Post by tempfan on Mar 28, 2006 20:11:32 GMT -5
TEMPTATIONS RETURN TO SUMMIT CITY
FORT WAYNE - FROST ILLUSTRATED
For more than 40 years, the Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits, and sold-out performances Throughout the world. The Legends of Motown starring The Temptations with special guest The Marvelettes is scheduled to visit the Embassy Theatre in Fort Wayne at 8 p.m., April 8.
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 Gory, 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. "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Beauty Is only
Skin Deep," "I Wish It Would Rain" and others followed and the hits kept coming.
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 Temptations Walk became a staple of American style. Flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw their 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 The Temptations tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns.
"Great singing," says leader Otis Williams, "will always prevail." In the eighties, the Temps prevailed with smashes like the Williams' penned "Treat Her Like A Lady." Then in the nineties, another Temptation explosion occurred with "For Lovers Only," a collection of love standards, termed an instant classic by critics, remains among the most cherished of all Temptations recordings. "Phoenix Rising" went through the roof, a platinum-plus mega-hit featuring "Stay," the Narada Michael Walden produced song that topped the charts. "Ear Resistible" nailed a Grammy and a legion of new fans.
"Awesome," released in 2001 followed by "Legacy" in 2004 and their recent release of Motown Classics titled "Reflections" are the Temptations at their freshest, strongest, and most appealing. The current lineup consists of Williams, Terry Weeks, G.C. Cameron, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon.
"The more we change," explained veteran 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 singer's", said Williams. "Today we have three of the greatest leads in the proud history of the group."
The soaring voice of Tyson, is perhaps the best high tenor in the business. Weeks, who grew up in Alabama and spent eight years in the Air Force before his makeshift audition for Williams on a Hollywood street corner. Newest member G.C. Cameron's discography spans three decades and reflects the influences of his musical mentors, Sam Cooke and Curtis Mayfield. His musical roots can be traced to rural Mississippi, where he was born and raised. The front man for the Motown group, the Spinners for many years, and later a Motown solo artist, he brings an artistry of creativity to the group.
"Our challenge," said 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," said Williams, a remarkable modest man, "I don't mean it arrogantly. It's just that we have been tested time and again and keep coming back. We have suffered the death 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.'"
Tickets for this reserved seating event are on sale now. Ticket prices are $39.50, $32.50 & $27.50 (additional fees and charges may apply), and are available at the Embassy Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, charge by phone at (260) 4241811, or online at ticketmaster.com.