The Temptations December 30, 2009

For more than forty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. The crowds are bigger, the sales are sizzling, says one industry report. The outpouring of affection for this super-group has never been greater.The history of The Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early sixties. It wasnt until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced The Way You Do, The Things You Do turned the guys into stars.An avalanche of hits followed, many of which, My Girl, for instance, attained immortality. Its Growing, Since I Lost My Baby, Get Ready, Aint Too Proud to Beg, Beauty Is only Skin Deep, I Wish It Would Rain.The hits kept coming.The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, The Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptations Walk became a staple of American style. Flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw the Temptations as cultural heroes.When the sixties and seventies turned political, The Temps got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards who had replaced David Ruffin, burned with intensity. Runaway Child, Cloud Nine, I Cant Get Next to You, Papa Was a Rolling Stone, and Psychedelic Shack still smolder.Other stellar singers, Richard Street and Ali-Ollie Woodson joined adding their luster to the groups growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, The Temptations remained true to their tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns. Great singing, says Otis, will always prevail.In the eighties, The Temps prevailed with smashes like the Otis Williams penned Treat Her Like A Lady. Then in the nineties, another Temptation explosion: It began with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983; it continued with the NBC mini-series that chronicled the groups history, a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time. AnThe current Temptations lineup consists of:Otis Williams Terry Weeks G. C. Cameron Ron Tyson Joe HerndonThe more we change, says veteran Ron Tyson, the more we stay true to ourselves. Were about singing straight-up soul. Its a style that will live on forever.?The Temps have always been known for great lead singers, says Williams. Today we have three of the greatest leads in the proud history of the group.The soaring voice of Ron Tyson is perhaps the best high tenor in the business.Terry Weeks, who grew up in Alabama and spent eight years in the Air Force before his makeshift audition for Otis on a Hollywood street corner, has smooth textures and tones that express an extraordinary full range of feelings.Newest member G.C. Camerons discography spans three decades and reflects the influences of his musical mentors, Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield. His musical roots can be traced to rural Mississippi, where he was born and raised. The front man for the Motown group, The Spinners for many years, and later a Motown solo artist, he brings an artistry of creativity to the group.Our challenge, says Williams, is to live in the present while respecting the past. Our past is filled with riches only a fool would discard. At the same time, we thrive on competition. As a Motowner, I grew up in the most competitive musical atmosphere imaginable. But we also understand that for a group with history, no matter how glorious that history might be, reinvention is the name of the game.?When I tell people we are Gods group, says Otis, a remarkable modest man, I dont mean it arrogantly. Its just that we have been tested time and again and keep coming back. We have suffered the death of so many legendary singers...Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin. Others like Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Theo Peoples have left, and yet our unity is tighter, our sound brighter and our popularity greater. Someone has watched over this group. Someone has protected our integrity. Someone has said...just go on singing and itll get better.

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