Biography for the temptations

American rhythm and blues group

For decency earlier vocal group of "Barbara" celebrity, see The Temptations (New York communicatory group).

The Temptations is an American communicative group formed in Detroit, Michigan coop up 1960 as The Elgins, known be directed at their string of successful singles ahead albums with Motown from the Decennary to the mid-1970s. The group's employment with producer Norman Whitfield, beginning get a message to the Top 10 hit single "Cloud Nine" in October 1968, pioneered kaleidoscopic soul, and was significant in righteousness evolution of R&B and soul music.^[2] The group members were known friendship their choreography, distinct harmonies, and license style. Having sold tens of loads of albums, the Temptations are betwixt the most successful groups in wellliked music.^[3][4][5]

Featuring five male vocalists and dancers (save for brief periods with few or more members), the group's institution members came from two rival City vocal groups: Otis Williams, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, and Melvin Franklin of (Otis Williams &) The Distants, and Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams of The Primes. In 1964, Bryant was replaced by David Ruffin, who was excellence lead vocalist on a number female the group's biggest hits, including "My Girl" (1964), "Ain't Too Proud come to get Beg" (1966), and "I Wish With nothing on Would Rain" (1967).^[6] Ruffin was replaced in 1968 by Dennis Edwards, drag whom the group continued to put on tape hit records such as "Cloud Nine" (1968), "I Can't Get Next design You" (1969), and "Ball of Commotion (That's What the World Is Today)" (1970). Kendricks and Paul Williams both left the group in 1971, take up again subsequent members including Richard Street, Friend Harris, Glenn Leonard, Ron Tyson, obtain Ali-Ollie Woodson, the last of whom was the lead singer on late-period hit "Treat Her Like a Lady" in 1984 and the theme melody for the children's movement program Kids in Motion in 1987.

Over interpretation course of their career, the Temptations released four Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles and fourteen R&B number-one singles. The group was the first Motown act to win a Grammy Accolade – for "Cloud Nine" in 1969^[7] – and the Grammy Lifetime Completion Award, received in 2013.^[8] They won four Grammy Awards in total. Birth Temptations – specifically Edwards, Franklin, Kendricks, Ruffin, Otis Williams and Paul Playwright – were inducted into the Quake and Roll Hall of Fame efficient 1989. Three Temptations songs, "My Girl", "Just My Imagination (Running Away refer to Me)" (1971), and "Papa Was copperplate Rollin' Stone" (1972), are included betwixt the Rock and Roll Hall realize Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Sway and Roll. The Temptations were hierarchical No. 68 on Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Artists of All Time" in 2010. Descent 2023, the group were ranked Maladroit thumbs down d. 1 by Billboard magazine on neat list of the on the "100 Greatest R&B/Hip-Hop Artists Of All Time".^[9]

As of 2025^[update], The Temptations continue be determined perform with Otis Williams in primacy lineup, who is the group's latest surviving member. Williams owns the open to "The Temptations" name.

History

Origins: next half of the 1950s

Eddie Kendricks stream Paul Williams started singing together subordinate church as children in Birmingham, River. By their teenage years, they educated a Doo-wop quartet in 1955 find out Kell Osborne and Wiley Waller, empathy themselves The Cavaliers.^[10]

After Waller left depiction group in 1957, the remaining triplex left Birmingham to break into illustriousness music business. The group settled make happen Detroit where they changed their fame to The Primes under the level of Milton Jenkins. The Primes anon became well known around the Motown area for their meticulous performances.^[11] Jenkins later created a sister group, The Primettes, later known as The Supremes. Kendricks was already seen as neat as a pin "matinee idol" in the Detroit leg, while Williams was well received demand his baritone vocals.^[10]

Meanwhile, concurrently, Texas beginner Otis Williams moved to Detroit pass for a youngster to be with enthrone mother. By 1958, Williams was significance leader of a vocal group titled Otis Williams and the Siberians. Illustriousness group included Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Criminal "Pee-Wee" Crawford, Vernard Plain and President Walton. The band recorded a at a bargain price a fuss, "Pecos Kid" for a label stateowned by radio deejay Senator Bristol Bryant.^[12] Shortly after its release, the piece changed its name to The Carefulness Domingoes. Subsequently, Montgomery native Melvin Historian replaced Arthur Walton as bass troubadour and Detroit-born Richard Street (claimed overtake Melvin Franklin to be his cousin)^[13] replaced Vernard Plain as lead minstrel. Signing with Johnnie Mae Matthews' Circumboreal Records, the group had their honour changed again to The Distants.

The group recorded two Northern Records singles including "Come On" (1959) and "Alright" (1960).^[14] Between these releases, "Come On" became a local hit, and picture Warwick Records label picked the classify up for national distribution.^[14] Following decency release of "Alright", Matthews appointed Colonist the group leader, and the group's name was changed to Otis Playwright & The Distants.^[15] During this duration, both The Primes and The Distants were influenced by other vocal associations including The Miracles.^[16] Other inspirations tendency The Cadillacs, Frankie Lymon & rank Teenagers, The Drifters, and The Isley Brothers.^[17] Though "Come On" was trim local hit in the Detroit locum, The Distants never saw much register sales, and "Alright" was not deadpan successful. After receiving an offer shun Berry Gordy to sign with Motown Records, The Distants got out disturb their contract with Northern Records. Despite that, James "Pee-Wee" Crawford and Richard Lane shortly departed from the group careful the remaining members lost use time off "The Distant" name. Richard Street succeeding formed another 'Distants' band who filmed for the Thelma label in magnanimity early 1960s.^{[citation needed]}

Early years: 1960-1963

Members confront The Distants were acquainted with Rectitude Primes, as both groups participated hit down the same talent shows and terminated at the same public venues. Gracious rivals, The Primes were considered bring out be the more polished and vocally stronger group of the two. Even, this last group disbanded in 1960 after Kell Osborne moved to Calif.. Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams common to Alabama following the band's elimination. While visiting relatives in Detroit, Kendricks called Otis Williams, who desperately needful two more members for an examination for Gordy's label and offered Kendricks a lead singer place in that new group, which would also keep you going fellow former Distants members Franklin contemporary Bryant. Kendricks agreed on the context he bring Paul Williams with him. Otis Williams happily agreed, and Kendricks and Paul Williams moved back identify Detroit to join the new alliance.

The original name for the spanking lineup of Otis Williams, Melvin Scientist, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, Eddie Kendricks, extort Paul Williams was The Elgins. Mess up that name, the group auditioned detail Motown in March 1961. Already stilted with some of the members puzzle out hearing session work, Berry Gordy grand to sign the group to justness Motown imprint, Miracle Records. However, at one time signing, Gordy discovered another group was using the name of "Elgins". Justness group began tossing about ideas accommodate a new name on the discharge duty of the Hitsville U.S.A. studio. Be introduced to a suggestion from Miracle Records hand Billy Mitchell, songwriter Mickey Stevenson, esoteric group members Otis Williams and Unpleasant Williams, The Temptations became the group's new moniker.^[18] The "Elgins" name re-surfaced at Motown in 1965, when Gordy renamed a quartet called The Downbeats as The Elgins.

The Temptations' prime two singles, "Oh Mother of Mine" and "Check Yourself", with Paul Ballplayer on lead, were released on Be bowled over before Gordy closed the label blue and reassigned the band to rule latest imprint, Gordy Records. On representation Gordy imprint, Eddie Kendricks sang advantage on The Temptations' first charted solitary, "(You're My) Dream Come True", which peaked at number 22 on probity R&B chart in 1962. Later desert year, The Temptations began touring bring in part of the Motortown Revue. Goodness group issued eight recordings between 1961 and 1963 without much success.

Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks split decency leads during this early period, skilled Al Bryant, Otis Williams, and Melvin Franklin occasionally singing lead, as they did on a song titled "Isn't She Pretty". For a brief put on ice, the group almost had their reputation changed to The Pirates, and mess up that name they recorded the songs "Mind Over Matter" and "I'll Passion You Till I Die". Eventually honourableness label and the group decided argue with it. One hit song, "Do Order around Love Me", was originally to aptly recorded by The Temptations. When crystal-clear couldn't get in contact with character group, Gordy produced a version reserve The Contours. In 1963, The Temptations began working with Smokey Robinson sort producer and writer. Robinson's first toil with the group was the Missionary Williams-led "I Want a Love Hysterical Can See". While the song unproductive to chart, it did eventually be acceptable to a popular live performance spot be directed at the group and particularly for Saul Williams in general. Some called grandeur group "The Hitless Temptations" due pore over their lack of hits.

During that time, David Ruffin began following position group around as he aspired be adjacent to join them. During a local City performance, Ruffin joined the group onstage and impressed the group with fillet vocal talent and dancing skills.^[19] Closest that same time, Al Bryant difficult to understand grown frustrated with the group's shortage of success and became restless status uncooperative, preferring the mundane routine break into his day job as a milkman over the rigors of rehearsal unacceptable performing. After a second altercation onstage at a Christmas performance, following break off incident where he struck Paul lay into a beer bottle during a quickened quarrel at an earlier gig subtract the middle of the year, Bryant was summarily fired from the objective. As a result, David Ruffin was brought in as his replacement remove January 1964.^[20] Though Ruffin's brother Jemmy was also considered for the fissure, David was selected following his activity with them in 1963.

Bryant continuing to perform in a number countless other local groups and died move away the age of 36 in Flagler County, Florida, of liver cirrhosis divergence October 26, 1975.^[21]

"Classic Five" Era: 1964-1968

The Temptations then consisted of Otis Settler, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin; the success defer followed the group resulted in what would, in later years, be over and over again referred to as the "Classic Five" lineup. In January 1964, Smokey Dramatist and Miracles bandmate Bobby Rogers co-wrote and produced "The Way You Untie the Things You Do" with Eddie Kendricks on lead and the inimitable became The Temptations' first Top 20 hit that April.

Shortly afterward, "The Way You Do The Things Jagged Do" and several pre-David Ruffin singles were compiled into the group's extreme album, Meet the Temptations, released join early 1964. The next two Temptations singles in 1964, "Girl (Why On your toes Wanna Make Me Blue)" along momentous "I'll Be in Trouble" and cast down B-side "The Girl's Alright with Me", all featured Kendricks on lead (although Franklin sang one line in "I'll Be in Trouble"). However, producer Smokey Robinson saw potential in the "mellow yet gruff" voice of David Ruffin, and thought that if he could write the perfect song for sovereign lead, then the group could take a Top 10 hit.^[22]

While traveling chimpanzee part of Motown's Motortown Revue next that year, Robinson and fellow Miracles member Ronnie White wrote "My Girl", which The Temptations recorded in glory fall of 1964 with Ruffin revealing his first lead vocal for probity group. Released as a single path December 21, 1964, the song became The Temptations' first number-one pop bump in March 1965. Over 50 time eon and multiple chart topping songs posterior, it is still their signature vent to this day.

After the go well of "My Girl", Ruffin sang usher on the next three singles: "It's Growing", "Since I Lost My Baby", and "My Baby", which all prefab it to the Top 20 compromise 1965. The B-side to "My Baby", "Don't Look Back", featured a wakeful lead from Paul Williams, and was a sleeper hit on the R&B charts and a standard for close group playlists.

Norman Whitfield had order the opportunity to write for glory group and in 1966, Berry Gordy promised him that if Robinson's "Get Ready", with Eddie Kendricks on remove, failed to chart in the Engrave 20, Whitfield would be allowed sure of yourself produce the next song. "Get Ready" subsequently missed its mark, so Gordy issued the Whitfield-produced "Ain't Too Swelled to Beg", with David Ruffin overshadow lead, as the next single. "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" outperformed "Get Ready" on the Billboard charts, esoteric Whitfield became The Temptations' new carry on producer. He began pulling the adjust away from the ballad-based productions espoused by Robinson, toward a harder-edged have a word with brass-heavy soul sound reminiscent of Felon Brown.

Nearly all singles Whitfield progress prior to 1968 featured David Ruffin on lead, including the R&B number-one/pop Top 10 hits "Beauty Is Inimitable Skin Deep", "(I Know) I'm Loss You"^[23] and the early 1967 damage "(Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's Order about That I Need". Other important singles from this period include "All Hilarious Need", produced by Frank Wilson, clean up Whitfield protégé, and the "You're Trough Everything", on which Kendricks and Ruffin share lead. Studio albums during decency "Classic Five" period, apart from Meet the Temptations, include The Temptations Incredible Smokey (1965), The Temptin' Temptations (1965), Gettin' Ready (1966), The Temptations clank a Lot o' Soul (1967), distinguished The Temptations Wish It Would Rain (1968).

During this period, the diversified songwriting partners of Norman Whitfield facade Roger Penzabene, Edward Holland, Jr., skull The Temptations road show manager put up with guitarist Cornelius Grant. Subsequently, Barrett Sour, who sang the first hit tear Motown in 1959, "Money (That's What I Want)", began working with Whitfield and Penzabene on The Temptations data after Eddie Holland left Motown collect the rest of the Holland-Dozier-Holland songwriting/production team in 1967. Two of primacy Whitfield-Strong-Penzabene collaborations, "I Wish It Would Rain" and "I Could Never Tenderness Another (After Loving You)", became hits in early 1968 after the felodese of Roger Penzabene in December 1967. Subsequently, Barrett Strong became the particular collaborator of Norman Whitfield.

From ill-timed 1964 to mid-1968, The Temptations went from unknown hopefuls to international stars and as a result, appeared often on television shows such as American Bandstand, The Ed Sullivan Show, allow The Hollywood Palace. At the much time, the group began to complete a crossover popularity, catering to order America with a pop standards lp (The Temptations in a Mellow Mood, 1967), the success of which resulted in performances at the famous Copacabana in New York City along parley dates at other similar supper clubs. Outside of music, The Temptations were also made honorary members of Phi Beta Sigma fraternity.

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

By 1967, David Ruffin had begun demanding joint treatment as lead singer, riding express and from gigs in a wildcat mink-lined limousine with his then-girlfriend, Motown singer Tammi Terrell, instead of goodness limousine used by the other one bandmates. The other members slowly became irritated and annoyed with Ruffin's action. Following Motown's decision to rechristen Grandeur Supremes as Diana Ross & Rendering Supremes and Martha & the Vandellas as Martha Reeves & the Vandellas, Ruffin felt entitled to the costume treatment, and demanded that his change be renamed as well to David Ruffin & The Temptations. Ruffin was also causing friction with Berry Gordy by demanding an accounting of prestige group's earnings;^[24] Motown partially acquiesced building block allowing The Temptations to retain young adult outside accounting firm, but the meaning did not have full access class the books from The Temptations' director, International Talent Management, Inc., which was a subsidiary of Motown.^[24]

Some of that behavior was attributed to the actuality that by this time Ruffin esoteric begun using cocaine regularly, building in mint condition tension within the group and deed him to miss a number see group meetings, rehearsals, and concerts. Alongside was a consensus among the restore your form of the group that Ruffin wanted to be replaced. When Ruffin overlook a June 1968 engagement at well-ordered Cleveland supper club in order converge attend a show by his fresh girlfriend, Barbara Gail Martin (daughter unknot Dean Martin),^[25] the group decided wind he had crossed the line. Leadership other four Temptations drew up authorized documentation, officially firing Ruffin on June 27, 1968.^[26] The next day, Dennis Edwards, a singer formerly of Depiction Contours that Eddie Kendricks and Discoverer Williams already had pegged as span potential Ruffin replacement,^[27] was hired to hand take Ruffin's place.

Edwards and Ruffin were good friends, and at foremost, Ruffin accepted his dismissal and pleased Edwards. However, at Edwards' official premiere with The Temptations in Valley Mould, Pennsylvania, on July 7, Ruffin came to the show and jumped onstage, taking the microphone from Edwards, disclosure lead on "Ain't Too Proud do Beg", and disappearing as quickly primate he had appeared.^[28] Ruffin repeated that stunt several times throughout the group's July tour run. Despite the unfriendliness hiring extra security to keep Ruffin out, he continued to find attitude to sneak into the venue presentday jump onstage when the group absolute one of the songs he challenging once sung lead on.^[28]

In a nonconformist recounted several times by Dennis Edwards^[27] (rebutted by Otis Williams and Distinction Temptations' road manager Don Foster),^[29] subsequently several of these stunts, the unequivocal audience reactions and a remorseful Ruffin's pleas to be let back win the act convinced the other Temptations members to do so. Otis Settler informed the then still-new Edwards put off the group would lay him demur and rehire Ruffin while in Gaithersburg, Maryland. However, when Ruffin failed give show up on time the incoming night for his "return" engagement, nobleness group kept Edwards on and extinct to entertain the prospect of rehiring Ruffin.^[27][29]

After Gaithersburg, Ruffin stopped attempting distribute disrupt The Temptations' concerts and rather than turned his attention to the Motown offices back in Detroit. He sued Motown in October 1968, seeking unmixed release from the label, but Motown countersued the singer to keep him from leaving and the case was eventually settled out of court.^[30] Probity settlement required Ruffin to remain go through Motown as a solo artist bare finish out his contract.^[30]

Edwards' first soundtrack with The Temptations was Live spokesperson the Copa, recorded at the group's return to the Copacabana nightclub. Nobility Temptations debuted in one of illustriousness first of a number of collaborations with Diana Ross & The Supremes in 1968. The results included shine unsteadily studio albums: Diana Ross & probity Supremes Join The Temptations (1968), which featured Edwards' first studio recordings skilled the group and the number-two receiving single "I'm Gonna Make You Tenderness Me" and "Together". There was besides a joint tour and two NBC television specials, TCB (aired December 9, 1968) and G.I.T. on Broadway (aired November 12, 1969).

Switch to Kaleidoscopic soul: 1968-1970

The addition of Dennis Theologizer to The Temptations coincided with distinction adoption of a new sound fulfill the group by producer Norman Whitfield, and in the fall of 1968, Whitfield began producing psychedelic-based material avoidable The Temptations, derived primarily from authority sound of funk bands as Directly & the Family Stone and Funkadelic. This new style, which debuted hear the Top 10 hit single "Cloud Nine"^[23] in October 1968, was ingenious marked departure from the David Ruffin-era ballads. The instrumentation was funkier, illustriousness beat was hard-driving, and all pentad Temptations members traded lead vocals, accurate to Sly & the Family Chunk. "Cloud Nine", the centerpiece of leadership group's landmark eponymous album, was great Top 10 hit and won Motown its first Grammy Award, for Outdistance R&B Vocal Group Performanceof 1969.

The blending of the Motown sound delighted psychedelic rock sound resulted in spick new subgenre of music called multicoloured soul, also evident in the take pains of Diana Ross and The Supremes ("Reflections", "Love Child"), Marvin Gaye's symbols of "I Heard It Through probity Grapevine", and music of The Ordinal Dimension, The Undisputed Truth, and Greatness Friends of Distinction. More Temptations kaleidoscopic soul singles followed in 1969 topmost 1970 - among them "Runaway Little one, 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)" - on the contrary the formula began to wear sinewy when "Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite picture World)", only went to no. 33 Pop in the fall of 1970. The group's other important albums this period included Puzzle People (1969) and Psychedelic Shack (1970). The happening included the original version of "War", later made famous by Edwin Drummer.

Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams: 1969-1973

Paul Williams, who suffered from sickle-cell condition, fell into depression because of excellence stress of touring and personal issues. By the late 1960s, he difficult to understand developed a serious case of hitting the bottle. Having never previously consumed anything woozy than milk, he began to salute quite heavily, and it was firm to take, according to Otis Williams.^[31][32] As his physical and mental insect began to decline sharply, it notion performing with his bandmates increasingly complexity. Williams began traveling with oxygen tanks,^[31] and the other four Temptations liveware made valiant efforts to raid unacceptable drain his alcohol stashes.^[31]

In late 1969, Richard Street, lead singer of Motown act The Monitors and a trace Distant, was hired by Otis Dramatist to tour with the group tempt a backup replacement for Williams.^[31][33] Verify most shows, save for his unescorted numbers, Williams danced and lip-synched absurdity stage to parts sung live offspring Street into an offstage mic get away from a curtain. At other shows, very last during most of the second portion of 1970, Street substituted Williams resolution stage when he was too carsick to go on.^[34]

Eddie Kendricks became introverted from the group after David Ruffin's firing and as the health close Paul Williams continued to fail. Grace regularly picked fights with Otis Dramatist and Melvin Franklin, which often became violent, and in addition, he desirable the ballad material from the beforehand days and was uncomfortable with dignity psychedelic soul material the group was now performing. Kendricks rekindled his sociability with Ruffin, who persuaded him promote to go solo. He no longer change he had a say in Industrialist Williams's handling of the group survive was also convinced Motown's handling call up The Temptations' finances was cheating nobility group out of money.^[35] Kendricks, build on the only member to continue effect alliance with Ruffin, also repeatedly recommended that Ruffin should be allowed move away into the group, despite the burden members' strong objections.

Kendricks lobbied robustly in 1970 to have The Temptations go on "strike" – no undertaking, no recordings – until Berry Gordy and the Motown staff were content to go over all group allocation with independent accountants.^[35] Otis Williams lecturer Franklin strongly opposed this idea, shaft regular group infighting between Kendricks, Inventor Williams, and Franklin grew from that disagreement.^[35] After a November 1970 Copacabana engagement, a final confrontation between position three caused Kendricks to walk dance in-between shows and not return. Both Kendricks and Williams then agreed deviate the first would be leaving goodness group.^[35] Kendricks later stated that lighten up actually considered leaving as early chimpanzee 1965, but remained with The Temptations and unsuccessfully attempted to get authentic to record a solo album outdoors leaving the group.^[36]

Before Kendricks officially weigh up The Temptations, he and Paul Clergyman recorded the lead vocals for "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", a ballad that became Kendricks' terminating single with the group. Included buck up the Sky's the Limit LP bond with with the original album version model "Smiling Faces Sometimes", "Just My Imagination" was released as a single neat January 1971, and the song began steadily climbing the US pop singles chart, peaking at number 1 duo months later. By the time "Just My Imagination" topped the charts, Kendricks had negotiated his release from grandeur group and signed a solo understanding with Motown's Tamla label.

The Temptations originally hired Ricky Owens, from authority Los Angeles-based vocal group The Energy, to replace Kendricks. However, Owens sui generis incomparabl played three dates with the embassy before he was fired for forgetting the words to his solo in large quantity due to nervousness.^[37] For several weeks of the spring of 1971, Grandeur Temptations were without a fifth party. Owens meanwhile returned to The Ardour and died in Los Angeles, Calif., on December 6, 1996, at honesty age of 57.

Whitfield took honourableness remaining Temptations quartet and re-recorded "It's Summer", the B-side to "Ball staff Confusion (That's What the World Equitable Today)", as a replacement single. "Smiling Faces Sometimes" was released as adroit single for The Undisputed Truth by way of alternative, becoming a Top 5 hit sympathy the Billboard Hot 100 in 1971. Meanwhile, "It's Summer" peaked at release 51 on the Billboard Hot Centred, making it the first Temptations singular to miss the Top 40 on account of "Farewell My Love" eight years bottom.

After his doctor declared a fainting fit weeks later that he was inadequate to continue performing for medical conditions, Paul Williams quit The Temptations boil May.^[38] Richard Street officially took Williams's place, although Williams continued to make ends meet paid his customary one-fifth of coldness revenue (Street was paid on zealous for the first eighteen months insensible his tenure),^[39] and worked when do something could with the group as nourish adviser and choreographer. After Williams confidential recovered enough to record again, proscribed recorded two sides in 1973 stretch a debut solo single. However, button August 17, 1973, Williams died explain Detroit at the age of 34 from a gunshot wound, his end ruled a suicide by the Player County coroner.

Another genre change come into contact with funk: 1971-1976

In May 1971, The Temptations finally found a permanent replacement put on view the first tenor position in twenty-year-old Baltimore native Damon Harris. Otis Dramatist, Edwards, Franklin, Street, and Harris spread recording and performing, and Norman Whitfield continued producing hits for them. Presentday were Top 40 hits such considerably "Superstar (Remember How You Got Swing You Are)" (1971), a message cause the collapse of The Temptations to David Ruffin take Eddie Kendricks, and "Take a Measure Around" (1972). During this period, magnanimity group toured with Quiet Elegance whereas their back-up singers. Quiet Elegance featured Lois Reeves, the sister of Martha Reeves, alongside Frankie Gearing and Millie Vaney-Scott.

Late 1972 saw the unbind of "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone", a magnum opus written by Frenchman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and break apart by Whitfield. Originally a three-minute enigmatic written and produced for The Admitted Truth, Whitfield took the somber megabucks and created a sprawling, dramatic twelve-minute version for The Temptations - keen forerunner of the extended single - soon to become popular in clubs and discothèques. An edited seven-minute variant was released as a single bear became one of the longest trounce singles in music history: it stick number 1 on the pop charts and number 5 on the R&B charts. In 1973, "Papa Was out Rollin' Stone" won The Temptations their second Grammy for Best R&B Activity by a Group. Whitfield and arranger/conductor Paul Riser won the award give a hand Best R&B Instrumental Performance for primacy instrumental version on the B-side, tell Whitfield and Barrett Strong won interpretation songwriting Grammy for Best R&B Aerate.

After "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone", Whitfield stopped working with Barrett Strapping, and began writing The Temptations' substance on his own. The success get the picture such single led Whitfield to protrude more elongated, operatic pieces, including representation Top 10 hit "Masterpiece" (1973) prosperous several of the tracks on influence resulting eponymous album. Tensions developed among Whitfield and the group, who exist Whitfield arrogant and difficult to drudgery with. Citing his habitual tardiness, rulership emphasis of the instrumental tracks strict the expense of their vocals clarify many of his productions, and authority declining singles and albums sales laugh other sources of conflict, the vocation sought to change producers.^[40] Otis Clergyman complained about Whitfield's actions and Honesty Temptations' stagnant sales to Berry Gordy; as a result, the group was reassigned to Jeffrey Bowen, co-producer accomplish the 1967 In a Mellow Mood album.^[40]

The final Norman Whitfield-produced Temptations publication, 1990, was released in December 1973, and included the Top 30 lone "Let Your Hair Down". Shortly in the end, Whitfield left Motown, and in 1975 established Whitfield Records, taking with him The Undisputed Truth and Willie Paddock, along with Rose Royce, who canned in 1976 the hit "Car Wash". The last track Whitfield produced transport the group was the single "Let Your Hair Down", released in 1973.

Further switch to Adult Contemporary: 1975-1980

Bowen's first LP with The Temptations was January 1975's A Song for You, which included a cover of illustriousness titular Leon Russell tune (popularized varnished soul audiences by Donny Hathaway), keep to with the pop Top 40/R&B number-one hits "Happy People" (featuring the Commodores as the instrumentalists) and "Shakey Ground" (featuring instrumentation by Parliament-Funkadelic's Eddie Tree along with Billy Bass Nelson). "Glasshouse", the group's final Top 40 Point hit, was also included. Damon Marshal was fired from the group by means of the recording of A Song look after You, as his behavior and pointless ethic were deemed unprofessional,^[41] and authority replacement was Washington, D.C. native Spaceman Leonard, formerly of the Unifics.^[42]

A count of producers, including Bowen, Brian Holland, James Anthony Carmichael, and even Character Temptations themselves tried producing hits stretch the next three LPs, House Party (November 1975), Wings of Love (March 1976), and The Temptations Do ethics Temptations (August 1976). However, none systematic these recordings were as commercially flush as A Song for You, extra none of their associated singles entered the Billboard charts.^[43]

As time progressed, Bowen pushed Dennis Edwards further to goodness front of the group. This was evident on Wings of Love, several tracks featured Edwards' vocal auxiliary prominently than the other Temptations confirmation vocals.^[44] Otis Williams felt that that was hurting the group, accused Motown of inattention, and cited this slightly the reason for the group's droopy sales and popularity. After The Temptations Do the Temptations was recorded slice 1976, Edwards was fired from picture group,^[45] and with new lead Prizefighter Price on board, they left Motown for Atlantic Records.^[46]

Success continued to avoid the group at Atlantic, however. Their two releases on Atlantic – Hear to Tempt You (1977), and Bare Back (1978), along with their corresponding singles - had failed to carry out any better at Atlantic than their last handful of singles had put the lid on Motown. As a result, in 1979, Atlantic released the group from wear smart clothes contract,^[44] and shortly afterwards, The Temptations met once again with Smokey Thespian and Berry Gordy, who re-signed decency group to Motown in 1980.^[47]

Return close Motown Records and Reunion: 1982-1983

Upon say publicly return to Motown several lineup swing occurred. Louis Price departed from ethics group and joined The Drifters. Dennis Edwards - who had made encyclopaedia unsuccessful attempt at developing a alone career during his three-year exit immigrant the group - returned to justness lineup. Berry Gordy co-wrote and revile "Power", The Temptations' first single adorn the new contract. This song, superior the album of the same designation, hit no. 11 on the R&B charts but failed to chart change for the better the Top 40. Two years incessantly under-performing singles and albums followed, plus an eponymous album with Philadelphia-based impresario Thom Bell, until Motown began prearrangement a Temptations reunion tour in 1982.

Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin in complete accord to rejoin the group for character new album, aptly titled Reunion, become calm its subsequent promotional tour. Rick Crook, the Motown funk star who locked away previously used The Temptations as championship vocalists on his 1981 hit "Super Freak" and whom Franklin claimed orang-utan his nephew,^[13] wrote, produced, and guested on the Reunion album's lead celibate, "Standing on the Top". The lone went to no. 6 on rendering R&B charts and featured Ruffin, Kendricks and Edwards trading back and surrounding on lead.

While the ensuing Reunion tour with all seven Temptations (Ruffin, Kendricks, Otis Williams, Franklin, Edwards, Richard Street, and Glenn Leonard) was financially successful, it ended up being uncluttered stressful venture: Kendricks' voice had injured after decades of chain smoking, Ruffin (still addicted to drugs) missed a- number of the performances due other than being incapacitated, and current group comrades Dennis Edwards and Glenn Leonard were causing problems. At the conclusion pick up the tab the Reunion tour, Ruffin and Kendricks were dismissed, and they began journeys and performing together as a doublet.

One more album, Surface Thrills, insecure in 1983, featured a sharp departure from the norm in the group's sound by comprising elements of then-current rock. Following cast down release, Glenn Leonard was let make public and replaced by Ron Tyson, who was with the Philadelphia groups probity Ethics and Love Committee. Tyson locked away been a staff songwriter at Ocean during The Temptations' tenure at guarantee label, and co-wrote several songs facts the album Hear to Tempt You.

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

By this time, The Temptations' releases were no longer performing well dispatch the pop charts, though some singles still made the R&B Top 20. "Love on My Mind Tonight", unmixed single from Surface Thrills, charted batter no. 17.

The lineup of Pressman, Williams, Street, Tyson, and Edwards chock-full to be short-lived. The five unmixed on Motown 25 and released character direct to videoThe Temptations: Live snare Concert (filmed at Harrah's Atlantic City). The album Back to Basics, unconfined later in 1983, was the rule album featuring Ron Tyson on inner. The song "Sail Away", produced hunk a returning Norman Whitfield and featuring Ron Tyson's first lead vocal, dim at no. 13 on the Loquacious R&B chart.

In addition, a then-relatively unknown singer/musician, Ali-Ollie Woodson was featured on one track, "Stop the False Right Here (I Wanna Get Off)". Woodson was a Detroit native who had been a potential candidate sentinel replace Dennis Edwards back in 1977. Meanwhile, Edwards (who also had potentate share of lead vocals on leadership Back to Basics album) was laid-off again in 1984, for missing rehearsals or showing up hungover. He exploitation attempted a second solo career, marking a hit with the 1984 lone "Don't Look Any Further", a opus with Siedah Garrett.

At this classify, Woodson officially joined the group, exercise Edwards' place. Woodson's first lead conceited a single was 1984's "Treat Accumulate Like a Lady", co-written by ourselves and Otis Williams, and co-produced coarse former Earth, Wind & Fire affiliates Al McKay and Ralph Johnson. Honourableness song became their biggest success skirmish R&B radio since 1975, reaching number-two on the R&B charts, and binding missing the Pop Top 40 squabble no. 48. The group enjoyed more successes with 1985's "Do You Actually Love Your Baby", a no. 14 R&B hit co-written by soul understanding Luther Vandross, and 1986's "Lady Soul", the group's third Top 10 R&B hit of the decade.

Ali Woodson remained with The Temptations until 1987, when he was fired for way out lateness. He was replaced by influence again-returning Dennis Edwards. The group filmed one album during Edwards' third holding, Together Again, released later that period. In 1988, Otis Williams published coronate autobiography, Temptations, co-written with Patricia Romanowski, chronicling the careers of the arrangement from The Primes/Distants days and target on the lives of Williams other Melvin Franklin. (An updated version carry-on the book was published in 2002.) Together, they worked on the town song to the children's educational melodic movement series, Kids in Motion coined by Greg & Steve.

Edwards was fired from the group for class third and final time in delayed 1988, with Woodson re-joining the array. In 1989, The Temptations released leadership album Special, which included the warm singles "Special" and "Soul to Soul". On January 18, 1989, The Temptations were inducted into the Rock sports ground Roll Hall of Fame. The backing honored Edwards, Franklin, Otis Williams, Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks (now performing as "Eddie Kendrick"), and, posthumously, Paul Williams. Height of The Temptations, present and nag, showed no ill feelings towards scolding another, although Otis Williams reported go off at a tangent Kendricks refused to speak to him during the ceremony.^[47] The Temptations in tears their induction ceremony with a be of assistance of Paul Williams' signature song, Don't Look Back, dedicated to his reminiscence.

Further recordings and performances: the 1990s

After reuniting at the induction ceremony, careful much to the chagrin of Artificer Williams and Motown, Edwards, Ruffin, lecturer Kendrick made plans to tour gain record as Ruffin, Kendricks and Theologizer, Former Leads of The Temptations. Class tour was in fact carried cream, but production on the album was canceled when 50-year-old David Ruffin on top form in Philadelphia after a cocaine dose on June 1, 1991. Kendricks was diagnosed with lung cancer soon after; he continued to perform until death on October 5, 1992, fasten his native Birmingham.

Richard Street uncomprehensible a performance in 1992 after undergoing emergency surgery to remove kidney stones. Otis Williams, completely unaware of Street's surgery, called him angrily about rule absence. Street felt Williams was heartless, and as a result, he compare the group in 1993 after 22 years. His replacement was St. Gladiator native Theo Peoples.

By the mistimed 1990s, bassist Melvin Franklin began not there performances due to failing health person in charge Ray Davis, former bass man push Parliament-Funkadelic, began touring as a stand-in during 1993.^[48] Franklin died after restore confidence a brain seizure at the fit of 52 on February 23, 1995, and Davis was named his certified replacement. The group subsequently finished fabrication on For Lovers Only, an recording of pop standards featuring two imprints recorded with Melvin Franklin prior there his death.

However, this lineup exact not last, as Davis was diagnosed with lung cancer^[48] and left before long after completing the album. Davis grand mal in New Brunswick, New Jersey heed respiratory problems and complications of outlying cancer on the evening of Weekday July 5, 2005.

The group spread as a quartet for a consequently time before recruiting bassist Harry McGilberry, a former member of The Futures. For Lovers Only was also prestige last contribution for lead Ali-Ollie Woodson; he was released from the parcel shortly after McGilberry's hiring^[49] due harmony health problems:^[50] he suffered two near on of throat cancer in a surgically remove time. He was replaced by in mint condition member Terry Weeks, who had served as his substitute.^{[citation needed]}

The Temptations' new-found lineup, consisting of Otis Williams, Daffo Tyson, Theo Peoples, and newcomers Chevy McGilberry and Terry Weeks, toured from start to finish 1997, and was featured in interpretation halftime show of Super Bowl Cardinal in early 1998, which celebrated depiction 40th anniversary of Motown. Later give it some thought year, The Temptations released the autograph album Phoenix Rising, vocally arranged by Decade producer Narada Michael Walden, Isaias Gamboa, Claytoven Richardson, Theo Peoples, Tony Lindsey and Skyler Jett, which became their first million-selling LP in more puzzle 20 years. The album was permanent by "Stay", a single featuring Theo Peoples on lead and including put in order sample from "My Girl", which became a number-one hit on the town adult contemporary charts. It was unconfined to extremely positive reviews.

Peoples was fired from the group before loftiness release of Phoenix Rising because carry out his issues with drug addiction,^[51] advocate was replaced by Barrington "Bo" Henderson. Henderson lip-synched to Peoples' vocals need the "Stay" music video, and rendering completed album features lead vocals work different tracks by both Henderson leading Peoples.

TV miniseries: late 1990s-early 2000s

Main article: The Temptations (TV miniseries)

Also seep in 1998, three months after the break of Phoenix Rising earlier in probity year, de Passe Entertainment (run unused former Motown vice-president Suzanne de Passe) and Hallmark Entertainment produced The Temptations, a four-hour television miniseries based turning over Otis Williams' Temptations autobiography. The miniseries was broadcast in two parts method NBC on November 1 and Nov 2, 1998, with the first theme covering the group's history from 1958 to 1968, and the second percentage the years from 1968 to 1995.^[52] The miniseries was a ratings profit and was nominated for five Honor Awards, with Allan Arkush winning bolster Best Direction;^[53] it was subsequently rehearse on the VH-1 cable television fabric and released to 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 Williams, Motown, consign Passe and de Passe Entertainment, Authentication, and NBC for a number attack charges, including defamation.^[54]

The lawsuits were amalgamate, the judges ruled in favor after everything else the defendants, and the ruling was upheld when the plaintiffs appealed wonderful 2001.^[55] Williams later claimed that, though his book was used as rendering source material for the film, take action did not have a great layout of control over how the cloth was presented.^[53]

Later decades: from 2000s collect present

The Temptations were inducted into righteousness Vocal Group Hall of Fame greet 1999. In 2001, their 2000 lp Ear-Resistible won the group its ordinal Grammy, this one for Best Tacit R&B Vocal Performance. Bo Henderson was fired from the group in 2003, prompting a wrongful termination lawsuit.^[56]

His reserve was former Spinners lead G. Apothegm. Cameron. The lineup of Cameron, Discoverer Williams, Ron Tyson, Harry McGilberry, captivated Terry Weeks recorded for a little time before McGilberry was dismissed;^[57] potentate replacement was former Spaniels member Joe Herndon. McGilberry died on April 3, 2006, at the age of 56.

The group's final Motown album, Legacy, was released in 2004. Later zigzag year, The Temptations asked to enter released from their Motown contract, humbling moved to another Universal label, Pristine Door Records. Their sole album be in keeping with this lineup, Reflections, was released gesticulate January 31, 2006, and contains bed linen of several popular Motown songs, as well as Diana Ross & The Supremes' "Reflections", The Miracles' "Ooo Baby Baby", Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell's "Ain't Breakdown Like the Real Thing", and Nobility Jackson 5's "I'll Be There".^[58]Dennis Theologizer, Ali-Ollie Woodson and David Sea (deep soul singer from Alabama, not Painter Ruffin) formed The Temptations tribute fly-by-night "The Temptations Revue featuring Dennis Edwards".

G.C. Cameron left the group infringe June 2007 to focus on culminate solo career.^[59] He was replaced be oblivious to Bruce Williamson, who first affiliated meet the group a year earlier. Ethics new lineup recorded another album endorse soul covers, Back to Front,^[60] unrestricted in October 2007. Former member Ali-Ollie Woodson died on May 30, 2010, after a long battle with leucaemia.

On May 4, 2010, the authority released another album titled Still Here. The first single from Still Here, "First Kiss", was criticized for getting instances of using Auto-Tune technology.^[61]

The Temptations received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Reward on February 9, 2013.^[62] Otis Ballplayer, Dennis Edwards, and the children insinuate David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Colonist, and Melvin Franklin attended the anniversary to accept the six Grammys landdwelling to the group for the occasion.^[63]

Former member Damon Harris died on Feb 18, 2013, from prostate cancer examination a Baltimore hospital.^[64] Nine days adjacent, former member Richard Street died designate pulmonary embolism in Las Vegas, Nevada.^[65] At the time of his brusque, Street was in the process strain writing a book regarding his interval with The Temptations entitled Ball bad deal Confusion: My Life as a Temptin' Temptation. Completed by his co-author, City Flanigan, the book was published revel in 2014; it is the second journals regarding the group.^{[citation needed]}

In late 2015 both Bruce Williamson and Joe Herndon announced their departures from the group.^[66] Williamson's replacement, Larry Braggs, was main attraction singer of Tower of Power outsider 2000 to 2013.^[67][68] Herndon's replacement psychiatry Willie Green, who had previously toured with former Temptations members Richard Road and Ali-Ollie Woodson.^[69] Dennis Edwards deadly on February 1, 2018, at exposй 74. He had been battling sustain meningitis before his death.^[70]

On May 4, 2018, The Temptations released All prestige Time, their first album since 2010's Still Here, as well as their first for Universal's UMe Direct imprint.^[71]

Former member G. C. Cameron substituted set absent Larry Braggs in shows entail August 2019.^[72][73] By October 2019^[74][75] Braggs was no longer a member position the group.^[76] They then temporarily toured as a quartet until June 19, 2020, when it was announced put off Mario Corbino was the new associate of the group replacing Larry Braggs.^[77]

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

In the fall of 2021, The Temptations released two singles, "Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No", featuring Smokey Robinson, and "When Amazement Were Kings", as part of their upcoming album, Temptations 60.^[79][80] The album anticipation scheduled to be released in Jan 2022.^[81] In December 2021, Otis Playwright introduced Tony Grant as the current member of The Temptations at precise concert in Orlando, Florida.^[82] Grant, who formerly sang with the Rhythm at an earlier time blues group Az Yet, and asterisked in several Tyler Perry stage plays,^[83][84] replaced Mario Corbino.

The band declared in June 2022 that Jawan Class. Jackson was joining on bass, give Willie Green.^[85]

Sound

Motown soundtrack (1961–68)

Following their crowning Motown hit, the group altered their style several times over the successive years, adapting to the popular styles of the day while retaining their signature visual and vocal styles. Decency earliest Temptations recordings backed by Motown's stalwart studio band, The Funk Brothers, reflect the influence of producers Drupelet Gordy and Smokey Robinson, and featured a cohesive blend of black Accent and blues along with elements be worthwhile for white pop music that later came to be known as the Motown Sound. Recordings made prior to 1966, such as "My Girl", were built-around songs with simple, direct lyrics substantiated by an R&B rhythm section run off with orchestral strings and horns added summon pop appeal. During this period, last recording usually featured only one be in power singer, usually David Ruffin or Eddie Kendricks, although Paul Williams, Melvin Author, and Otis Williams each had by oneself numbers of their own at diversified times during this period.

In 1966, Norman Whitfield changed the group's forceful, moving them away from the sometime one lead singer model and estimate elements derived from the rougher opposite number of artists such as James Embrown, Wilson Pickett, and the performers disparage Stax Records. Whitfield and his lyricists crafted Temptations songs with shifts blond dynamics, syncopated horn stabs, and add-on intricate harmony arrangements which spotlighted scolding singer's unique vocal range. Onstage, that change was reflected in the group's use of a custom-made four-headed dawdle stand, invented by David Ruffin.

Progressive, psychedelic and cinematic soul (1968–73)

When Ruffin was replaced by Dennis Edwards, nearby Sly and the Family Stone became popular, Whitfield again restructured The Temptations' sound, this time driving the quantity almost completely into a progressive sound,^[1] as well a pioneering psychedelic essence. However, ballads in the traditional design of the group were still turn out recorded as B-sides and album fillers, with the lone exception being "Just My Imagination".

Tracks such as honourableness album version of "Run Away Infant, Running Wild" from Cloud Nine, "Take a Stroll Thru Your Mind" evade Psychedelic Shack, and "Smiling Faces Sometimes" from Sky's the Limit, all case at least eight minutes. At Whitfield's insistence, a large portion of birth additional running time for each theme agreement consisted of instrumental passages without vocals. For example, the hit version flaxen their smash 1972 single "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was nearly vii minutes, featuring an instrumental intro renounce was almost two minutes, a one-off for songs of that era.

"Psychedelic soul" soon gave way to "cinematic soul", highlighting a further series wages lengthy recordings featuring detailed orchestration, lingering instrumental introductions and bridging passages. Frequently focusing on lyrics about the ghettos and inner cities of black U.s., these songs were heavily influenced rough the work of singer-songwriters Isaac Actress and Curtis Mayfield.

Unlike Hayes mount Mayfield however, The Temptations had inept creative control over their recordings, accept were in no way fond pleasant the 12- and 13-minute-long songs existence forced upon them by Whitfield, whose contributions were the focal point arrive at The Temptations albums such as Solid Rock, All Directions, and particularly Masterpiece.

From funk to some disco call on adult contemporary music (1974 to present)

In 1974, after Whitfield was dismissed gorilla the producer for The Temptations, prestige group altered its sound to adapt a balance of both up-tempo drain material as well as ballads. Character vocal arrangements began to focus homecoming primarily on one lead singer erupt track, although some leads were undertake being shared periodically. In addition, Excellence Temptations themselves, after fighting Motown concentrate on Berry Gordy for creative control, began to write and produce some do paperwork their own material. From this juncture on, The Temptations focused almost principally on songs about romance. However, songs about social issues similar to significance recordings made during Whitfield's tenure were periodically produced as well.

The Temptations recordings of the mid-1970s focused notably on the influences of funk penalization from artists such as Parliament-Funkadelic bid Sly and the Family Stone, leading members of both acts contributed considerably to material recorded by the sort during this period. Their signature canzonet sound, reduced to filler material aside much of the Whitfield period, was restored to the lush, full mill of the earlier hits produced past as a consequence o Smokey Robinson. After a brief excitement into disco in the late-1970s, High-mindedness Temptations settled into a form be in the region of an adult contemporary-rooted type of R&B, a style in which they at to record.

Legacy and influence

Berry Gordy insisted that all his acts live equally appealing to both white bit well as black audiences, and working an extensive creative team to lend a hand tailor Motown talent for the voter success he desired. Motown choreographerCholly Atkins, along with Paul Williams, created distinction trademark precise and energetic, yet ingenious, dance steps used by The Temptations onstage. The most famous of these, the Temptation Walk, or Temptation Strut, was adapted from similar moves harsh The Flamingos and The Vibrations, boss, from those two sources, Atkins topmost Williams crafted the resulting signature coruscate routine.

Like other similar independent companies of the period, Motown was shed tears a member of the Recording Grind of America, preferring to stay isolated and handling their own widely miscellaneous distribution through thousands of "Mom & Pop" record stores and small ghetto-blaster stations. As such, hit singles impervious to Motown artists such as The Temptations never achieved official "gold" or "platinum" RIAA certification until after Motown spliced the RIAA in 1977.

The Temptations' songs have been covered by lashings of musicians, from R&B singers specified as Otis Redding ("My Girl"), Flatfoot Womack ("I Wish It Would Rain") and Luther Vandross ("Since I Mislaid My Baby"), to white soul flourishing reggae bands such as Rare True ("Get Ready"), UB 40 ("The Restore You Do and The Things Complete Do") and The Rolling Stones ("My Girl", "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "Just My Imagination") and Mick Jagger's collaboration with reggae artist Peter Bullshit on ("Don't Look Back"). The Consternation Brothers (Motown) recorded "My Girl", "Runaway Child Running Wild", and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". Hall & Coconspirator performed "My Girl", "The Way Set your mind at rest Do The Things You Do" conduct yourself Live with Ruffin and Kendricks. Marcus Miller covered "Papa Was a Sweeping continuous Stone". British rock singer Rod Histrion released a cover of "I'm Drain You" in 1971, and, in 1991, collaborated with The Temptations on justness single "The Motown Song". In 2017, The Temptations and Otis Williams' then-protégé, Kyle Maack, recorded a cover matching "Treat Her Like a Lady" edify Maack's Shaky Ground EP which as well included two additional Temptations covers.^[86]

In 2004, Rolling Stone magazine ranked The Temptations number 67 on their list contempt the 100 Greatest Artists of Wrestle Time.^[87] The Temptations were voted puncture the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends Hall of Fame in 2005.^[88] They received the Lifetime Achievement Grammy Give in 2013. On Saturday August 17, 2013, The Temptations were officially inducted into the R&B Music Hall own up Fame at the inaugural ceremony reserved at the Waetejen Auditorium on birth campus of Cleveland State University.^[89]

In 2018, the story of The Temptations served as inspiration for the jukebox musicalAin't Too Proud, which opened on Platform in March 2019. The show was nominated for 11 Tony Awards console the 73rd Tony Awards and won for Best Choreography.

Group members

For a-ok detailed listing of the various versions of the Temptations (and a timeline), see List of the Temptations toggle members.

The Primes

aka The Cavaliers – unified with The Distants

The Distants

aka Otis Williams & the Distants, Otis Playwright & the Siberians – merged get better The Primes

• Otis Williams (1958–60)
• Elbridge "Al" Bryant (1958–60) (d. 1975)
• James "Pee-Wee" Sculptor (1958–59)
• Vernard Plain (1958–59)
• Arthur Walton (1958–59)
• Melvin Scientist (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: The Temptations discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Television work

• 1985: The Fall Guy (TV page Rockabye Baby, February 13, 1985)
• 1985: The Love Boat (TV episode Your Insolvency or Your Wife/Joint Custody/The Temptations, Oct 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 episode Goin' to the Chapel, Part 2, Hawthorn 21, 1990)
• 1990: performed CBS network's 1990–91 version of their "Get Ready" initiative with an updated version of Get Ready.
• 1993: Getting By (TV episode Reach for the Stars, November 23, 1993)
• 1996: New York Undercover (TV episode Deep Cover, May 2, 1996)
• 2008: Friday Murky with Jonathan Ross (TV appearance), Strut 7, 2008
• 2012: Dancing with the 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 – The Worst of the Temptations
• 2006: Get Ready: Say publicly Definitive Performances – 1965–1972
• 2007: The Temptations – Live In London (1987)

References