Post by tempfan on Oct 12, 2006 18:57:56 GMT -5
IT'S NOT JUST YOUR IMAGINATION - THE TEMPTATIONS ARE COMING TO TOWN
Interview with Otis Williams of the legendary Motown quintet, before their upcoming Bakersfield show!
Mas Magazine / Bakotopia.com
Being a musical legend is just another day at the office for Temptations founder, Otis Williams. As the last surviving original member of one of the most widely recognized groups in the history of popular music, The Temptations, Williams' legend status doesn¹t seem to matter much to him.
"I don't feel anything really," said Williams, 64, during a phone interview from his home in Los Angeles when asked about his rank among the pantheon of soul music's best. "I'm just doing what I love doing."
Humble words coming from a man who was a member of an American musical family that remains unrivaled to this day, Motown Records. Williams, along with today's version of The Temptations, will return to the Bakersfield Fox 8 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 15.
The Temptations are referred by many to be as influential as The Beatles in each of their respected music genres. Known for their distinct five-part harmonies, stylish outfits and signature dance routines, the group still performs regularly after 40 years.
Turn on any classic radio station, or old school show, and you're guaranteed to hear one of the many hits still warming the hearts of fans, young and old. Latino fans in particular have an affinity for The Tempts' timeless sound, but Williams believes it¹s all about good music. "I think our music has no boundaries, it speaks to everyone. Good music will touch you no matter who you are," he said.
Among that good music and likely on the playlist for the Bakersfield show, "Ain't Too Proud To Beg," "Just My Imagination," "Ball of Confusion" and "I Wish It Would Rain."
Cultivating his singing bug at the age of 14 in Detroit, Michigan, a young Williams went through a series of singing groups. "I was into watching shows at the Fox Theater in Detroit," he said. "There were doo-wop groups all over the city, and I started singing with some friends."
Those "friends" changed over the years as the doo-wop groups around the city went through member and name changes. In 1960, when known as The Elgins (after a popular watch brand), the group scored an audition with Motown Records Owner, Berry Gordy, who signed the singers on the spot, but requested a name change.
So, after a few choices, "The Temptations" were born. The Motown hit-making strategy was known to bring performers together with the right songwriters and producers, and The Temptations were no exception.
"The producers decided what songs we were going to sing, but we did have some input," Williams said. Fellow Motown star Smokey Robinson and Gordy both attempted to bring the group a much-needed hit early on, but it was producer Norman Whitfield, that was responsible for the masterful collaborations credited with making stars out of The Temptations.
Talking about those early days recording and performing along the likes of The Supremes, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell to name a few, friendly competition among the talent not only helped each artist grow, but also provided a support system, according to Williams.
"It was always competitive with all that talent around," he said. "But we were kids and it was fun to compete with the others. We were very much like a family. We were always looking out for each other."
The classic 60's Temptations line-up of Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin and Otis Williams, became the standard for singing groups everywhere, but it was only a matter of time for personality clashes to drive wedges into the group.
"It¹s hard," Williams said. "When you're in a situation with all different kinds of people, you have to deal with something different all the time. It never gets easy."
The group also enjoyed being innovators, getting serious with many of their songs from the 1970¹s, another chart topping time for The Temptations.
"We were never afraid to do our own thing. We always liked to change things up. When we did "Cloud 9," (released in 1969) it was like a big explosion on the scene," said Williams about the group's trendsetting nature.
Not only was "9," a big musical change for the group, "Runaway Child, Running Wild" and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone," were huge hits, reflecting the urban life experience.
Member changes continued, and the group experienced some of the toughest times of its career. Nevertheless, Williams maintains The Temptations' level of excellence every night they take the stage.
"Every time I walk onstage, it's a great feeling," he said. "You never lose touch with the people you've share so much with."
Four decades later, soul music's most imitated quintet, continues to bring the smooth moves, and sweet melodies to millions of fans. In addition to Williams, the current Temptations line-up also includes, G.C. Cameron, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson and Joe Herndon.
The Temptations' latest CD release, titled "Reflections," is a collection of some favorite Motown standards, including "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," "How Sweet It Is (To Be Loved By You,") and "Ooo Baby Baby," just to name a few.
Had he not become a Temptation, Williams says, he probably would've taken up his favorite hobby as a full-time gig, sketching.
"I enjoy sketching. I've sketched Denzel Washington, and other famous people. I¹m going to be putting some of my works on my Web site. People are always telling me, "Otis, you need to show these sketches to people," he said.
So after singing the same hits for years, does Williams have a favorite of his own?
"My Girl," Williams said. "Because of what the song is all about. When you hear that beginning bass line "duh,duh-duh, duh, duh-duh," it just gets you right away."