Those Tempting Temptations…
AIN’T TOO PROUD TO BEG
JUST MY IMAGINATION
TREAT HER LIKE A LADY
Nothing in today’s music comes close to the magic that was Motown. And there really hasn’t been a group as dynamic–even with all the drama and change of members–as those tempting Temptations. The hubby and I listen to their greatest hits all the time. On long road trips through states with no decent radio stations, we put in their greatest hits and sing along. I can’t tell you how many times he has watched the movie about them because then I’d have to fess up to how many times I’ve watched it with him. To say that I continue to be intrigued by this group would be an understatement. It still baffles me that Otis, the one without stellar pipes or star quality, is the only original member still alive and the only one still making music as more members come and go. But the one thing that isn’t baffling is the amazing music. They have given us some gems over the years. Here are three of my favorite songs by the group. My all-time favorite is “Treat Her Like A Lady.” What are some of your favorite songs by the Temptations.
Comment
I was SO in love with David Ruffin and Smokey Robinson back in the day. Eddie Kendricks was all right, but David was the smooth one. The movie is one of my husband’s favorites too!
Chicki
Comment
They were called the Temptations for a very good reason!
Comment
I love the Temps and, at one time, owned all of their albums. My favorite tune–Just My Imagination.
Chicki, Eddie Kendricks was playing solo in my hometown one year (long time ago). We invited him to a family BBQ. He was such a nice dude, small and thin up close and personal, and very quiet. He fit right in with the family, although, we we’re loud folks.
Comment
Chicki ~ David Ruffin and Smokey? Wow, now that’s a contrast. The bad boy and the squeaky clean crooner… And as for the movie, what is it with guys and that movie. LOL. I loved David Ruffin’s voice.
Kimber An ~ Exactly!
Delta ~ Eddie Kendricks at the family BBQ… now that’s cool! Loved his voice…
Gwyneth
Comment
The Temptations will always be my favorite group! And I have every album or CD, if you will that they’ve ever made. You have to know that I’m a Motown fanatic and expert. It’s a running battle between the accumulation of books and music that vie for spacing in my archives. Everyone always talks about Eddie and David, but there was an ORIGINAL lead singer that they had that was just as dynamic if not better than Eddie, but his tenure was short-lived because of a alcoholic problem…but listening to that brother was something else. The eerie thing was the fact that he sounded just like David, and if your ear wasn’t tuned you’d think it was him, indeed! His name was Elbridge “Al” Bryant (1960 – 1963) and his phrasing and sheer vocal virtuoso was something to behold. For all you nostalgic fans that truly share the Temptations for all of their glory — go back and view the early albums, MEET THE TEMPTATIONS, and an album deep from the vaults of Mortown…THE TEMPTATIONS LOST & FOUND. Dang! Ya’ll done got me started!!
Comment
I love (d) the Temptations, they along with the Ojays were the crooners of my youth, I mean I was literally a baby…
Blessings,
angelia
Comment
Alvin ~ I’m glad we’ve gotten you started. You are breaking down the history for us on the Temptations! Thanks! I don’t think I knew about Al. In the film there was a Paul who died pretty early on. But I’m guessing this was a different guy. In any case, those brothers gave us some beautiful music.
Angelia ~ I just thank the Lord that he made me appreciate good music, no matter when it was made even if it was made when I was a baby or not born yet. LOL.
Gwyneth
Comment
Love the Temps. Remember playing PAPA WAS A ROLLING STONE a thousand times when I was in grade school. ‘Course I didn’t really know what they were singing about until much later but we loved the music. And Eddie Kendricks? Now that was some singin’!
My family is completely obsessed with the Temptations movie. I wish there were more movies like that about the groups of old. They had some stories to tell!
Comment
Patricia ~ The hubby loves “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” because they start the song with his birthday, September third. He always changes the lyrics and says, “cause that was day, I was born…” LOL. Glad to see we aren’t the only family that watches the Temptation movie so much. I’ll tell you between that and the Five Heartbeats… LOL.
Gwyneth
Comment
Hey Gwyneth,
This was a good throwback! I love Motown! I actually listen to music from this era and not a lot of today’s music. That’s why I didn’t know that female group 90’s group you did a post about some time ago. I always tell my mom I should have been a teenager in ‘67 and not born that year! LOL Music from the 60’s and 70’s is magic, it really moves you.
Victoria
Comment
the song ‘my girl’ and a song they performed with rick james quickly come to mind when i think of favorite songs by the temptations.
it took me a minute to realize that i had to click onto ‘blog’ in order to read your blog. LOL. i finally realized it. i couldn’t see the list from my cell phone.
the site looks nice.
Comment
These men made music that we still enjoy today. I’m not sure of which song would be my favorite by the Temptations. I love listening to old Motown artists though.
Comment
Hey, Don! They did “Super Freak” with Rick James, right. I just remember the part where he says, “Temptations sing!” LOL. I liked “My Girl” too. Thanks for stopping by the new blog.
Shelia ~ So true. I’m trying to think of how many songs from today folks will still be singing years from now…
Gwyneth
Comment
Gwyneth,
I love the Temptations. I would have to agree that “Treat Her Like a Lady” is my favorite.
Comment
Tyhitia ~ That was the cut, wasn’t it! I will always love that song. Always! I think every man should have to memorize the lyrics. LOL.
Gwyneth