A promotional image of the original early 1960s Temptations lineup. Clockwise from top right: Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Elbridge "Al" Bryant. Image Source: en.wikipedia.org |
March 6th in 1965, The Temptations went to No.1 on the US singles chart with the Smokey Robinson penned song 'My Girl', making the group the first male act to have a No.1 for Motown. The single only reached No.43 in the UK but made No.2 when re-issued.
There are few groups in the history of music to experience the incredible amount of success and longevity as The Temptations. Their music became the soundtrack of America’s changing tide toward segregation and opening the gates for black entertainers to achieve crossover appeal during the early days of Motown Records in the 1960s. Five decades later, their intergenerational influence continues to impact past and current musical artists. During the group’s prestigious career, they’ve spawned fourteen number one R&B records, received three Grammy awards and the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Read more at EBONY including the interview with the founding member of the legendary group, Otis Williams. Williams speaks on his musical legacy, R&B today and being the last temp standing.
Long live Rock 'n' Roll!
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