The Temptations
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Detroit, United States (1960 – present)
1. The Temptations are an American Motown singing group whose repertoire has included doo-wop, soul, psychedelia, funk, disco, rnb, and adult contemporary. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins. The group, known for its finely tuned choreography, distinct harmonies, and stylish suits, has been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to rock. Having sold an estimated 22 million albums by 1982, The Temptations are one of the most successful groups in black music history and were the definitive male vocal group of the 1960s. In addition, they have the second-longest tenure on Motown (behind Stevie Wonder), as they were with the label for a total of 40 years: 16 years from 1961 to 1977, and 24 more from 1980 to 2004 (from 1977 to 1980, they were signed to Atlantic Records). As of 2005, The Temptations continue to perform for universal records with only one original member, founder Otis Williams, in its lineup.
Like its sister group The Supremes, The Temptations’ lineup has changed frequently over the years. The original group included members of two local Detroit vocal groups: second tenor/baritone Otis Williams, first tenor Elbridge Bryant and bass Melvin Franklin from The Distants; and first tenor/falsetto Eddie Kendricks and second tenor/baritone Paul Williams (no relation to Otis) from The Primes. Among the most notable future Temptations were lead singers David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards (both of whom became successful Motown solo artists after leaving the group, as did Kendricks), Richard Street (another former Distant), Damon Harris, Ron Tyson, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Theo Peoples, and G.C. Cameron.
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The Ultimate Collection
The Temptations
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Greatest Hits
The Temptations
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The Temptations Christmas Card
The Temptations
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Anthology (disc 2)
The Temptations
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Videos
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Feb
22
モータウンサウンド2012 My Favorite Motown
iichiko総合文化センター グランシアタ, 大分市, Japan
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Mar
17
The Four Tops & The Temptations
Metro Radio Arena Newcastle, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Newcastle, United Kingdom
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Mar
18
The Four Tops and the Temptations
S.E.C.C., Glasgow, United Kingdom
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thomas10 wrote about The Temptations – All Directions in a deleted journal. August 2009
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thomas10 wrote about The Temptations – All Directions in a deleted journal. August 2009
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Llorenza wrote about The Temptations – Cloud Nine in [159] The Temptations – Cloud Nine (1969). July 2009
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thomas10 wrote about The Temptations – All Directions in a deleted journal. June 2009
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thomas10 wrote about The Temptations – All Directions in a deleted journal. May 2009
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