Another outstanding intro to a soul song is "Strawberry Letter 23" by the Brothers Johnson. Their version is more 'full' than Shuggie Otis's original which I found to be quite 'tinny'. But, I love the production of the 70s - lush, full, rich sounds layered and trimmed to 'just so'. And the Brothers version spends a lot more time settilng into the groove. I've always appreciated Funk guitar. I could never capture the sound and feel of what those fokls did with the guitar. Simply breath-taking in a lyrical, and syrupy way. Whereas Eddie and Jimi and Jimmy had pyrotechnics like talent, the funk and soul guitarists had the groove.
@@theevagabondpoet, Oh yeah ! I appreciate your insight on Brothers Johnson. I was stationed in South Korea when they released "Stomp." While "Strawberry Letter 23" was so smooth. I love their music.
@@1bigrowdy Y'know, BR, I DID forget. Thanks for putting it back on my radar! :-) Just goes to show that if you don't use it, you lose it. I am so inundated with data and knowledge and info and drama and blah, blah, blah, that I have failed to create a playlist or two or three that cycles through ALL of our old classics. Again, thanks BR for raising Isaac's masterpiece back to the front. Funk guitar taking us there... then horns and woodwinds coming in with rich, lush, carpet ride..and then the strings...pure magic. 🙂
This is the Temptation of the 70s. Very different of the Temps of the 60s and 80s. The 70s was more about social and political subjects, like “Ball of Confusion”. And are very relevant today, although most of their tunes are relevant and memorable. All of the albums produced a lot of hidden gems from that era, like “Zoom” the album “1990”. There is no other group of singers like The Tempting Temptations!
This was also the time - late 60s and early 70s - when Motown would do these lengthy and elaborate productions on their records. This one (which actually won 3 Grammys, including Best R&B Instrumental along with Song of the Year and Best Vocal R&B Performance) is typical - lush string accompaniment, top notch bass playing by legend James Jamerson and that trumpet that comes in. This is the album cut.
When this song came out, we danced to the wonderful music. Since so many children had these fathers, including myself, it gave us some clarity. The father situation has not improved for too many children today. The song nor the situation is funny, but unfortunately, it is real life for countless families.
Say that!! I'm so glad I was born in the mid 60's and had the Privilege to experience all the best ORIGINAL music that came out in the 70's especially when Disco hit the scene all in real time! The best era for real music forever!!
These ARE the 5 Original members on the Album cover. These 5 are the Temptations of the 60's from left to right, Melvin ( Blue) Franklin, Eddie Kendrick, David Ruffin, Otis, Paul. There was another guy the quit the group before they made it to Motown. ( The guy in the movie that was mad sitting at the bar while the Temptation was on TV) These are the Original Temptations. Also the in the Movie these guys on the album cover was the same guys that got came together during the New Years party and sung "You Make Me Want To Shout" So, yes these are the Original Tempts. However, on this particular song, David Ruffin had been kicked out of the group and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. This is Dennis is the lead voice not David Ruffin. If not mistaken I think Paul was already deceased by the time this song was recorded.
I grew up listening to AM Radio, 60s and 70s, loved the Motown! And still listen to these tunes, while I'm pushing 70!!! And yes, My Poppa Was A Rolling Stone!
Ashley--what you're describing is called, "layering". Musically, it's designed to capture the listener's attention--and draw them into the different instruments being added. It's done this way to keep the musical presentation (hopefully) from being interrupted.
The Temptations are just a singing group. This great music your listening to is done by the Funk Brothers, Motown's studio musicians who has never really received proper credit or proper pay for their contributions. They have played on more #1 hits than Elvis, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones put together. They did put together a documentary, "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", which is worth watching. They have the original members telling their story. However, some of the members had already passed by the filming of the documentary, but they did pay tribute to them.
Now from the perspective of a german young teenage boy that I was when this song was released and not knowing much english then I mainly did love that funky music going on together with the singing of course. But as I said I hardly understood much beyond the title line so I never got involved into the actual story line. So I was enjoying the sounds and wasn't burdened with the contents, if that makes sense. But I sure loved the vibes! Btw. this was the time when Telly Savalas aka Kojak was a weekly visitor on our TV screen reflecting the same vibes. Even the title melody of this show reminds me on this song here. I wonder if this was also done by the Funk Brothers..anyway. Thanks for your reaction to this song causing fond memories of them days for me. God bless you and keep it up!
On the Temptations Gold cover you're looking are the original members. From left to right: Melvin "Blue" Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Otis Williams, and Paul Williams!
Actually, David was not an original member. He came in after Elbridge Bryant was kicked out of the group. The five on the Temptations Gold are considered the “Classic 5” lineup.
Now you see why people say they grew up listening to REAL music..this is it lol the musicianship and instruments the band. Then the singing was incredible..
I bought this "45" back in 1972 and it has been in my playlist ever since. The musicality and vocals are absolute genius. For what it's worth, I'm an old white guy (of course, the year I bought the record should have given that away).
Unfortunately, this is the reason so many of us "old-timers" don't like rap. When you compare the simplicity of most hip-hop music to the genius of "Black music" back then -- there's just no comparison. Writer/producer Norman Whitfield and the Temptations created one of their many masterworks in this amazing song. So many great songs they and the other black artists did in the sixties, seventies, and eighties.
That album cover is the famous line up of the Temptations from the 60's. That is Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin (replaced Al Bryant), Otis Williams and Paul Williams. The song itself is from the 2nd most famous lineup in which David Ruffin was replaced with Dennis Edwards, Paul William was replaced by Richard Street, and Eddie Kendricks was replaced with Damon Harris. The main stays were Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin until his death in 1995. Eddie and Paul were in the group until 1971, so there were part of the both of the famous lineups.
On this song all the things in the song was what other people were saying about his dad. He went to his mom and told her what was being said and was asking her to tell him the truth about his dad and momma said Papa was a rolling stone... She never said all the things was true or not she just said Papa was a rolling stone...
Slick as ice, how guitarist Johnny Watson put the nasty wah-wah sound on this...8:01--see what I mean?! And I always loved this era of the Temptations, because of the different singers taking leads and the psychedelic feel on the songs.Glad u picked this one..I knew it'd rock ya!
Ashley yes a ‘long’ instrumental intro, but not as long as the original album version, which has a 4 min or so instrumental intro. I recommend you listen to the album version, almost 12 min long and the vibe of all vibes… cozy up and groove out…
This is in the select group of my earliest childhood musical memories. They used to play this on the Jukebox @ the Elks Home in Newark NJ on Clinton ave🎼🔥✊🏾
I remember when I really heard this song for the first time to understand it's message, it was so overwhelmingly sad and like you said, "depressing". The build up by the instruments at the beginning make more sense in setting the mood of what was to come with the lyrics. It's an incredible piece of music but yeah, the words are sobering. The Temptations made it come alive and I personally don't think anybody could have sang it any better than them.
This is my favorite Temptation song and I akso think it is their greatest song! I rellly didnt know my father so I could really relate to this song🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Ashley, another song like this from the Temps is “Masterpiece”. The best version is the long version with the long intro. Not once do they say the word masterpiece. It’s just what the song is!
This is a true classic by the amazing Temptations! It’s so heartbreaking and timeless! That intro is iconic! This is not the original line-up singing this song! The picture you put up is the original lineup though! Dennis Edwards is singing lead on this one but he wasn’t an original member!
My favorite band of all time, the Temptations with the winning lineup: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Dennis Edwards. Dennis, knew how to bring out the powerful voice and the amazing songs that this band released in the spirit of the late 60's and early 70's which I think are amazing, The 70's was the biggest success of soul, funk and disco music. Such songs are no longer written and certainly not performed by singers with unique voices and with amazing music played by real musicians whose sound was fully transmitted to those who listened to them. Full bass, full treble and half a mid that gave the sound of the legendary Motown. I always listen to songs from that time and in this style because there you can hear songs and not like today, shouting. And by the way, Masterpiece is the name of the album of this successful group and also one of the songs on this album with the amazing songs: plastic man, ma, Psychedelic Shack, law of the land.
The album cover is showing the originals. David Ruffin was replaced by Dennis Edwards. If you pull up the video from Soul Train, The Temptations sing this on Soul Train. You should pull up a lot of 70’s groups from Soul Train, American Bandstand and Ed Sullivan show.
The original members of the Temptations when they were signed to the Gordy Records label, were Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Elbridge “Al” Bryant. David Ruffin replaced Elbridge "Al" Bryant in1964. Gordy Records is a subsidiary of Motown Records Inc. The Temptations never recorded on the Motown imprint. Both sides of the single went on to earn the group Grammys in 1972, with the A-side winning Best R&B Performance By a Duo Or Group with Vocal and its B-side winning the award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
...yes those guys on the album cover are the original Temptations, my favorite lineup. Actually the big controversy occurred when David Ruffin was fired from the band. He had severe drug issues but, with David, the Temps are my favorite Motown group, by far..."my girl, talking bout my girl"...
Ok, Ashley. The Temptations lineup changed over the years as you know. Dennis Edwards replaced lead singer David Ruffin, in the center of the picture, and the groups sound be v ame more dynamic. Ruffin was responsible for the early hits that helped establish the Motown SOUND. He left the group believing he should be the star and had outgrown the group. To the left in the picture, Eddie Kendricks left for a solo career, which some early success with hits KEEP ON TRUCKIN' , BOOGIE DOWN, and HAPPY. To the far right is Paul Williams. He was found dead in his car after what was ruled a suicide in 1973. But there were questions. Kendricks and Williams were replaced by Damon Harris and Melvin Franklin as the group was singing and swinging into songs more socially and culturally relevant. Songs like, PSYCHEDELIC SHACK, BALL OF CONFUSION, MASTERPIECE, PLASTIC MAN, SUPERSTAR ( REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT WHERE YOU ARE.) GLASSHOUSE, and RUNAWAY CHILD cone to mind. Eddie Kendricks was nor a fan if tge new direction and chose to exit. But these songs made the Temptations more popular than ever and kept them on top of their game. I grew up with these songs and still listen to them today. Because the world is still a BALL OF CONFUSION. Listen and see if you agree
Otis is the tallest one on the album cover. The cover has the classic Temptations line up. The original Temptations did not include David Ruffin (the one in glasses). He replaced Al Bryant. The lead singer on this song is Dennis Edwards who replaced David Ruffin. Go on Ashley Click The Pen!!!
Ashley, the picture is the classic Tempts lineup Melvin, Eddie, David, Otis, Paul. At the time of this particular song the lineup was starting to get shaken up a little however. Important to know that as the calendar turned to the 70s social issues and music styles changed due to the 60s civil rights era (MLK, Malcolm X, JFK, RFK, etc.), Vietnam and other social issues reflected in some of the early 70s music such as Curtis Mayfield, some Marvin Gaye and others even though it manifested itself differently with each musical act.
so this song is an interesting story and nearly led to the Temptations violating the record deal and some other stuff. there are two members in this song for the group. if you saw the movie, you have an idea of the story. this is the Temptaions "Funk" era at Motown.
Great, classic song. The buildup is timeless. So unique and ahead of its time. But I can't help wondering why momma had so many kids with this loser, mired in endless red flags.
the album cover i think has the original members. Daved Ruffin was not in the group of this song. Dennis was added. But wow. listen to that instrumentation. The Funk Brothers kicking it. If you haven't listen to their My Girl. and in same genre Gladys Knight and the Pips. Neither of Us Wants to be The First
those are the original 5 on that cover, but the lead singer Dennis Edward's ain't on there, cuz he replaced the original lead David ruffin(the one in the middle wit the glasses)
Yes mam….loved the seventies, the best musicians and rock bands and……Motown pumped out some amazing unforgettable tunes. Best of both worlds. You either had to be able to sing really good and you had to play instruments really good. Nobody went out on the stage and sang and had some autotune helping them. You didn’t just start grinding and say gross stuff. Nothing could hide your voice. There was no special mechanisms man did they make a lot of good groups
The Temptations were great! Here are some other bands from the same era: The Isley Brothers - Who's That Lady - th-cam.com/video/BW8-BRnbV-Q/w-d-xo.html SLY&THE FAMILY STONE - THANK YOU - th-cam.com/video/3pnoVMEH7QI/w-d-xo.html The Spinners - I'll Be Around - I'll Be Around
The greatest intro into a soul song ever performed by the Funk Brothers. This song is a masterpiece.
Another outstanding intro to a soul song is "Strawberry Letter 23" by the Brothers Johnson. Their version is more 'full' than Shuggie Otis's original which I found to be quite 'tinny'. But, I love the production of the 70s - lush, full, rich sounds layered and trimmed to 'just so'. And the Brothers version spends a lot more time settilng into the groove.
I've always appreciated Funk guitar. I could never capture the sound and feel of what those fokls did with the guitar. Simply breath-taking in a lyrical, and syrupy way. Whereas Eddie and Jimi and Jimmy had pyrotechnics like talent, the funk and soul guitarists had the groove.
@@theevagabondpoet, Oh yeah ! I appreciate your insight on Brothers Johnson. I was stationed in South Korea when they released "Stomp." While "Strawberry Letter 23" was so smooth. I love their music.
Have y'all forgotten the Shaft intro??? lol
@@1bigrowdy , I have to admit that I had forgotten. That was definitely a masterpiece as well.
@@1bigrowdy Y'know, BR, I DID forget. Thanks for putting it back on my radar! :-) Just goes to show that if you don't use it, you lose it. I am so inundated with data and knowledge and info and drama and blah, blah, blah, that I have failed to create a playlist or two or three that cycles through ALL of our old classics.
Again, thanks BR for raising Isaac's masterpiece back to the front. Funk guitar taking us there... then horns and woodwinds coming in with rich, lush, carpet ride..and then the strings...pure magic. 🙂
This is the Temptation of the 70s. Very different of the Temps of the 60s and 80s. The 70s was more about social and political subjects, like “Ball of Confusion”. And are very relevant today, although most of their tunes are relevant and memorable. All of the albums produced a lot of hidden gems from that era, like “Zoom” the album “1990”. There is no other group of singers like The Tempting Temptations!
This was also the time - late 60s and early 70s - when Motown would do these lengthy and elaborate productions on their records. This one (which actually won 3 Grammys, including Best R&B Instrumental along with Song of the Year and Best Vocal R&B Performance) is typical - lush string accompaniment, top notch bass playing by legend James Jamerson and that trumpet that comes in. This is the album cut.
When this song came out, we danced to the wonderful music. Since so many children had these fathers, including myself, it gave us some clarity. The father situation has not improved for too many children today. The song nor the situation is funny, but unfortunately, it is real life for countless families.
The 70's were the best time to grow up and listen to music!!!!!
music that will never be matched
Say that!! I'm so glad I was born in the mid 60's and had the Privilege to experience all the best ORIGINAL music that came out in the 70's especially when Disco hit the scene all in real time! The best era for real music forever!!
I miss Motown.Just wonderful music I grew up with
These ARE the 5 Original members on the Album cover. These 5 are the Temptations of the 60's from left to right, Melvin ( Blue) Franklin, Eddie Kendrick, David Ruffin, Otis, Paul. There was another guy the quit the group before they made it to Motown. ( The guy in the movie that was mad sitting at the bar while the Temptation was on TV) These are the Original Temptations. Also the in the Movie these guys on the album cover was the same guys that got came together during the New Years party and sung "You Make Me Want To Shout" So, yes these are the Original Tempts. However, on this particular song, David Ruffin had been kicked out of the group and was replaced by Dennis Edwards. This is Dennis is the lead voice not David Ruffin. If not mistaken I think Paul was already deceased by the time this song was recorded.
Always loved this one, one if the catchiest tunes ever written
Motown Forever !!!!
I grew up listening to AM Radio, 60s and 70s, loved the Motown!
And still listen to these tunes, while I'm pushing 70!!!
And yes, My Poppa Was A Rolling Stone!
Ashley--what you're describing is called, "layering". Musically, it's designed to capture the listener's attention--and draw them into the different instruments being added. It's done this way to keep the musical presentation (hopefully) from being interrupted.
Might be depressing but it's a great song a iconic song 💯💯💯💯
The Temptations are just a singing group. This great music your listening to is done by the Funk Brothers, Motown's studio musicians who has never really received proper credit or proper pay for their contributions. They have played on more #1 hits than Elvis, the Beatles, and the Rolling Stones put together. They did put together a documentary, "Standing in the Shadows of Motown", which is worth watching. They have the original members telling their story. However, some of the members had already passed by the filming of the documentary, but they did pay tribute to them.
The Temptations and "just a singing group" in the same sentence is crazy talk.
That is a great point and much appreciated. I will definitely check out this documentary. Thanks!
Now from the perspective of a german young teenage boy that I was when this song was released and not knowing much english then I mainly did love that funky music going on together with the singing of course. But as I said I hardly understood much beyond the title line so I never got involved into the actual story line. So I was enjoying the sounds and wasn't burdened with the contents, if that makes sense. But I sure loved the vibes! Btw. this was the time when Telly Savalas aka Kojak was a weekly visitor on our TV screen reflecting the same vibes. Even the title melody of this show reminds me on this song here. I wonder if this was also done by the Funk Brothers..anyway. Thanks for your reaction to this song causing fond memories of them days for me. God bless you and keep it up!
On the Temptations Gold cover you're looking are the original members. From left to right: Melvin "Blue" Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Otis Williams, and Paul Williams!
Actually, David was not an original member. He came in after Elbridge Bryant was kicked out of the group. The five on the Temptations Gold are considered the “Classic 5” lineup.
Rolling stone fathers were hard on the family.
The temptations were and evolving group when it comes to the members.
Ashley, from one of the best best bands EVER. Something like this only happens once. I been listening to your list. Go ahead and click a pen!!!
Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin and he's singing lead on this song. Also, check out the extended version!
Another from the soundtrack of my life…❤
yes they what a group
Now you see why people say they grew up listening to REAL music..this is it lol the musicianship and instruments the band. Then the singing was incredible..
The Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony!
I bought this "45" back in 1972 and it has been in my playlist ever since. The musicality and vocals are absolute genius. For what it's worth, I'm an old white guy (of course, the year I bought the record should have given that away).
The funk on this song is LEGENDARY! Every instrument stanks!
This is a CLASSIC right here! Yes the originals
Unfortunately, this is the reason so many of us "old-timers" don't like rap. When you compare the simplicity of most hip-hop music to the genius of "Black music" back then -- there's just no comparison. Writer/producer Norman Whitfield and the Temptations created one of their many masterworks in this amazing song. So many great songs they and the other black artists did in the sixties, seventies, and eighties.
One of GOAT introduction to a song ever!! Back then, intros to songs were important to grab the listeners...and this grabbed the listeners!!
Love me some Temptations. Starting from age 13.
One of the best songs ever!!!
I want to give you a suggestion to go watch the documentary on the Funk Brothers which was the in-house band for Motown records
That album cover is the famous line up of the Temptations from the 60's. That is Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin (replaced Al Bryant), Otis Williams and Paul Williams. The song itself is from the 2nd most famous lineup in which David Ruffin was replaced with Dennis Edwards, Paul William was replaced by Richard Street, and Eddie Kendricks was replaced with Damon Harris. The main stays were Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin until his death in 1995. Eddie and Paul were in the group until 1971, so there were part of the both of the famous lineups.
On this song all the things in the song was what other people were saying about his dad. He went to his mom and told her what was being said and was asking her to tell him the truth about his dad and momma said Papa was a rolling stone... She never said all the things was true or not she just said Papa was a rolling stone...
David Ruffin had already left the group but they won a Grammy for this song.
"Mama I'm depending on you, to tell me the TRUTH!"
Slick as ice, how guitarist Johnny Watson put the nasty wah-wah sound on this...8:01--see what I mean?! And I always loved this era of the Temptations, because of the different singers taking leads and the psychedelic feel on the songs.Glad u picked this one..I knew it'd rock ya!
Classic.
Temptations were legends
Ashley yes a ‘long’ instrumental intro, but not as long as the original album version, which has a 4 min or so instrumental intro. I recommend you listen to the album version, almost 12 min long and the vibe of all vibes… cozy up and groove out…
It's hard to beat the Temptations they could really sing especially David Ruffin
Some say that this is the greatest song ever made..
This is in the select group of my earliest childhood musical memories. They used to play this on the Jukebox @ the Elks Home in Newark NJ on Clinton ave🎼🔥✊🏾
Classic...
This is one their greatest hits. Love this
As an older SF Bay Area rock drummer I just dig the Temps , always have - always will .
It was a different time, the 60's and 70's in Detroit were special.
Even though David Ruffin is on this picture he was kicked out the group by then and that's his replacement singing lead Dennis Edwards Jr.
You look fabulous. I saw these guys in 73. Opening act was the Four Tops.
The temptations made a boat load of great songs
I remember when I really heard this song for the first time to understand it's message, it was so overwhelmingly sad and like you said, "depressing". The build up by the instruments at the beginning make more sense in setting the mood of what was to come with the lyrics. It's an incredible piece of music but yeah, the words are sobering. The Temptations made it come alive and I personally don't think anybody could have sang it any better than them.
This is my favorite Temptation song and I akso think it is their greatest song! I rellly didnt know my father so I could really relate to this song🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
"And that ain't right" one of the nicest guys In Detroit, Melvin Franklin., one of the OG's RIP..
You hear the drama at the beginning of the song. Drama drama😮
The temptations are a music icon
One of the top intros ever.
Chicago the group , 25 or 6 to 4 is the song!!!!!! MAN OH MAN!
Ashley, another song like this from the Temps is “Masterpiece”. The best version is the long version with the long intro. Not once do they say the word masterpiece. It’s just what the song is!
This is a true classic by the amazing Temptations! It’s so heartbreaking and timeless! That intro is iconic! This is not the original line-up singing this song! The picture you put up is the original lineup though! Dennis Edwards is singing lead on this one but he wasn’t an original member!
Ah, that 70's wacka-wacka sound. Makes me nostalgic!
My favorite band of all time, the Temptations with the winning lineup: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Dennis Edwards.
Dennis, knew how to bring out the powerful voice and the amazing songs that this band released in the spirit of the late 60's and early 70's which I think are amazing, The 70's was the biggest success of soul, funk and disco music.
Such songs are no longer written and certainly not performed by singers with unique voices and with amazing music played by real musicians whose sound was fully transmitted to those who listened to them. Full bass, full treble and half a mid that gave the sound of the legendary Motown.
I always listen to songs from that time and in this style because there you can hear songs and not like today, shouting.
And by the way, Masterpiece is the name of the album of this successful group and also one of the songs on this album with the amazing songs: plastic man, ma, Psychedelic Shack, law of the land.
Yes, the OGees, except David Ruffin lead singer, lead in this song is Dennis Edwards.❤
Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams is missing fom this song also.
Love the temps❤ yes
The album cover is showing the originals. David Ruffin was replaced by Dennis Edwards. If you pull up the video from Soul Train, The Temptations sing this on Soul Train. You should pull up a lot of 70’s groups from Soul Train, American Bandstand and Ed Sullivan show.
Totally singing about my pops...
The original members of the Temptations when they were signed to the Gordy Records label, were Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and Elbridge “Al” Bryant. David Ruffin replaced Elbridge "Al" Bryant in1964. Gordy Records is a subsidiary of Motown Records Inc. The Temptations never recorded on the Motown imprint. Both sides of the single went on to earn the group Grammys in 1972, with the A-side winning Best R&B Performance By a Duo Or Group with Vocal and its B-side winning the award for Best R&B Instrumental Performance.
This album cover shows the original five
Give up to the momma’s who have to save their sons from a bad role model dad😂
This is the "Norman Whitfield" Era Temps. ✊🏿👍🏾💯✅️
Great Reaction 👍🙏💯😎💯🌹🌹
Original members David, Paul and Eddie is missing from this song..
Ashley, those claps were just on the up-beats. Prince used to do it a lot!
Great song!
...yes those guys on the album cover are the original Temptations, my favorite lineup. Actually the big controversy occurred when David Ruffin was fired from the band. He had severe drug issues but, with David, the Temps are my favorite Motown group, by far..."my girl, talking bout my girl"...
Dennis Edwards, song lead on this song, one of, if not there biggest hit...
This is the shorter radio version of the song. On the album All Directions is the longer version taking up most of the first side.
The original line up was L-R Melvin, Eddie, David, Otis, and Paul. On that song: (Melvin and Otis)- Dennis, Richard, and Damon
I love it!
Saw them at the Fox Theater in Detroit. It was called The Motown Review
U gotta understand it was the 70s. That intro was happenin
lou rawls early morning love
The musicians are The Funk Brothers
My fathers favourite song
Ok, Ashley.
The Temptations lineup changed over the years as you know.
Dennis Edwards replaced lead singer David Ruffin, in the center of the picture, and the groups sound be v ame more dynamic. Ruffin was responsible for the early hits that helped establish the Motown SOUND. He left the group believing he should be the star and had outgrown the group.
To the left in the picture, Eddie Kendricks left for a solo career, which some early success with hits KEEP ON TRUCKIN' ,
BOOGIE DOWN,
and HAPPY.
To the far right is Paul Williams. He was found dead in his car after what was ruled a suicide in 1973. But there were questions. Kendricks and Williams were replaced by Damon Harris and Melvin Franklin as the group was singing and swinging into songs more socially and culturally relevant. Songs like,
PSYCHEDELIC SHACK,
BALL OF CONFUSION,
MASTERPIECE,
PLASTIC MAN,
SUPERSTAR ( REMEMBER HOW YOU GOT WHERE YOU ARE.)
GLASSHOUSE,
and RUNAWAY CHILD cone to mind. Eddie Kendricks was nor a fan if tge new direction and chose to exit. But these songs made the Temptations more popular than ever and kept them on top of their game. I grew up with these songs and still listen to them today. Because the world is still a BALL OF CONFUSION. Listen and see if you agree
Yes , they are the original members on the cover.
A+++++ you keep topping yourself 🤣
Otis is the tallest one on the album cover. The cover has the classic Temptations line up. The original Temptations did not include David Ruffin (the one in glasses). He replaced Al Bryant. The lead singer on this song is Dennis Edwards who replaced David Ruffin. Go on Ashley Click The Pen!!!
Steely Dan did a track like this one titled "Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More" worth a listen....
Ashley, the picture is the classic Tempts lineup Melvin, Eddie, David, Otis, Paul. At the time of this particular song the lineup was starting to get shaken up a little however. Important to know that as the calendar turned to the 70s social issues and music styles changed due to the 60s civil rights era (MLK, Malcolm X, JFK, RFK, etc.), Vietnam and other social issues reflected in some of the early 70s music such as Curtis Mayfield, some Marvin Gaye and others even though it manifested itself differently with each musical act.
They had baritone, tenor and soprano
LALAH HATHAWAY. " I'm coming back"..... sensual ❤
The cover is the original group. This song had Dennis who took David's place.
🧡🔥🔥🔥
This track is tight
Lyrics kind of sad, great musicianship. This long version🔥🔥😁
Now everyone comes to see Otis! Put some respect on his name. 😂
so this song is an interesting story and nearly led to the Temptations violating the record deal and some other stuff. there are two members in this song for the group. if you saw the movie, you have an idea of the story. this is the Temptaions "Funk" era at Motown.
Not every song song back in the day was about love. A lot of it was about life.
Great, classic song. The buildup is timeless. So unique and ahead of its time. But I can't help wondering why momma had so many kids with this loser, mired in endless red flags.
the album cover i think has the original members. Daved Ruffin was not in the group of this song. Dennis was added. But wow. listen to that instrumentation. The Funk Brothers kicking it. If you haven't listen to their My Girl. and in same genre Gladys Knight and the Pips. Neither of Us Wants to be The First
You gotta hear Cloud 9
those are the original 5 on that cover, but the lead singer Dennis Edward's ain't on there, cuz he replaced the original lead David ruffin(the one in the middle wit the glasses)
Yes mam….loved the seventies, the best musicians and rock bands and……Motown pumped out some amazing unforgettable tunes. Best of both worlds. You either had to be able to sing really good and you had to play instruments really good. Nobody went out on the stage and sang and had some autotune helping them. You didn’t just start grinding and say gross stuff. Nothing could hide your voice. There was no special mechanisms man did they make a lot of good groups
I would love for you to react to teddy pendergrass " turn off the lights ." Live, and Rose Royse "I wanna get next to you "
The Temptations were great!
Here are some other bands from the same era:
The Isley Brothers - Who's That Lady - th-cam.com/video/BW8-BRnbV-Q/w-d-xo.html
SLY&THE FAMILY STONE - THANK YOU - th-cam.com/video/3pnoVMEH7QI/w-d-xo.html
The Spinners - I'll Be Around - I'll Be Around