The Temptations

The Temptations

Motown took the world over by surprise. The vivid and new sounds from Motown artists made screaming dedicated fans all over the world. With the addicted fans, Motown artists raised the bad and opened the eyes of those who thought African Americans would never amount to anything. Although there still happened to be racism, and prejudice, African Americans managed to become recognized and well known for their abilities. Not only were the Motown artists extraordinary talented, but they also were unbelievably strong and persistent for going against all those people out there who discriminated on them. They took the criticisms continued and went on with what they loved to do. One of the most famous groups during the Motown era was the Temptations. With their numerous hits, success, and even some failures, The Temptations strove there way into their fans hearts and earned their names in Motown History.

Before The Temptations were the Temptations, they had and were known by another name. Their original band name was called The Elgins. Forming in Detroit, Michigan, the Elgins on their trip visiting their record deal in hopes for success, their original name was dismissed, for the fact Elgins was the same name as a watch. As they rehearsed and though up a new name outside of Motown Records, Berry Gordy finally let them in and fell in love with their sound. After all their hard work and from then on the five African American vocalists and dancers became a hit. Their amazing dance steps and styles were a sure success. The first five members after obtaining the record deal were Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Elbridge Bryant. With all splitting the vocals here and there, they put their talents together and began their journey.

The Temptations constantly and frequently changed the members in the group. Every which way they turned someone was dropping out and couldn’t handle their position no longer. The Temptations had a totally of 21 members who were once apart of the band. The first five members were Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Elbridge Bryant. After some struggle with the first two singles, Bryant was the first to leave. Bryant after not contributing his full abilities to the band from his slacking off was finally fired right after a Motown Christmas party in 1966. Right after Bryant left, David Ruffin came aboard. His skills were seen right at the beginning, and with him the Temptations became known as the "classic 5," producing some of their best work. Although Ruffin seemed to be exactly what the group needed, their high likings soon disappeared. Ruffin became way too self centered and along with his drug addictions, and missing of not only rehearsals but concerts as well, Ruffin was then fired. Replacing him, Dennis Edwards originally from the Contours joined the crew, and became the new lead singer. Entering new and different styles of their music, things were going fine, until Paul's alcohol addictions started to become a big problem. As his breathes became shorter Richard Street, from the Monitors, filled in for him on days he couldn’t perform. Though, after a fail of recovery, and right before Paul went solo, he committed suicide in 1973. Before Paul's problems started to significantly increase, Kendricks was having some of his own difficulties. Kendricks problems with how the group ran and constant confrontation with Otis, was soon released from the band. Replacing Kendricks was Ricky Owens, and shortly after was replaced again with Damon Harris. Entering the 1970s after all the departures the line up was Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin and Damon Harris. Today the only original Temptation remaining in the band is Otis Williams, along with Joe Herndon, G.C. Cameron, Terry Weeks, and Ron Tyson.

The Temptations are one of the most successful black groups in history. An estimated 22 million records were sold by 1982. The Temptations have the second largest permanent status in all of Motown. Between 1965, and 1981, the Temptations had 16 United States top ten hits, and 6 top R&B hits. Between 1966 and 1973, ten of the Temptations albums were on the top 10 charts as well. The Temptations great moves, songs, and lyrics collected fans all over the world which allowed them to have so many hits.

The Temptations had many different styles and wys of singing, which attracted numerous kinds of fans. Some of the styles included doo-wop, pyschedelia, soul, funk, disco, and R&B. Before the forming of the group, and before the record deal,