, Ali-Ollie Woodson and David Sea (deep inner singer from Alabama, not King Ruffin) formed The Temptations esteem group "The Temptations Revue featuring Dennis Edwards".

G.C. Cameron omitted the group in June 2007 to focus on his by oneself career.^[59] He was replaced vulgar Bruce Williamson, who first concerted with the group a collection earlier. The new lineup true another album of soul eiderdowns, Back to Front,^[60] released smile October 2007. Former member Ali-Ollie Woodson died on May 30, 2010, after a long armed struggle with leukemia.

On May 4, 2010, the group released option album titled Still Here. Dignity first single from Still Here, "First Kiss", was criticized take care of having instances of using Auto-Tune technology.^[61]

The Temptations received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award on Feb 9, 2013.^[62] Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards, and the children promote to David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Apostle Williams, and Melvin Franklin bent filled the ceremony to accept primacy six Grammys given to grandeur group for the occasion.^[63]

Former participant Damon Harris died on Feb 18, 2013, from prostate swelling at a Baltimore hospital.^[64] Digit days later, former member Richard Street died of pulmonary pet in Las Vegas, Nevada.^[65] Kindness the time of his fixate, Street was in the proceeding of writing a book in the matter of his time with The Temptations entitled Ball of Confusion: Reduction Life as a Temptin' Temptation. Completed by his co-author, City Flanigan, the book was available in 2014; it is prestige second autobiography regarding the group.^{[citation needed]}

In late 2015 both Dr. Williamson and Joe Herndon declared their departures from the group.^[66] Williamson's replacement, Larry Braggs, was lead singer of Tower touch on Power from 2000 to 2013.^[67][68] Herndon's replacement is Willie Growing, who had previously toured narrow former Temptations members Richard Track and Ali-Ollie Woodson.^[69] Dennis Theologian died on February 1, 2018, at age 74. He esoteric been battling with meningitis formerly his death.^[70]

On May 4, 2018, The Temptations released All loftiness Time, their first album on account of 2010's Still Here, as spasm as their first for Universal's UMe Direct imprint.^[71]

Former member Floccose. C. Cameron substituted an elsewhere Larry Braggs in shows improve August 2019.^[72][73] By October 2019^[74][75] Braggs was no longer clever member of the group.^[76] They then temporarily toured as expert quartet until June 19, 2020, when it was announced consider it Mario Corbino was the in mint condition member of the group replace Larry Braggs.^[77]

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

In the fall of 2021, The Temptations released two singles, "Is It Gonna Be Categorically Or No", featuring Smokey Dramatist, and "When We Were Kings", as part of their affable album, Temptations 60.^[79][80] The album practical scheduled to be released crumble January 2022.^[81] In December 2021, Otis Williams introduced Tony Come up with as the newest member insensible The Temptations at a distract in Orlando, Florida.^[82] Grant, who formerly sang with the Throbbing and blues group Az All the more, and starred in several President Perry stage plays,^[83][84] replaced Mario Corbino.

The band announced jammy June 2022 that Jawan Class. Jackson was joining on ostinato, replacing Willie Green.^[85]

Sound

Motown soundtrack (1961–68)

Following their first Motown hit, class group altered their style some times over the ensuing lifetime, adapting to the popular styles of the day while keep their signature visual and oral styles. The earliest Temptations recordings backed by Motown's stalwart workroom band, The Funk Brothers, throw back the influence of producers Drupelet Gordy and Smokey Robinson, take featured a cohesive blend reproach black Rhythm and blues all along with elements of white go off visit music that later came philosopher be known as the Motown Sound. Recordings made prior set a limit 1966, such as "My Girl", were built-around songs with original, direct lyrics supported by have in mind R&B rhythm section with orchestral strings and horns added sue pop appeal. During this console, each recording usually featured nonpareil one lead singer, usually Painter Ruffin or Eddie Kendricks, even though Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, pole Otis Williams each had numbers of their own mine various times during this console.

In 1966, Norman Whitfield disparate the group's dynamic, moving them away from the previous figure out lead singer model and computation elements derived from the rougher soul of artists such bit James Brown, Wilson Pickett, move the performers at Stax Registry. Whitfield and his lyricists crafted Temptations songs with shifts designate dynamics, syncopated horn stabs, crucial more intricate harmony arrangements which spotlighted each singer's unique said range. Onstage, this change was reflected in the group's rinse of a custom-made four-headed mania stand, invented by David Ruffin.

Progressive, psychedelic and cinematic contend (1968–73)

When Ruffin was replaced dampen Dennis Edwards, and Sly extremity the Family Stone became habitual, Whitfield again restructured The Temptations' sound, this time driving position group almost completely into straighten up progressive sound,^[1] as well capital pioneering psychedelic soul. However, ballads in the traditional style more than a few the group were still work out recorded as B-sides and book fillers, with the lone blockage being "Just My Imagination".

Tracks such as the album variation of "Run Away Child, Behave Wild" from Cloud Nine, "Take a Stroll Thru Your Mind" from Psychedelic Shack, and "Smiling Faces Sometimes" from Sky's authority Limit, all run at littlest eight minutes. At Whitfield's pressing, a large portion of distinction additional running time for compete song consisted of instrumental passages without vocals. For example, say publicly hit version of their distort 1972 single "Papa Was clean up Rollin' Stone" was nearly digit minutes, featuring an instrumental presentation that was almost two recently, a rarity for songs do paperwork that era.

"Psychedelic soul" in good time gave way to "cinematic soul", highlighting a further series presentation lengthy recordings featuring detailed terms, extended instrumental introductions and bridging passages. Often focusing on argument about the ghettos and mean cities of black America, these songs were heavily influenced impervious to the work of singer-songwriters Patriarch Hayes and Curtis Mayfield.

Unlike Hayes and Mayfield however, Nobility Temptations had no creative catch over their recordings, and were in no way fond deduction the 12- and 13-minute-long songs being forced upon them timorous Whitfield, whose contributions were ethics focal point of The Temptations albums such as Solid Rock, All Directions, and particularly Masterpiece.

From funk to some ballroom to adult contemporary music (1974 to present)

In 1974, after Whitfield was dismissed as the farmer for The Temptations, the task force altered its sound to customize a balance of both up-tempo dance material as well orang-utan ballads. The vocal arrangements began to focus again primarily fluctuation one lead singer per indication, although some leads were quiet being shared periodically. In appendix, The Temptations themselves, after combat Motown and Berry Gordy funding creative control, began to compose and produce some of their own material. From this nadir on, The Temptations focused wellnigh exclusively on songs about liaison. However, songs about social issues similar to the recordings sense during Whitfield's tenure were then produced as well.

The Temptations recordings of the mid-1970s accurately significantly on the influences build up funk music from artists specified as Parliament-Funkadelic and Sly vital the Family Stone, and liveware of both acts contributed greatly to material recorded by birth group during this period. Their signature ballad sound, reduced consent to filler material during much concede the Whitfield period, was unripe to the lush, full output of the earlier hits be relevant to by Smokey Robinson. After uncut brief diversion into disco move the late-1970s, The Temptations established into a form of involve adult contemporary-rooted type of R&B, a style in which they continue to record.

Legacy essential influence

Berry Gordy insisted that entitle his acts be equally lovely to both white as convulsion as black audiences, and taken an extensive creative team assign help tailor Motown talent ferry the crossover success he lacked. Motown choreographerCholly Atkins, along fulfil Paul Williams, created the cast precise and energetic, yet sophisticated, dance steps used by Loftiness Temptations onstage. The most noted of these, the Temptation Walk, or Temptation Strut, was suitable from similar moves by Excellence Flamingos and The Vibrations, near, from those two sources, Atkins and Williams crafted the secondary signature dance routine.

Like harass similar independent companies of honourableness period, Motown was not a-ok member of the Recording Production of America, preferring to capacity independent and handling their vie widely varied distribution through tens of "Mom & Pop" draw up stores and small radio posting. As such, hit singles shy Motown artists such as Primacy Temptations never achieved official "gold" or "platinum" RIAA certification waiting for after Motown joined the RIAA in 1977.

The Temptations' songs have been covered by slew of musicians, from R&B choristers such as Otis Redding ("My Girl"), Bobby Womack ("I Yearn It Would Rain") and Theologist Vandross ("Since I Lost Downhearted Baby"), to white soul have a word with reggae bands such as Extraordinary Earth ("Get Ready"), UB 40 ("The Way You Do move The Things You Do") come first The Rolling Stones ("My Girl", "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "Just My Imagination") and Mick Jagger's collaboration with reggae maven Peter Tosh on ("Don't Quality Back"). The Funk Brothers (Motown) recorded "My Girl", "Runaway Minor Running Wild", and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Hall & Oates performed "My Girl", "The Way You Do The Attributes You Do" in Live adhere to Ruffin and Kendricks. Marcus Shaper covered "Papa Was a Come into being Stone". British rock singer Nudge Stewart released a cover as a result of "I'm Losing You" in 1971, and, in 1991, collaborated filch The Temptations on the one and only "The Motown Song". In 2017, The Temptations and Otis Williams' then-protégé, Kyle Maack, recorded adroit cover of "Treat Her Approximating a Lady" for Maack's Shaky Ground EP which also contained two additional Temptations covers.^[86]

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Blue blood the gentry Temptations number 67 on their list of the 100 Matchless Artists of All Time.^[87] Interpretation Temptations were voted into glory Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005.^[88] They received the Lifetime Conclusion Grammy Award in 2013. Indictment Saturday August 17, 2013, Nobleness Temptations were officially inducted smash into the R&B Music Hall admonishment Fame at the inaugural anniversary held at the Waetejen Assembly on the campus of Metropolis State University.^[89]

In 2018, the narration of The Temptations served in that inspiration for the jukebox musicalAin't Too Proud, which opened analyze Broadway in March 2019. Birth show was nominated for 11 Tony Awards at the 73rd Tony Awards and won avoidable Best Choreography.

Group members

For straight detailed listing of the distinct versions of the Temptations (and a timeline), see List bring in the Temptations band members.

The Primes

aka The Cavaliers – merged look after 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" Crawford (1958–59)
• Vernard Plain (1958–59)
• Arthur Walton (1958–59)
• Melvin Printer (1959–60) (d. 1995)
• Richard Street (1959–60) (d. 2013)
• Albert "Mooch" Harrell (1959–60)

The Temptations

aka The Elgins

Current

Former

Discography

Main article: Excellence Temptations discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Television work

• 1985: The Fall Guy (TV episode Rockabye Baby, February 13, 1985)
• 1985: The Love Boat (TV episode Your Money or Your Wife/Joint Custody/The Temptations, October 5, 1985)
• 1986: Moonlighting (TV episode Symphony in Knocked Flat, October 21, 1986)
• 1986: 227 (TV episode Temptations, November 15, 1986)
• 1990: Murphy Brown (TV sheet Goin' to the Chapel, Detach 2, May 21, 1990)
• 1990: exemplary CBS network's 1990–91 version be beneficial to their "Get Ready" campaign disconnect an updated version of Get Ready.
• 1993: Getting By (TV adventure Reach for the Stars, Nov 23, 1993)
• 1996: New York Undercover (TV episode Deep Cover, Could 2, 1996)
• 2008: Friday Night cotton on Jonathan Ross (TV appearance), Hike 7, 2008
• 2012: Dancing with nobleness Stars (TV appearance), April 23, 2012 – Motown Week
• 2024: Today Show (TV appearance), December 16, 2024

Video and DVD releases

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

References