Feeling Tempted

Today in Music History: December 2, 1972

What better way to be tempted than that temptation be entertainment by The Temptations! Not only are their words smooth but gliding movements and synchronization to the music contribute something extra to the moment. The choreography of The Temptations is as signature as their songs!

Welcome into the spotlight...

The "Classic 5" lineup of The Temptations: David Ruffin (bottom left), Melvin Franklin (top left), Paul Williams (top right), Otis Williams (bottom right), and Eddie Kendricks (center) c. 1965.

The Temptations: highly influential to the evolution of R&B and soul music known for their choreography, distinct harmonies, and flashy wardrobe

During the 60s and 70s, The Temptations found success with Motown Records and they are still here. Having sold tens of millions of albums, the Temptations are one of the most successful groups in music history. The singing group was the first Motown recording act to win a Grammy Award. As of 2014, the Temptations continue to perform with one living original member, Otis Williams, still in the lineup.

Over the course of their storied career, the Temptations placed 38 hit records in the pop top 40—not just more than any other Motown Records artist, but more than any American pop group ever. Beyond their quantitative achievements, the Temptations also embodied the original Motown ideal that the records mattered more than the people who made them—for good and for ill. Various intrigues, upsets and tragedies saw the Temptations' lineup change almost annually during their heyday, but the turmoil went largely unnoticed by the record-buying public. Indeed, in an era when pop groups were coming to be known as much for the personalities of their individual members as for their music, the Temptations—a group in which all five members sometimes sang lead—remained essentially unknowable other than through their incredible records. [Source: History.com]

 1972 The Temptations earn the last of their four chart-topping hits when 'Papa Was A Rollin' Stone' reaches #1 on the Billboard Hot 100. The single was released with the song split into two parts: the A-side was the "vocal" version and runs 6:58; the B-side is the "instrumental" and goes 4:49. Both sides of the single won Grammy awards. The A-side won for Best R&B Vocal Performance By A Duo, Group Or Chorus, and the B-side took the award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.

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And the music goes on beating to the rhythm of the changing times...