Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation presents one of the most influential groups of the 20th century, The Temptations, for the final performance in its inaugural season, on Saturday, June 7 at 8 p.m. For more than forty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits, and sold-out performances throughout the world. Tickets, available online here (www.Arcadiapaf.org) are $59.50 and $99.50. The theatre is at 188 Campus Drive at North Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia CA 91007. For more information please call 626-821-1781.
The history of the Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, the Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early sixties.
It wasn’t until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced “The Way You Do the Things You Do” turned the guys into stars.
An avalanche of hits followed, many of which, “My Girl,” for instance, attained immortality. The hits kept coming with “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” & “I Wish It Would Rain.”
The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, the Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptation Walk became a staple of American style, flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw the Temptations as cultural heroes.
When the sixties and seventies turned political, the Temps got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards who had replaced David Ruffin, burned with intensity. “Runaway Child,” “Cloud Nine,” “I Can’t Get Next to You,” “Papa Was a Rolling Stone” and “Psychedelic Shack” still smolder.
Other stellar singers — Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson — joined, adding their luster to the group’s growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, the Temptations remained true to their tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their musical guns.
In the eighties, the Temps prevailed with smashes like “Treat Her Like a Lady.” Then in the nineties, another Temptation explosion: It began with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983; and continued with the NBC mini series that chronicled the group’s history, a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time.
More About The Temptations
The current lineup consists of Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson. “The more we change,” says veteran Ron Tyson, “the more we stay true to ourselves. We’re about singing straight-up soul. It’s a style that will live on forever.” “The Temps have always been known for great lead singers,” says Otis Williams. “Today we have three of the greatest leads in the proud history of the group.”
The soaring voice of Ron Tyson is perhaps the best high tenor in the business. Terry Weeks, who grew up in Alabama and spent eight years in the Air Force before his makeshift audition for Otis on a Hollywood street corner, who’s smooth textures and tones, express an extraordinary full range of feelings. Newest member, Bruce Williamson started singing in a church choir at the ripe age of 5 years old and hasn’t stop since. He has sung in everything from commercials to musicals to the top showrooms in Las Vegas. Ron Tyson introduced Bruce to Otis.
“Our challenge,” says Williams, “is to live in the present while respecting the past. Our past is filled with riches only a fool would discard. At the same time, we thrive on competition. As a Motowner, I grew up in the most competitive musical atmosphere imaginable. But we also understand that for a group with history, no matter how glorious that history might be, reinvention is the name of the game. When I tell people we are God’s group, I don’t mean it arrogantly. It’s just that we have been tested time and time again and keep coming back. We have suffered the deaths of so many legendary singers … Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin. Other’s like Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Theo Peoples have left, and yet our unity is tighter, our sound brighter and our popularity greater. Someone has watched over this group. Someone has protected our integrity. Someone has said…just go on singing and it’ll get better.”