Post by Jonel on May 6, 2003 12:14:14 GMT -5
The Temptations: There's something in the way they do the things they do
------------------------------------------------------------------------
By MARIJKE ROWLAND
BEE ENTERTAINMENT WRITER
In the pantheon of '60s vocal groups, The Temptations was made up of perhaps the era's best singers, dancers and dressers.
Consider it the biggest boy band of its time, but with staying power.
Forty-two years after The Temptations arrived on the scene, members still are singing, dancing and dressing the part. The legendary group will kick off the Coca-Cola Modesto Relays with a benefit concert May 9 at Modesto Centre Plaza.
Sole original surviving member Otis Williams said the group still is very much The Temptations of old.
"We don't step out of character and try to be something we are not," he said in a phone interview. "We're not out there trying to be hip-hop. We're who we always were."
The lineup -- which has seen several changes over the years -- now includes founder Williams along with Terry Weeks, Barrington Henderson, Ron Tyson and Harry McGilberry Jr.
"The Temptations are just great," said Don Bean, event manager for Save Mart, which sponsored the Modesto show. "They have so many hits. It should be a great show and a great party."
The Temptations legendary lineup of Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and Williams came together in the early 1960s. From 1964 to 1975, the group had 19 top-20 albums. Its early hits include "The Way You Do The Things You Do," "My Girl" and "Since I Lost My Baby."
Later hits like "Cloud Nine," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Just My Imagination" and "Papa Was A Rollin' Stone" helped solidify the group as a Motown and chart powerhouse.
As musical tastes changed, Williams said, the group stayed true to its foundation.
"We've always been consistent about what we're all about," he said. "Every walk of life can relate to, can identify with, our songs. We transcended being caught in a certain musical trend. Our music is a woven fabric through all musical genres."
As the group's membership shifted over the years, its influence remained strong. In 1969, The Temptations won Motown its first Grammy for "Cloud Nine." In 1989, the group was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
"I hate that we've had to change," Williams said. "But we've been very, very lucky that with the grace of God, we've been able to succeed despite those changes."
Williams said he also feels fortunate that the group came up during a time when the industry was more nurturing of its performers.
"Record companies are like fast-food chains now," he said. "They are not interested in quality; they want the lowest expense. They aren't interested in building careers. If it sells, fine. If not, they drop them and say, 'Next.'"
Still active and recording, the group was nominated this year for a Grammy for best traditional R&B vocal performance. Members tour about 38 weeks each year. Williams said that after all these years, he still gets a thrill out of being one of The Temptations.
"I get a natural high on stage," he said. "It's wonderful to still be able to do what I enjoy doing."
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Temptations play Modesto Centre Plaza on May 9. The show is the kickoff for the Coca-Cola Modesto Relays. Tickets are $100 VIP package (dinner and show), $50 show only. Tickets through Ticketmaster.
Posted on 05/02/03 05:25:09
www.modbee.com/arts/story/6650594p-7588487c.html
Story courtesy of The Modesto Bee
.
I did try and get her to wear a Temps Review shirt to the Otis show this Friday!!!
