The guys playing the instruments (sessions players) were known as The Funk Brothers. World class musicians from the Detroit area who played on all the Motown hits from 1959 till 1972. Motown moved to LA and that was pretty much the end of Motown records.
Not every song is meant to be danced to. This is one of the best "soul songs" ever written and produced. The genius behind is is writer/producer Norman Whitfield.
I was gonna school them on the producer, but you took care of that 1 of the best producers who really hit his stride in the late sixty's early seventies with psychedelic soul Also did some rolls- Royce.The car wash movie soundtrack & another song , I love that was similar to Papa /rolling was masterpiece an epic 13 minute song
This was another time, when music spoke to real feelings and the words meant something. The difference between the sadness of the words and the groove of the music symbolizes how people find a way to survive adversity through the strength, faith and the resilience of their soul. You could dance to it and you could cry to it, it meant everything on all levels fearlessly. Most of the greatest songs and stories of all time speak about being beaten down, struggling, rising up, overcoming and surviving. It was deep, it was personal and it was real.
Having lived as a young man when this song came out, I can tell you that it was played in ALL the clubs ( gay, straight, black, white, mixed ), and people danced their butts off to it! I'm almost 79 now, and it still makes me want to groove when I hear the opening bars. BJ was feelin' it, and I do believe he has the right take on it: It's a 'reality' song, but still sends out a vibe that gets people up on their feet. The Temptations are hands down the best of the genre, and will never be equalled.
This was a smash.. Grammy award winning.. it was the truth. It hit home for a lot of people. I was ten..I knew a lot of Rolling Stones in my life.. a Fathers Day classic 😂
A masterpiece. 🎉 This was from a brief period where the traditional "soul groups" had to change gears a little to keep up with the psychedelic trend, including longer songs. It couldn't have been done better.
This track isn’t supposed to be about dancing , it’s about making a musical social comment. The Temps started making these types of psychedelic or progressive soul tracks ,around 1968 when Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin, & released “cloud nine ‘ Album & single . By 1972 when Norman Whitfield suggested the Temps record “Poppa was a rolling stone “ Dennis & the rest of the Temps didn’t want to record any more psychedelic soul tracks , but Norman convinced them it would be a hit , so they begrudgingly went ahead & recorded it . The rest is History it won a Grammy .
Talk about a great, nostalgic, gone-bye era. The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey, Marvin, Diana and all of the rest of the greats. Glad I was there in real time. You made an old man happy. Thanks you guys
This has been my jam for 60 years, never met my "sperm donor" but heard lots of things about his drinking, bar hoppin, womanizing ways, married 6 times & had 6 other kids besides me & when he died {alcoholism at 57} all he left us was alone ✌💖☮
Guy told me a story recently. He was young, working as a cashier in a Tractor Supply or something similar. A customer handed him his credit card. He looked at the name. It was his father he had never met. (Though he always paid his child support.) He said “You don’t even know who I am, do you?” Well they wound up talking for like thirty minutes. Became good friends. I thought was cool story.
Damn… At first I thought we were related 🤣 I too had a sperm donor that I never met! He was a PLAYA rollin from one lady to the next. SMDH! As far as I know he only had one other kid that I know of and we only met a year ago! She’s in her 60’s and I’m in my 50’s. Back then the men could just disappear… 🫥 Well, cheers to us 🥂
Asia, you cracked me up when you thought this was an instrumental😂 This song is a Masterpiece. The whole arrangement was excellent! And BJ, you're absolutely right about how people could relate to it. I was 24 when this was released in 72. A lot of families had relatives who were Rolling Stones. I sure did growing up in the inner city.😅 Enjoyed your reaction guys!
@@mattjohn4731 Totally agree! Curtis Mayfield's lyrics were heavy and spoke truth. The songs Pusher Man and Freddie's Dead are from the album Super Fly. A studio album for the film Super Fly back in 73. I've always enjoyed Curtis' music.
I think when Marvin Gaye did his What's Goin' On album and Stevie Wonder blew up, The Temptations realized they had to move into the 70's and they really did up their game.
The Temptations started upping their game several years before , when they jibbed David Ruffin ,& replaced him with Denis Edwards & released “ cloud nine “ .
The Temptations, Four Tops , The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Frankie Limon and the Teenagers, and The Platers. Are all groups I grew up with and gained my love for their music.
FWIW, I'm an old white guy. I bought this '45 (I hope y'all know what that is) back in 1972 as soon as it came out when I was in high school and it's been in my playlist ever since. This is just pure genius in terms of music, lyrics, and performance.
The Motown sound came from the fantastic musicians who backed the Motown artists, the Funk Brothers. There is a great documentary on YT that tells the story of the Funk Brothers. It’s called Standing In The Shadows of Motown. It’s well worth the watch.
you're right asia, the arrangement is superb with the driving bass and percussion, trumpet and strings crying in back ground sounding soft as a whimper. and we danced to it like there was no tomorrow.... Hell Yeah Y'all
The song predated disco music, it was a masterwork by the Temptations. I remember hearing the extended version for the first time, it blew my eleven year old self away in 1972….
Even the Wah pedal said "pops was a rolling stone! lol...Instrumental??.lol...yall gonna learn today Miss Asia! haha...This song 100% represents my relationship with my so called pops.
Coming from 1972, the mixing, horns, string section, the bass lines, the wah effect guitar, even the basic but damn effective bass drum-hi hat pattern, all spells Motown, The Temptation`s for me, may be their best song ever, what a jam, of course, don`t forget the claps in the song`s developing, the story from the song. Stunning and killer as well.
I'm so glad this generation is waking up to real music. NO AUTOTUNE. Just real talent and real voices. Temptations had it going on. This was my era. I'm 74 and still love them
While Deployed Overseas during the 70's, me and the fella's had the Temps & Motown in full effect in our barracks.brought calmness to us during hectic times, sippin🍾 & groovin 🎼!! Ahhh the memories!! Shoutout to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing🇺🇲💪hoooah🗣️ #MilitaryLife💥
Whoever those moms of the world, who had to live the hard life for the kids. You deserve it all the good things that come your way. Hard life. That mom lying to those kids, to protect them, what a great song.
Raised on Motown so I know this one well and remember the first time I heard it. It quickly went to #1 on the charts. So much great Motown music and we can never forget the fabulous Motown house band, the Funk Brothers. The Temptations had so many great hits. The 60s and 70s had the best music. Thank you for your great reaction. 👏👏🥰
This is, likely, the best soul song ever written. So good. The extensive instrumentals were insisted on by the record company so this song would get played in discos
My mother's brothers were 12, 10, and 7 years older than me. It was through them that I was introduced to this music. This song was a major JAM!!! The lyrical content was relavernt for a lot of urban--and not so urban--kids. But keep in mind that the black community as a whole was trying to emerge from the Jim Crow era and was embracing the ' say it loud, "I'm black and I'm proud" mentality.' Songs like this by black artist were a source of pride, no matter what the subject matter of the lyrics. I thoroughly, enjoy your reactions!
So many great songs by this group. I remember watching them on the Ed Sullivan show when I was about 12 years old. Check out "My Girl", "Just my Imagination", "Can't get next to You", "Ball of Confusion" and "Get Ready." Get Ready" was also done by the group Rare Earth. Both are great versions.
Papa didn't leave you alone.... He left you with a big busload of step brothers & sisters ! 🤔 This is a true classic, and the best part is that everyone gets their turn on the mic. 🎙 ❤
The Temptations are one of my favorite groups in that era of music. The Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is THE song that always gets to me though lol😊
Long before this song, long before the magazine, long before the band, there was an old expression that explains it all, "A rolling stone gathers no moss".
Actually, most of the intro was trimmed down for the 45 RPM single in order to get that needed airplay. That was 60's/70's radio. Unless you had the album back then, you probably were unaware that the album version was so different.
THIS SONG WAS CONSIDERED A NORMAN WHITFIELD " MASTERPIECE", ALONG WITH "BALL OF CONFUSION", AND "WAR", THE REAL WORLD IN REAL TIME AND MOTOWN WENT THERE! MARVIN GAYE'S " WHAT'S GOING ON" , " INNER CITY BLUES/ MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER, CURTIS MAYFIELD'S "PUSHERMAN", AND MANY OTHERS., WERE ALL SONGS ABOUT ENLIGHTENING PEOPLE TO WHAT WAS ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THE INNER CITIES AND HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY FELT ABOUT IT! PROTEST MUSIC WAS ON HIGH AFTER THE VIETNAM WAR, ETC.
Song Released in September 1972 on Motown's Gordy Records Label as Gordy 7121 written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong and is from the 1972 Gordy Records LP "All Directions" and also featured in the "Motown Original Artist Karaoke" karaoke CD made by the Singing Machine and Motown Records
I was young at the time but i remember this song being a big hit. It was on heavy rotation on the radio. Most people just jammed to the music. But a few people had a problem with the lyrics.
When the line comes "All he left us was alone.." I replace it with " All he left us was a loan." This song is deep because, how many of us REALLY know our parents? Not that they are low down, but, they did what that had to do to survive.
I was an adult when this song was first released. It was a hit and I don't recall anyone having issues with the story line. Folks were so busy dancing to the music. Parts of this song remind me of my late maternal grandfather who had eleven children at home.. and who knows how many "outside" children. Country folks had their rolling stones, too. Imagine running into one of your outside siblings whom you did know and felt a strong attraction to..
This is a golden "oldie"...I heared this a Long, Long Time ago in another age! Long,Long before you born!...Nice to see you chillun enjoyin yerself wid dis one!Papa was a part to no time father!Thank you 🤣🤣
Hi Ms. Asia and Mr. BJ, The Temptations was My Mom's Favorite R&B Motown Groups My Mom got Me into their Music when I'm was younger until now By Watching The Temptations Movie. Thank You for Listening and Enjoying Good Oldies Music Of Motown.
Back in the day...Yes we were dancing to this vibe.. Especially when it came to the part " Poppa was a rolling stone.". We knew the words but to young to understand completely... Especially if you didn't come from that....Great reaction...
I had this song on a single in 1972,side one was the original version with vocals,and the flip side was instrumental,even saw the temptations perform it on the grammys then.
Was at weekly sunday afternoon public ice skating when this song came on which was really cool at the time because it broke thd mold of songs no longed than 3 minutes, they killed it with this song.Lovs u guys.
I remember as a kid ever year at Milwaukee County Stadium where the Milwaukee Braves and Milwaukee Brewers played the KOOL JAZZ FESTIVAL and groups like this Temptations would play for two days.Never none of the stuff you see today fighting firearms etc.WTF happened to Country It is down the street right down the street by the Milwaukee Veterans Administration Hospital which later in my life became second home .Thanks Milwaukee VA
There’s a video of them performing this live on a dance/countdown show. I can’t remember which one. But it’s an amazing video to watch to see the style of that era and the way the audience danced to the song. Plus you get to see the Temptations perform it!
It always a surprise younger folks have heard of or heard these gems!.some of the best music you ever heard! Heard Earth, Wind and Fire? Find it and try it…. Brilliant! Those are double claps on time… another thing we did in those days!
I love the Temptations, though I did not appreciate their music till I was older(I’m in my 50’s), I grew listening to a lot of this from my mom anyway one of my favorite songs by them is night & day.
"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is a song originally performed by Gordy Records recording act the Undisputed Truth in 1972, though it became much better known after a Grammy-award winning cover by the Temptations was issued later the same year. This latter version of the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1971. Whitfield produced the original Undisputed Truth version, which was released as a single in May 1972. This version of the song peaked at number 63 on the Pop Charts and number 24 on the R&B Charts. The song was included on the Undisputed Truth's album Law of the Land (1973). Later in 1972, Whitfield cut a different version of the song, turning it into a 12-minute track for the Temptations. This version was included on their 1972 album All Directions. The edited 7-inch single release of this Temptations track was issued in September 1972, and this version was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and won three Grammy Awards in 1973. Vocal duties are performed in a true ensemble style: Temptations singers Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street (who was a frequent fill-in for Paul Williams and his eventual replacement) and Damon Harris (who had replaced Eddie Kendricks as the group's falsetto singer the previous year) alternate vocal lines.
The guys playing the instruments (sessions players) were known as The Funk Brothers. World class musicians from the Detroit area who played on all the Motown hits from 1959 till 1972. Motown moved to LA and that was pretty much the end of Motown records.
Is there a documentary?
I think they moved to Nashville first. Then to LA.
The 60's and 70's had some of the greatest soul and funk ever recorded. Detroit was the king of Motown.
Detroit literally was Motown, so that statement doesn't really make sense.
@jawbone78 , It meant that it was their kingdom. Berry Gordy was the king. No need to trivialize on the wording.
This song, 52 years old and the lyrics, is still relevant today. As are so many other songs from that era. That intro, a masterpiece.
Not every song is meant to be danced to. This is one of the best "soul songs" ever written and produced. The genius behind is is writer/producer Norman Whitfield.
Co-written with Barrett Strong.
I was gonna school them on the producer, but you took care of that 1 of the best producers who really hit his stride in the late sixty's early seventies with psychedelic soul Also did some rolls- Royce.The car wash movie soundtrack & another song , I love that was similar to Papa /rolling was masterpiece an epic 13 minute song
In the studio and live performance "music video" that's online, I find it impressive that some people could dance to this song.
We danced great to the this..
@@JPMadden I can't NOT dance to it.
This was another time, when music spoke to real feelings and the words meant something. The difference between the sadness of the words and the groove of the music symbolizes how people find a way to survive adversity through the strength, faith and the resilience of their soul. You could dance to it and you could cry to it, it meant everything on all levels fearlessly. Most of the greatest songs and stories of all time speak about being beaten down, struggling, rising up, overcoming and surviving. It was deep, it was personal and it was real.
One of the best intros you will ever hear, just sit back , listen and enjoy the song.
Agreed! ❤
When this first came out, people were impressed with the reality of the lyrics with the great music included.
Ball of Confusion was another psychedelic 'REAL' song.
Having lived as a young man when this song came out, I can tell you that it was played in ALL the clubs ( gay, straight, black, white, mixed ), and people danced their butts off to it! I'm almost 79 now, and it still makes me want to groove when I hear the opening bars. BJ was feelin' it, and I do believe he has the right take on it: It's a 'reality' song, but still sends out a vibe that gets people up on their feet. The Temptations are hands down the best of the genre, and will never be equalled.
Also y'all it was the sign of the times 😔 God's continuous blessings to you and your family 🥰
This was a smash.. Grammy award winning.. it was the truth. It hit home for a lot of people. I was ten..I knew a lot of Rolling Stones in my life.. a Fathers Day classic 😂
A masterpiece. 🎉
This was from a brief period where the traditional "soul groups" had to change gears a little to keep up with the psychedelic trend, including longer songs.
It couldn't have been done better.
This was also the time when Motown would have these elaborate instrumental accompaniments to their songs.
Psychedelic Shack is a great album as well, they leaned all the way inti psychedelia on that one
So true and a great song!
3 words - “The Funk Brothers” 💜💜💜
This track isn’t supposed to be about dancing , it’s about making a musical social comment. The Temps started making these types of psychedelic or progressive soul tracks ,around 1968 when Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin, & released “cloud nine ‘ Album & single . By 1972 when Norman Whitfield suggested the Temps record “Poppa was a rolling stone “ Dennis & the rest of the Temps didn’t want to record any more psychedelic soul tracks , but Norman convinced them it would be a hit , so they begrudgingly went ahead & recorded it . The rest is History it won a Grammy .
This is one of the most epic songs by the Temptations.
Yes, it's an epic song period!
Musically, some say it’s the best song the Temptations ever did. Whoever composed it was great.
Talk about a great, nostalgic, gone-bye era. The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey, Marvin, Diana and all of the rest of the greats. Glad I was there in real time. You made an old man happy.
Thanks you guys
Agreed!! What a great era that was!!
This has been my jam for 60 years, never met my "sperm donor" but heard lots of things about his drinking, bar hoppin, womanizing ways, married 6 times & had 6 other kids besides me & when he died {alcoholism at 57} all he left us was alone ✌💖☮
Guy told me a story recently. He was young, working as a cashier in a Tractor Supply or something similar. A customer handed him his credit card. He looked at the name. It was his father he had never met. (Though he always paid his child support.)
He said “You don’t even know who I am, do you?”
Well they wound up talking for like thirty minutes. Became good friends.
I thought was cool story.
Squier....I want to talk to you....life is so crazy today! Please tell me he not voting for Kamala....😢
Damn… At first I thought we were related 🤣 I too had a sperm donor that I never met! He was a PLAYA rollin from one lady to the next. SMDH! As far as I know he only had one other kid that I know of and we only met a year ago! She’s in her 60’s and I’m in my 50’s. Back then the men could just disappear… 🫥 Well, cheers to us 🥂
A rolling stone rolls down hill and never stays put, always dislodged and tumbling until it reaches the bottom.
They DEFINITELY DON'T make music like this anymore!!! 🔥❤🔥
This is one of the greatest songs of its era. You need to feel it from the first note. It is real. Deep. Powerful.
Pretty sure producer/writer Norman Whitfield won a Grammy for his arrangement on this song, deservedly so. It was groundbreaking at the time.
Sometimes music even when it has a difficult message still can keep the day going and spirits high
When Otis of The Temptations first heard this he said -"this song is funkier than an unwashed armpit"
Lol what
@@focused4841 that's funky!!! Lol
BJ’s dancing will never stop giving me life.🥰
Asia, you cracked me up when you thought this was an instrumental😂 This song is a Masterpiece. The whole arrangement was excellent! And BJ, you're absolutely right about how people could relate to it. I was 24 when this was released in 72. A lot of families had relatives who were Rolling Stones. I sure did growing up in the inner city.😅 Enjoyed your reaction guys!
Seriously
@@2119Barry Yes indeed!
Yeah and BJ mentioned a pusher song. I'm Your Pusher by Curtis Mayfield? His song lyrics were often so heavy🎤🔥
@@mattjohn4731 Totally agree! Curtis Mayfield's lyrics were heavy and spoke truth. The songs Pusher Man and Freddie's Dead are from the album Super Fly. A studio album for the film Super Fly back in 73. I've always enjoyed Curtis' music.
I think when Marvin Gaye did his What's Goin' On album and Stevie Wonder blew up, The Temptations realized they had to move into the 70's and they really did up their game.
They upped their game long before then - listen to their psychedelic stuff from the late 60's - Ball of Confusion,Cloud 9 etc 🌞🎶🤔😎🙌👍
@@skinheadjon901Oh yeah! There's a cool cover of Ball Of Confusion by Love And Rockets
The Temptations started upping their game several years before , when they jibbed David Ruffin ,& replaced him with Denis Edwards & released “ cloud nine “ .
The Zenith of Urban music.
And Cloud Nine
The Temptations, Four Tops , The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Frankie Limon and the Teenagers, and The Platers. Are all groups I grew up with and gained my love for their music.
This is one of the most emotive songs to come out of the early seventies. Temptations such a force at that time.. Brilliant song
The production on this song is amazing.
My hats off to the Temptations this song is about the reality of life
There’s another wonderful reactor who totally broke down sobbing at this song. His dad was just like that and this song hit him hard.😢😢😢
Yes, this song really did tap into the vibe of the early 70's. This was the time of the "Superfly" type movies and this song has that vibe.
Best mixed and produced song ever....bar none.
This is a classic, 1 of my favorite temptations song. Another great 1 is can’t get next to you
I remember when this song was released. It simply blew me away. An absolute masterpiece.
FWIW, I'm an old white guy. I bought this '45 (I hope y'all know what that is) back in 1972 as soon as it came out when I was in high school and it's been in my playlist ever since. This is just pure genius in terms of music, lyrics, and performance.
When they played this on Soul Train, they were definitely dancing.
The Motown sound came from the fantastic musicians who backed the Motown artists, the Funk Brothers. There is a great documentary on YT that tells the story of the Funk Brothers. It’s called Standing In The Shadows of Motown. It’s well worth the watch.
My birthday is Sept 3rd…that’s why this song always resonates with me when I hear…then I just start grooovin’
Cool 😎💃💋
Songs in the 70's were about reality, speaking the truth 😮
THIS. ALL DAY, ERRY DAY, FOREVERMORE, THISSSSS! ❤
you're right asia, the arrangement is superb with the driving bass and percussion, trumpet and strings crying in back ground
sounding soft as a whimper.
and we danced to it like there was no tomorrow....
Hell Yeah Y'all
The song predated disco music, it was a masterwork by the Temptations. I remember hearing the extended version for the first time, it blew my eleven year old self away in 1972….
Even the Wah pedal said "pops was a rolling stone! lol...Instrumental??.lol...yall gonna learn today Miss Asia! haha...This song 100% represents my relationship with my so called pops.
Coming from 1972, the mixing, horns, string section, the bass lines, the wah effect guitar, even the basic but damn effective bass drum-hi hat pattern, all spells Motown, The Temptation`s for me, may be their best song ever, what a jam, of course, don`t forget the claps in the song`s developing, the story from the song. Stunning and killer as well.
One of their all-time great hits.
This is a masterpiece...it would be nice if we could return to this kind of music. Fabulous song.
Hope you can watch the live version! Choreography is off the chart! Love your reactions.
Was thinking the same!
An incredible song and performance. The Funk Brothers behind the Temptations.
Loved this song since 1972! Thank you, friends. May your path always rise up to greet you!
I'm so glad this generation is waking up to real music. NO AUTOTUNE. Just real talent and real voices. Temptations had it going on. This was my era. I'm 74 and still love them
Go yell at more clouds granny.
‘Psychedelic Shack,‘Cloud Nine’, Ball of Confusion, and I Can’t Get Next To You are 4 more great Temptations songs...
While Deployed Overseas during the 70's, me and the fella's had the Temps & Motown in full effect in our barracks.brought calmness to us during hectic times, sippin🍾 & groovin 🎼!! Ahhh the memories!! Shoutout to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing🇺🇲💪hoooah🗣️ #MilitaryLife💥
🫡 thank YOU and you brothers in arms. 🇺🇸 🦅
Whoever those moms of the world, who had to live the hard life for the kids. You deserve it all the good things that come your way. Hard life. That mom lying to those kids, to protect them, what a great song.
Raised on Motown so I know this one well and remember the first time I heard it. It quickly went to #1 on the charts. So much great Motown music and we can never forget the fabulous Motown house band, the Funk Brothers. The Temptations had so many great hits. The 60s and 70s had the best music. Thank you for your great reaction. 👏👏🥰
I always immediately see them doing this on Soul Train. The soundtrack of my life🥰
@@AuntieNina68 Mine too. 👍
Perfect. Beautiful and as powerful as any piece of music ever made. Motown at it's creative height.
OMG - that THUMPIN' BASS and the VOCALS in THIS SONG!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!
R&B from the 70's was the pinnacle of music.
This is, likely, the best soul song ever written. So good. The extensive instrumentals were insisted on by the record company so this song would get played in discos
One of the best long intro jams ever! The single clocks in at just under 7 minutes, but the album cut rolls on for 12.
My mother's brothers were 12, 10, and 7 years older than me. It was through them that I was introduced to this music. This song was a major JAM!!! The lyrical content was relavernt for a lot of urban--and not so urban--kids. But keep in mind that the black community as a whole was trying to emerge from the Jim Crow era and was embracing the ' say it loud, "I'm black and I'm proud" mentality.' Songs like this by black artist were a source of pride, no matter what the subject matter of the lyrics. I thoroughly, enjoy your reactions!
Songs used to be long like this because the music would develop for a little while, and that took time.
So many great songs by this group. I remember watching them on the Ed Sullivan show when I was about 12 years old. Check out "My Girl", "Just my Imagination", "Can't get next to You", "Ball of Confusion" and "Get Ready." Get Ready" was also done by the group Rare Earth. Both are great versions.
Papa didn't leave you alone....
He left you with a big busload of step brothers & sisters ! 🤔
This is a true classic, and the best part is that everyone gets their turn on the mic. 🎙 ❤
The line doesn't say "you", it says "us".
@littlegiantproductionsandr3091 Thank you for the correction... ✌️😎
I miss this kind of music. I was a teenager when it came out. It was both a great jam and a great story of a father that wasn’t there.
The Temptations are one of my favorite groups in that era of music. The Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is THE song that always gets to me though lol😊
Long before this song, long before the magazine, long before the band, there was an old expression that explains it all, "A rolling stone gathers no moss".
Actually, most of the intro was trimmed down for the 45 RPM single in order to get that needed airplay. That was 60's/70's radio. Unless you had the album back then, you probably were unaware that the album version was so different.
I love you two ! You made me laugh so much how puzzled you were at long intro 😅 thank you fir the music ❤ x
THIS SONG WAS CONSIDERED A NORMAN WHITFIELD " MASTERPIECE", ALONG WITH "BALL OF CONFUSION", AND "WAR", THE REAL WORLD IN REAL TIME AND MOTOWN WENT THERE! MARVIN GAYE'S " WHAT'S GOING ON" , " INNER CITY BLUES/ MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER, CURTIS MAYFIELD'S "PUSHERMAN", AND MANY OTHERS., WERE ALL SONGS ABOUT ENLIGHTENING PEOPLE TO WHAT WAS ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THE INNER CITIES AND HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY FELT ABOUT IT! PROTEST MUSIC WAS ON HIGH AFTER THE VIETNAM WAR, ETC.
I was a little kid when this song was on the radio all of the time. I still remember the words by heart. An all time classic.
My old man died in 64. This is so close to my life. I live by this. Had 4 siblings and mom. God Bless her.
Give it up fo momma being the rock. And I know fo show big momma was there too..true that. Great choice..much respect and success 🙌
Song Released in September 1972 on Motown's Gordy Records Label as Gordy 7121 written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong and is from the 1972 Gordy Records LP "All Directions" and also featured in the "Motown Original Artist Karaoke" karaoke CD made by the Singing Machine and Motown Records
This is some great Soul Train music right here!! Every Saturday morning ❤
Brilliant Temptations....always my faves from the beginnings....so much soul ❤❤❤
It's such a masterpiece. I love the temptations since i was a child and i am old roday
I am old today...
I was young at the time but i remember this song being a big hit. It was on heavy rotation on the radio. Most people just jammed to the music. But a few people had a problem with the lyrics.
When the line comes "All he left us was alone.." I replace it with " All he left us was a loan." This song is deep because, how many of us REALLY know our parents? Not that they are low down, but, they did what that had to do to survive.
I was an adult when this song was first released. It was a hit and I don't recall anyone having issues with the story line. Folks were so busy dancing to the music. Parts of this song remind me of my late maternal grandfather who had eleven children at home.. and who knows how many "outside" children. Country folks had their rolling stones, too. Imagine running into one of your outside siblings whom you did know and felt a strong attraction to..
Isac Hayes, and Shaft, Changed everything. You two are great. Thanks for sharing. Peace.
This is a golden "oldie"...I heared this a Long, Long Time ago in another age! Long,Long before you born!...Nice to see you chillun enjoyin yerself wid dis one!Papa was a part to no time father!Thank you 🤣🤣
Love Motown music, being from Detroit myself and growing up hearing my mom always listen to it. Motown is in my soul! Great pick of a song
You love this song if your Papa as a Rolling Stone! Been there Done That!
Hi Ms. Asia and Mr. BJ, The Temptations was My Mom's Favorite R&B Motown Groups My Mom got Me into their Music when I'm was younger until now By Watching The Temptations Movie. Thank You for Listening and Enjoying Good Oldies Music Of Motown.
One of my favorite songs, it came out at the same time I learned that my own father was as the song title goes…I was 12…
This came out my senior year of high school. We listened to this all the time.
Back in the day...Yes we were dancing to this vibe.. Especially when it came to the part " Poppa was a rolling stone.". We knew the words but to young to understand completely... Especially if you didn't come from that....Great reaction...
I had this song on a single in 1972,side one was the original version with vocals,and the flip side was instrumental,even saw the temptations perform it on the grammys then.
Was at weekly sunday afternoon public ice skating when this song came on which was really cool at the time because it broke thd mold of songs no longed than 3 minutes, they killed it with this song.Lovs u guys.
Along with the theme from "Shaft" this is one of the most recognizable iconic intros to a song ever!
Asia believed she was a complete person until today. Now all the pieces are back in the box.
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I remember as a kid ever year at Milwaukee County Stadium where the Milwaukee Braves and Milwaukee Brewers played the KOOL JAZZ FESTIVAL and groups like this Temptations would play for two days.Never none of the stuff you see today fighting firearms etc.WTF happened to Country It is down the street right down the street by the Milwaukee Veterans Administration Hospital which later in my life became second home .Thanks Milwaukee VA
My Mother (*RIP*)100,000% "❤LOVED❤" this song!!
Miss ya', LOVE ya' Ma🙏🏽💝💝🙏🏽
There’s a video of them performing this live on a dance/countdown show. I can’t remember which one. But it’s an amazing video to watch to see the style of that era and the way the audience danced to the song. Plus you get to see the Temptations perform it!
Great reaction guys. Been into 60's/70's Soul here in the uk since mid 80's. My fav genre.
It always a surprise younger folks have heard of or heard these gems!.some of the best music you ever heard!
Heard Earth, Wind and Fire? Find it and try it…. Brilliant!
Those are double claps on time… another thing we did in those days!
I love your assessment. The music is incredible. The lyrics are soul crushing. I remember when it first came out and how deeply it affected me.
The Temptations didn't play instruments, they were singers. They would in no way do an instrumental, LOL. I love ya Asia!
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I love the Temptations, though I did not appreciate their music till I was older(I’m in my 50’s), I grew listening to a lot of this from my mom anyway one of my favorite songs by them is night & day.
"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is a song originally performed by Gordy Records recording act the Undisputed Truth in 1972, though it became much better known after a Grammy-award winning cover by the Temptations was issued later the same year. This latter version of the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1971. Whitfield produced the original Undisputed Truth version, which was released as a single in May 1972. This version of the song peaked at number 63 on the Pop Charts and number 24 on the R&B Charts. The song was included on the Undisputed Truth's album Law of the Land (1973). Later in 1972, Whitfield cut a different version of the song, turning it into a 12-minute track for the Temptations. This version was included on their 1972 album All Directions. The edited 7-inch single release of this Temptations track was issued in September 1972, and this version was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and won three Grammy Awards in 1973. Vocal duties are performed in a true ensemble style: Temptations singers Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street (who was a frequent fill-in for Paul Williams and his eventual replacement) and Damon Harris (who had replaced Eddie Kendricks as the group's falsetto singer the previous year) alternate vocal lines.