 One of the greatest wonders of the world was composed of some Brothers who loved to sing and figured they could make it on the big stage if the chance presented itself. They wanted to be more than just another male group they wanted to be emperors of soul. Before I get ahead of myself let me introduce you to these young men who actually came from two different groups. Both Groups came out of Detroit one called the "Primes" which included Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, both relocated from Alabama. The other group the "Distants" included Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin and Elbridge Bryant. When the Distants lost some of their members they merged with the Primes. No, they didn't live happily ever after. In fact even though they got signed to a recording contract by Berry Gordy of Motown, they were only able to establish themselves in the beginning with some non-charting singles by the end of 1963.
So what happened? A Brother by the name of David Ruffin showed up Replacing Elbridge Bryant. Ruffin had a raspy, gospel-style tenor and fervent showmanship. So in 1964 their careers took off, in fact they nearly owned the charts with hits like "The Way You Do the Things You Do" "My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," and of course "Beauty's Only Skin Deep." Coupled with some innovative and stylish dance moves. In today's terms they rocked. It's too difficult to explain what the Temptations were like to someone who hasn't seen them so check out this clip from one of their performances on national television.
This lineup stayed in place until 1968, when David Ruffin left to go solo. Many make the mistake of associating David Ruffin with most of the groups hits when in fact the lead singer with the most hits was Ruffin's replacement Dennis Edwards. Formerly of the Contours, who could later look back on his lengthy tenure with the Temptations - which lasted through various comings and goings for 20 years - and note that he sang lead on more hits than Ruffin and Kendricks combined. One of those hits was "I Can't Get Next To You". Click the link and check out how Dennis changed the group
Over the years, the Temptations suffered a series of tragic losses: the suicide of Paul Williams in 1971; the death of David Ruffin, after years of substance abuse, in 1991; Eddie Kendricks' succumbing to lung cancer in 1992; and the loss of Melvin Franklin from complications following a brain seizure in 1995. The Temptations are still out there today with one original Member Otis Williams and other replacements. So when your telling your Kids about music dare not forget the "Emperors of Soul" The Temptations. In fact a Temptations CD or DVD would make a great stocking stuffer.
Othello
To Thine Own Self Be True
Edited 11/27/06 by Othello
Edited 11/27/06 by Othello | 
