The Temptations and the Four Tops und The Temptations

The Temptations were and still are a hugely influential vocal group, who had an enormous following during the height of their success in the 60s and 70s. They are best recognised for their distinct choreography, harmonies and flashy wardrobe. The band has been cited as being enormously influential to the evolution of R&B and soul music in the modern music industry. Although only one original member remains in the line-up today, Otis Williams, the group continue to perform.

Consisting of five male vocalists and dancers, the group formed in 1960 in Detroit, Michigan under the name ‘The Elgins’. The original founding members were originally members of two rival Detroit vocal groups: Otis Williams, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, and Melvin Franklin were members of the group ‘Otis Williams & the Distants’. Meanwhile members Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams were part of the group ‘The Primes’.

In 1964, Bryant was replaced by David Ruffin, who was the lead vocalist on a number of the group's biggest hits. Over the decades the group have spawned a large number of hits but some notable tracks include ‘My Girl’, ‘Ain’t Too Proud to Beg’ and ‘Get Ready’. The band’s line up continued to change dramatically as various members left the band and were consequently replaced. The current line-up is made up of original member Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Joe Herndon, Terry Weeks and Bruce Williamson. Their music can be described as a combination of genres, primarily consisting of R&B, soul, funk, doo-wop and rock and roll.

The band are regarded as legends today: three of their most popular songs, ‘My Girl’, ‘Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)’, and ‘Papa Was a Rollin' Stone’, were ranked as being amongst the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 500 Songs that Shaped Rock and Roll. The Temptations were also ranked at number 68 on the prestigious Rolling Stone magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Artists of all time.