Post by Ivory Fair on Apr 22, 2002 12:13:42 GMT -5
12/06/2001 - Updated 12:35 PM ET
The Temptations: Otis Williams
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. ET
The Temptations are one of Motown Records' most popular and enduring acts. Formed in the 1960's, the group became known for their synchronized dance moves and lush 5-part harmonies on hits like My Girl, Ball of Confusion, and Just My Imagination, to name a few. Over the years the lineup has changed, but the group has continued to perform and record new music, most recently Awesome (released November 20 on Motown). Talk to the Temptations' only remaining original member Otis Williams about the group's past and future.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brooklyn, NY : I love your voice, it is PERFECT for LOVE SONGS. Did you ever think of doing a solo album? I am sure it would be HUGE!!! an old friend/fan .......pj
Otis Williams: No, I never thought of that. This is the first I've heard of it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bronx, NYC, NY : Congratulations on another outstanding CD! I'm enjoying it immensely. You have had a phenomenally successful career as a professional entertainer. What, if anything, would you do differently? Would you have started producing some of your own music earlier in your career? You all obviously have the talent and creative skill, as you have repeatedly demonstrated over the last several years. God Bless and keep up the terrific work. Hope to see you in concert in January. Sincerely, Ellen Adams
Otis Williams: When I look back on my career, I wouldn't change a thing. When I look back, I see that everything that happened made us who we are. I came into Motown writing my own songs. There've been tragedies along the way, but that's to be expected in life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicago, IL : Mr. Williams, In your opinion, how accurate is the movie, "Temptations Forever"?
Otis Williams: The movie is very accurate. We only took a small percentage of dramatic license to make it flow, but 95-98% is the truth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Columbia, Maryland : At what point did you KNOW that you had made it? Was it the money? Or, was it the respect? Or both? ---Matt "Bird"
Otis Williams: I think we started realizing we were on a roll when we did Ed Sullivan, when we broke existing records at the Copacabana and the Apollo Theater. Sometimes success is meaasured by more than the money you're making. We've had such a milestone of achievements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit, MI : Hello, Mr. Williams I'm only 22 years of age but, I'm wondering why can't most song writers and artis today create classics like in the past?
Otis Williams: That's a very good question. There are some people who can still write classic songs, but the business has evolved to the point where writers don't want to write strong melodies and lyrics that aren't offensive. I'm from the 60s, where I had people like Berry Gordy and others around me. I must give credit to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Diane Warren, Babyface and others who still carry the torch for great songwriting and producing. But it's sad that you don't see writers today that will write songs that withstand the test of time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(continued)
The Temptations: Otis Williams
Wednesday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. ET
The Temptations are one of Motown Records' most popular and enduring acts. Formed in the 1960's, the group became known for their synchronized dance moves and lush 5-part harmonies on hits like My Girl, Ball of Confusion, and Just My Imagination, to name a few. Over the years the lineup has changed, but the group has continued to perform and record new music, most recently Awesome (released November 20 on Motown). Talk to the Temptations' only remaining original member Otis Williams about the group's past and future.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Brooklyn, NY : I love your voice, it is PERFECT for LOVE SONGS. Did you ever think of doing a solo album? I am sure it would be HUGE!!! an old friend/fan .......pj
Otis Williams: No, I never thought of that. This is the first I've heard of it.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Bronx, NYC, NY : Congratulations on another outstanding CD! I'm enjoying it immensely. You have had a phenomenally successful career as a professional entertainer. What, if anything, would you do differently? Would you have started producing some of your own music earlier in your career? You all obviously have the talent and creative skill, as you have repeatedly demonstrated over the last several years. God Bless and keep up the terrific work. Hope to see you in concert in January. Sincerely, Ellen Adams
Otis Williams: When I look back on my career, I wouldn't change a thing. When I look back, I see that everything that happened made us who we are. I came into Motown writing my own songs. There've been tragedies along the way, but that's to be expected in life.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Chicago, IL : Mr. Williams, In your opinion, how accurate is the movie, "Temptations Forever"?
Otis Williams: The movie is very accurate. We only took a small percentage of dramatic license to make it flow, but 95-98% is the truth.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Columbia, Maryland : At what point did you KNOW that you had made it? Was it the money? Or, was it the respect? Or both? ---Matt "Bird"
Otis Williams: I think we started realizing we were on a roll when we did Ed Sullivan, when we broke existing records at the Copacabana and the Apollo Theater. Sometimes success is meaasured by more than the money you're making. We've had such a milestone of achievements.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Detroit, MI : Hello, Mr. Williams I'm only 22 years of age but, I'm wondering why can't most song writers and artis today create classics like in the past?
Otis Williams: That's a very good question. There are some people who can still write classic songs, but the business has evolved to the point where writers don't want to write strong melodies and lyrics that aren't offensive. I'm from the 60s, where I had people like Berry Gordy and others around me. I must give credit to Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Diane Warren, Babyface and others who still carry the torch for great songwriting and producing. But it's sad that you don't see writers today that will write songs that withstand the test of time.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(continued)