#Tempatations

On February 11, 1978, The Temptations marked a new chapter with their song “In a Lifetime,” which was performed live on “Soul Train” after they signed with a new label. Which track from their 1976 album, ‘Do The Temptations’, is your favorite?

Putting the “soul” in ‘Soul Train’, The Temptations performed their 1973 classic, “Masterpiece!” 🕺🏿

On this day in 1969, The Temptations performed the classic ballad “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” on ‘The Ed Sullivan Show,’ bringing their signature harmony and soul to the stage.

The Temptations performing "My Girl" on the Ed Sullivan Show, in 1967.

Temptations performing (special )good music good vibration

☆The Temptations☆ Papa Was A Rollin' Stone #thetemptations #soulmusic #legendsofmusic #classicsoul

Promotional Footage of The Temptations performing “My Girl” on the 28th of May, 1967 on the Ed Sullivan Show Written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of the Miracles, “My Girl” was written at the Apollo Theatre when The Temptations were playing as part of a package tour with The Miracles. Based on an account given by Smokey Robinson, he working out the song on the piano when his bandmate Ronald White joined him and they wrote the melody on the spot. When the Temptations heard it, they convinced Smokey to let them have it over The Miracles and he rehearsed the arrangement of the song with them over the coming week. When they returned to Detroit, Robinson and White produced the session on December 21, 1964 when they recorded this song. In a 2006 NPR interview, Robinson explained that he wrote this with David Ruffin’s voice in mind. It was the first Temptations single to feature Ruffin on lead vocals (Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams sang lead on previous Temptations singles), and it led to a greater role for Ruffin, as he became their primary lead singer. Robinson went on to write many more hits for The Temptations, who were considered the most talented vocal group at Motown. The recording is also notable for featuring the label’s house band, The Funk Brothers who were perfect since they adhered the song’s simply yet effective arrangement. It all begins with James Jamerson’s bassline, which paves the way for the ascending guitar figure played by Robert White. Then comes the iconic finger snaps followed by the drums played by Benny Benjamin and strings provided by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Smokey’s arrangement was built to accentuate the vocals, making the words very easy to understand. It served as a template for future Temptations recordings, which would go onto dominate the charts and in turn bring Motown lots of cultural relevance. Upon release it became the first of four #1 hits for The Temptations and it was also the first #1 for a male vocal group on the Motown label. #Music #TheTemptations

The Temptations - I Can’t Get Next To You | Live, Top Of The Pops (1970) Today, Tempts fans, I want to share with you a classic performance of @TheTemptations performing their No. 1 hit song “I Can’t Get Next To You” live on Top Of The Pops in January 1970. In this footage, the Tempts went on and performed as four instead of the usual five. The only person that was noticeably missing was the groups tenor singer Eddie Kendricks, who was reportedly sick around that time and had to miss this television appearance. This was also around the time the Temptations would do their “Talk Of The Town” concert in London, which they recorded and released a few months later. Although Kendricks iconic falsetto was missing, Otis, Dennis, and Melvin filled in his parts throughout the performance. As they say, the show must go on and the Tempts still killed it! Temptations Forever. 📹January 15, 1970

@TheTemptations made their television debut on “Shindig” 61 years ago from today. On February 10, 1965, The Temptations made their first television appearance on a TV show called “Shindig.” During the episode, the Tempts would perform their latest hit at the time “My Girl,” which would later reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 a month later, becoming their first No. 1 crossover hit. Towards the end of the show, they would go out singing their rendition of “When The Saints Go Marching In” in Temptations fashion! Both performances showcase the dynamic lead singer of David Ruffin and the groups tight harmonies, choreography routines, and their stylish matching uniforms. The Temptations were just getting started. Temptations Forever. Fun fact: Their performance of “My Girl” on this show was actually the first real footage I've seen of The Temptations growing up!

When two Motown legends come together, magic happens! Here are The Temptations and The Supremes, ‘sockin’ it to us’ back in 1968!

From their appearance on ‘Swingin’ Time’ in 1966, The Temptations remind us that “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep.”

Hype Man 📣 | Before Hip Hop Had A Mic… It Had Soul Alright hold up… hold up… let’s talk history for a second. @thelegendsofmusic just dropped promotional footage of The Temptations performing My Girl on the Ed Sullivan Show back in nineteen sixty seven. And if you love hip hop, you better recognize what you’re hearing. Because before the DJ cut the break… before the MC grabbed the mic… before the b-boys hit the floor… the blueprint for rhythm and soul was already being built. The song was written by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White at the Apollo Theatre while touring with The Miracles. They wrote the melody right there at the piano. When the Temptations heard it, they knew it was special. And when David Ruffin stepped up to sing lead? History. That bassline from James Jamerson, the guitar from Robert White, the rhythm section led by Benny Benjamin, and the legendary The Funk Brothers holding the groove together. That’s the DNA. Hip hop producers spent decades sampling Motown records like this. That groove, that bassline, those finger snaps, that storytelling soul… that’s the energy that eventually powered DJs, MCs, and producers. So when you hear “My Girl,” don’t just hear a classic love song. Hear the foundation. Because hip hop didn’t appear out of nowhere. It was amplified soul. And the crowd still knows every word. NOW EVERYBODY SAY IT WITH ME… “I’ve got sunshine…” Disclaimer: This post features commentary inspired by publicly shared archival footage referenced by @thelegendsofmusic regarding The Temptations performing “My Girl.” All rights and credit belong to the original creators and estates. Shared for educational and cultural reflection purposes only. #HipHopolis #HypeMan #MotownToHipHop #TheTemptations #MusicHistory