The Temptations

The Temptations were just another terrific Motown male vocal group, with the same backing band, same songwriters, and same producers as the rest of the company's acts, until 1966. (Their biggest early hits were all written by the versatile Smokey Robinson.) Then Norman Whitfield took over as their main songwriter (with Barrett Strong) and producer, and starting in 1969 he dragged Motown into the late 60's (kicking and screaming I might add) with fuzzed and wah-wah'd guitars, and lyrics that were increasingly insightful socio-political statements (including "Ball Of Confusion," which was only released as a single). After personnel changes and personal tragedies shattered the group in the early 70's, Whitfield found new success as a disco producer, best known for Rose Royce's hits "Carwash" and "Love Doesn't Live Here Anymore." 

Solo careers by Ruffin, Edwards, and particularly Kendricks were all successful in the 1970's, and the group continued to dominate the R & B charts well into the 1980's despite numerous firings and hirings of lead singers, and short-lived reunions of the "classic" late 60's lineup - for example, Edwards left and returned on at least two separate occasions. Otis Williams continues to run the group, despite the fact that he's the only surviving original member.

Discography:

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