#BlackHistoryMonth - The Temptations
"My Girl", "Papa Was A Rolling Stone", "The Way You Do The Things You Do". These are some of the hits from the great Motown band The Temptations. They were a pioneer R&B group, creating "The Temptation Walk" which was detailed choreography that was precise and refined, which influenced groups like, Jackson 5, Parliament Funkadelic, New Edition and Boyz II Men.
This weekend, Dennis Edwards, one of the original 6 members, passed away a day before his 75th birthday. Edwards was lead singer on many hits including "Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)".
The Temptations signed with Motown Records in 1961 composed of Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin (who replaced short-time member "Al" Bryant), Melvin Franklin and Otis Williams. Dennis Edwards later replaced Ruffin, whose ego caused him to get fired. But between the original members and replacements they have achieved great success among them. They have 37 Top 40 hits, fifteen of those being No. 1 singles, and seventeen No. 1 albums! Their biggest hit was "My Girl" which was produced by the great Smokey Robinson. They were the first Motown recording act to win a Grammy, which was for "Cloud Nine" in 1969.
To this day they are one of the most successful groups in music history, Rolling Stone Magazine named the group number 67 of 100 Greatest Artists of All Time. The group still performs and tours today, with original member Otis Williams. Salute to The Temptations for their longevity in the music business and leaving such a legacy for future generations.