Songtext Memories The Temptations

Biografia

The Temptations were one of Motown's most successful groups, with 14 R&B chart-toppers, and 16 songs reaching the Top 10 of the pop charts (including four No.1s). They evolved from the ballads and catchy pop of the "Motown sound" in the 60s, to their own brand of psychedelic soul at the turn of the decade, to quiet storm and disco styles in the 70s. Although the band has had many members over the years, the so-called "Classic 5" consisted of David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin and Paul Williams. Between 1964 and 1968 they enjoyed a string of hits that propelled them to stardom, including "My Girl", "Get Ready", "Beauty is Only Skin Deep", "(I Know) I'm Losing You" and "I Wish it Would Rain". The Temptations survived the departures of three of these performers: Ruffin and Kendricks both quit the band to pursue successful solo careers, while Paul Williams' departure was due to health problems. With Norman Whitfield taking over production duties, the group modernised their sound and enjoyed more success, culminating in the massive 1972 hit "Papa Was a Rolling Stone". The band didn't achieve much in the way of chart hits after 1975, after first moving to disco and then settling on a sophisticated R&B sound, but a version of the band continues to tour today.