The Temptations appearing at The Ridgefield Playhouse on March 22 [promo photo]
Over the span of more than four decades, the Temptations have brought their signature charismatic appeal to audiences all over the globe. Known for an oft-evolving style and sound influenced as much by the talent and interaction of the group’s ever-changing members as by the social climate and current music culture, the true constant for them has been the unparalleled vocals from this American Motown phenom.
With a repertoire which has included doo-wop, soul, psychedelia, funk, disco, R&B, and comtemporary, for the second time, The Temptations take to the stage at The Ridgefield Playhouse March 22 at 8 p.m.
The group began in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins and although the lineup has seen many new faces over the years, it has always featured five African- American soul singers. The original group included Otis Williams, the only member still with the Temptations today; Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and Elbridge “Al” Bryant. Throughout the times, all members have taken lead vocals or shared leads putting a personal stamp on a particular song.
The Temptations continue to be one of the most influential and successful groups in music history. They have the second- longest tenure in Motown, just behind Stevie Wonder. During the tumultuous 60s, they easily crossed over to gain the appeal of white audiences. Today, their virtually unparalleled vocals and outstanding choreography are performed by Otis Williams with Terry Weeks, Bruce Williamson, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon.
“The Way You Do the Things You Do” was considered to be the first real jump start for the group, making it into the Top 20 in April 1964, but the cumulative effect of the flood of hits which would follow had an indelible effect on the music world. “My Girl” became the group’s first number-one pop hit taking the ranking in March 1965. “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg,” and “I Wish it Would Rain,” among others kept their name and their lyrics on the lips of American pop music lovers everywhere.
The first major change for the Temptations came in late 1963 when Bryant became uncooperative and was fired from the group, one of many reasons members would come and go. Discord, in addition to ailing health, substance abuse and death continued the trend. Bryant was replaced by David Ruffin.
Ruffin’s memorable showmanship left a distinctive mark. He sang lead on “My Girl,” which is known to many as the group’s signature song. Ruffin soon became demanding and deemed he was most responsible for the group’s success, as by 1968, the Temptations had achieved international fame as well as having had appearances on “American Bandstand” and “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
The remaining four members agreed that Ruffin needed to be replaced. Dennis Edwards came on board which soon led the Temptations down the path to a new psychedelic sound. “Cloud Nine” for example, grabbed onto some of the funky instrumentation of the times.
The political climate of the sixties and seventies brought a reflective change to the Temptations – to their tone, dress and music. Social issues such as integration and the Vietnam War worked their way into lyrics. Their once signature ballads were turned over to the less prominent “b-sides.”
Through the years, other group members have included Ricky Owens, Richard Street, Damon Harris, Glenn Leonard, Louis Price, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Theo Peoples, Ray Davis, Harry McGilberry, Barrington “Bo” Henderson, and G.C. Cameron.
And if imitation is the highest form of flattery, many accomplished crooners have covered some of the Temptations’ ever- popular songs. For example, Luther Vandross sang “Since I Lost My Baby;” Bette Midler covered “Just My Imagination;” Rare Earth did “Get Ready; and the Rolling Stones did “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg.”
This powerhouse group continues to entertain new generations of fans and you can catch them at the Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts. For tickets ($65) or more information, call the box office at 203-438-5795. Tickets also may be purchased online at www.ridgefieldplayhouse.org. ThePlayhouse is located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street.
