@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.
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.
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.
"A yes for the long intro." YES indeed !! From the first couple seconds when that bass and percussion seduce you in this opening instrumental is 🔥. Motown was geniius in their music production, artists and acts they unleashed on the world.
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!
That bass line is iconic-by far this is in my Top 10 of all time great songs. The Temps could sing brother.--And that funky beat all through the song gets right to your soul. The band is pure dope.
I love that you recognized the "church clap". It's so smooth and sooooo cool. 👍 One of the best songs ever created. Gives me goosebumps. You should check out the video of them performing this.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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..
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.
I'm 67. I heard that Dennis Edwards, the lead singer, didn't want to sing this because his father actually did die on the 3rd of September. Sad but very powerful song. The Temptations were awesome❤
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.
Dennis Edwards was a member of the Contours before joining the Temptations in 1968. Understand the times, they were changing. Many artists put out socially conscious music during this time.
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...
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…
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.
By the time this song came out in 1972, original members David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams were gone. Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin remained. Melvin stayed until he died in the mid 90s. Otis is still there today.
Four of them on this song are original members. The only one that wasn't original was Dennis Edwards. He took over David's place. "And when he died, all he left us was alone"
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.
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!
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🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin..the only two original members left in 80s..thru to late 90s....other original members were Eddie Kendricks...David Williams ..and David ruffin....the lead vocal in this track is Dennis Edwards..as he replaced ruffin .or Kendrick..I can't remember which .♥️
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.
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
Dennis Edwards, who took the place of David Ruffin( legend) was the baddest Soul Brother that ever lived! ( with much respect to James Brown) , who took no mess!
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!
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!
With the exception of David Ruffin these are the original members. No thing on David Ruffin but I was just a kid hearing the early recordings in 1968. Then in 1969 I bought the "Puzzle People" album. From then on Dennis Edwards and Eddie Hendrix BLASTING the radio waves. Even in Jr High School. As the years went on changes were made. So as far as the original again RIP. Ashely has good taste in soul. Not to mention ♥ cute!!!
My first time at your channel lady. This was a banger of a song before you were born!!! I don't know if these are the originals, but I do know it is a FINE song and group!!! Are you Ashley familiar with Stevie Wonder?? May I suggest you locate a TH-cam video of these men at Daryl Halls house singing this classic song.
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!!!
This song reminds me a LOT of my Dad. That's NOT a good thing. He died at 43. Was never a responsible provider for anything more than brief intervals. We were on and off food stamps all the time. He was at best an unbelievably harsh disciplinarian who sometimes crossed the line into unquestionable abuse. And he was a preacher, but as fundamentally dishonest and untrustworthy a person as you'd ever meet. Unsupportive, thievibg, callous, lecherous, a horrible hypocrite, judgmental, bigoted, and narrow-minded. So, this song has always hit hard for me. Feels very biographical. Still 💯 a GREAT song.
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)
The greatest intro into a soul song ever performed by the Funk Brothers. This song is a masterpiece.
@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.
Please, don't forget about Masterpiece, it goes hard from open to close
It gives you a social conscious message.. this song spoke to the ghetto
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.
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!!
To me this is the best R&B song of all time.
One of GOAT introduction to a song ever!! Back then, intros to songs were important to grab the listeners...and this grabbed the listeners!!
It saddens me that todays music cannot live with 70's music like this, we have gone backwards for decades !
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 miss Motown.Just wonderful music I grew up with
"A yes for the long intro." YES indeed !! From the first couple seconds when that bass and percussion seduce you in this opening instrumental is 🔥. Motown was geniius in their music production, artists and acts they unleashed on the world.
Always loved this one, one if the catchiest tunes ever written
The funk on this song is LEGENDARY! Every instrument stanks!
This is one their greatest hits. Love this
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!
As an older SF Bay Area rock drummer I just dig the Temps , always have - always will .
This is a CLASSIC right here! Yes the originals
That bass line is iconic-by far this is in my Top 10 of all time great songs. The Temps could sing brother.--And that funky beat all through the song gets right to your soul. The band is pure dope.
I love that you recognized the "church clap". It's so smooth and sooooo cool. 👍 One of the best songs ever created. Gives me goosebumps. You should check out the video of them performing this.
Rolling stone fathers were hard on the family.
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.
you got the perfact head bop going on , and that church clap take the song to a higher level.
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!
The original line up was L-R Melvin, Eddie, David, Otis, and Paul. On that song: (Melvin and Otis)- Dennis, Richard, and Damon
Timeless piece of art
Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin and he's singing lead on this song. Also, check out the extended version!
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.
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🎼🔥✊🏾
One of the top intros ever.
The temptations were and evolving group when it comes to the members.
One of the best songs from a great era in music !❤
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.
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).
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!!!
Some say that this is the greatest song ever made..
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!
You look fabulous. I saw these guys in 73. Opening act was the Four Tops.
Motown Forever !!!!
Might be depressing but it's a great song a iconic song 💯💯💯💯
Another from the soundtrack of my life…❤
Jammmmm
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.
I play this every Fathers-Day because like the song say's ,so was my Dad
I’m a huge temptation fan and yes they are the original members
I'm 67. I heard that Dennis Edwards, the lead singer, didn't want to sing this because his father actually did die on the 3rd of September. Sad but very powerful song. The Temptations were awesome❤
"Mama I'm depending on you, to tell me the TRUTH!"
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.
Classic.
Dennis Edwards was a member of the Contours before joining the Temptations in 1968. Understand the times, they were changing. Many artists put out socially conscious music during this time.
Love me some Temptations. Starting from age 13.
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...
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.
One of the last great Motown songs recorded in Detroit.
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.
It was a different time, the 60's and 70's in Detroit were special.
Totally singing about my pops...
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
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…
Temptations were legends
The temptations made a boat load of great songs
Ah, that 70's wacka-wacka sound. Makes me nostalgic!
Awesome thanks ❤❤❤❤❤❤
It's hard to beat the Temptations they could really sing especially David Ruffin
"And that ain't right" one of the nicest guys In Detroit, Melvin Franklin., one of the OG's RIP..
David Ruffin had already left the group but they won a Grammy for this song.
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.
You hear the drama at the beginning of the song. Drama drama😮
By the time this song came out in 1972, original members David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams were gone. Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin remained. Melvin stayed until he died in the mid 90s. Otis is still there today.
Four of them on this song are original members. The only one that wasn't original was Dennis Edwards. He took over David's place. "And when he died, all he left us was alone"
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.
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!
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🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Otis Williams and Melvin Franklin..the only two original members left in 80s..thru to late 90s....other original members were Eddie Kendricks...David Williams ..and David ruffin....the lead vocal in this track is Dennis Edwards..as he replaced ruffin .or Kendrick..I can't remember which .♥️
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.
Saw them at the Fox Theater in Detroit. It was called The Motown Review
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.
CLASSIC !
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
Dennis Edwards, who took the place of David Ruffin( legend) was the baddest Soul Brother that ever lived! ( with much respect to James Brown) , who took no mess!
The temptations are a music icon
I could tell you are an amazingly sweet person.
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!
I love it!
Steely Dan did a track like this one titled "Daddy Don't Live In That New York City No More" worth a listen....
Dennis Edwards, song lead on this song, one of, if not there biggest hit...
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!
Classic...
With the exception of David Ruffin these are the original members. No thing on David Ruffin but I was just a kid hearing the early recordings in 1968. Then in 1969 I bought the "Puzzle People" album. From then on Dennis Edwards and Eddie Hendrix BLASTING the radio waves. Even in Jr High School. As the years went on changes were made. So as far as the original again RIP. Ashely has good taste in soul. Not to mention ♥ cute!!!
This is the "Norman Whitfield" Era Temps. ✊🏿👍🏾💯✅️
My first time at your channel lady. This was a banger of a song before you were born!!! I don't know if these are the originals, but I do know it is a FINE song and group!!! Are you Ashley familiar with Stevie Wonder??
May I suggest you locate a TH-cam video of these men at Daryl Halls house singing this classic song.
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!!!
The musicians are The Funk Brothers
This song reminds me a LOT of my Dad. That's NOT a good thing.
He died at 43. Was never a responsible provider for anything more than brief intervals. We were on and off food stamps all the time. He was at best an unbelievably harsh disciplinarian who sometimes crossed the line into unquestionable abuse. And he was a preacher, but as fundamentally dishonest and untrustworthy a person as you'd ever meet. Unsupportive, thievibg, callous, lecherous, a horrible hypocrite, judgmental, bigoted, and narrow-minded.
So, this song has always hit hard for me. Feels very biographical.
Still 💯 a GREAT song.
They had baritone, tenor and soprano
Ashley, those claps were just on the up-beats. Prince used to do it a lot!
Back when Motown ruled the airwaves 😎
The cover is the original group. This song had Dennis who took David's place.
If you liked that, you should check out their song “Superstar.” It’s really upbeat and probably my favorite by them.
Great Reaction 👍🙏💯😎💯🌹🌹
Possibly one of the first diss tracks ever! Lol
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)