the way you do the things you do

OTIS WILLIAMS, the only surviving original member of The Temptations, looks back on 45 years of soul genius. Interview by Ken Sharp

Spanning five decades of seminal recordings and exhaustive touring, The Temptations are one of the most successful and influential acts of all-time. Formed in 1961, the band’s classic lineup—Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Paul Williams, Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin—cranked out an electrifying assembly line of sublime hit after hit, including such quintessential soul smashes as Ain’t Too Proud To Beg, Get Ready, Don’t Look Back, The Way You Do The Things You Do, I Wish It Would Rain, (I Know) I’m Losing You, Beauty Is Only Skin Deep and more. 

What set The Temptations apart from Motown’s other successful groups was their forward-thinking vision and distinctive gritty sound, which drew heartily from the boiling cauldron of gospel, R&B, funk, blues and soul.

Under the tutelage of producer/songwriter Norman Whitfield, The Temptations really hit their artistic stride, continually pushing the musical envelope. Timeless psych-soul jewels like Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone, Cloud Nine and Psychedelic Shack brought them newfound credibility among the rock audience. Like fellow Motown mavericks, Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, The Temptations were true musical trailblazers, their songs informed by astute, socially conscious lyrics and arresting messages.

Through countless personnel changes and the  …

by Ken Sharp
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