Makes you think....

[Ivory Fair]

Oh and Dbaby, there's a problem with all of the photos of the Tempatations on your site, they're all white guys and there's only four of them. And what's up with their hair?

[DramaLJDiva]

Not all good groups turned to substance abuse...some actually stayed well-grounded and that's why they are still with us today. That's why I say YELLOW. The Tempts could have had those good songs and all, became one of the most popular groups in the world, maybe even taken a hiatus and gotten back together, only to realize how important they are to each other and the fans. Then there would be a bigger chance that Paul, Eddie, David, and Melvin would be alive today. I also have never believe that Paul shot himself in the head or that David overdosed. It's all too mysterious to me. We weren't there, we don't know how things went down. I would have still wanted all that good music, but not the egos and vices that came with success.

[AKA THE FUF]

I know what you mean Diva, I'm just glad they did the music that they did and that we all have been privileged to either hear them or seen them. I guess in life everything does not go the way we wish it to go but make the best out of what we can. The would of, could of, should of's in life are something else...

[janebse]

I think the question asked by the poll is one we all ponder at times.

It also makes us realize that the choices we make have consequences. One of the jobs of a parent is making children realize that the choices they make have consequences.

And so I've pondered and pondered.

And now I have another question. The Temptations have continued to evolve in a way that makes them consistently excellent, changing with the trends, but always keeping to their standards of excellence.

Dennis, David and Eddie toured as Temptations. But did they ever sing new songs? In a recent interview Dennis made the remark that Otis' present group did new songs while his group did not. If that is so, both about Dennis, David and Eddie, and Dennis and his Review now, does that mean that the Temptations would have stagnated if the original group had remained?

Because Otis rarely sings lead, people sort of ignore his contributions, but he has kept that group going and is continuing to search out new techniques. I've heard him in interviews discuss new musical techniques. He compliments BOYS II MEN but also says that they are doing things the Tempts did in the 1960's, and Otis is looking for new things.


I read somewhere (I read so much.) that Eddie was the only Temptation to leave on his own. (I think Paul and Melvin left for health reasons so they aren't counted one way or the other.) The reason given for the others leaving is that they were either "fired" or "requested to leave." In other words, the Tempts had standards, and if you weren't going to meet those standards, out you went.

I very much like the Classic Five, but I also very much like the present group. And now it is Harry, Ron, Bo, Terry and Otis' turn to become the 21st Century Classic Five...if they continue to make the right choices.

[Ivory Fair]

Yes, Dennis' group sings new songs, they sing the TEMPTS' new songs! ;D (sorry, slapping my own hand for that not-so-nice comment, I just couldn't resist it.)

Seriously, the Review did a new song for their "Live at the Casino San Pablo" album called "Naturally" that I just LUUUUUUUUVE! I think, if they had the opportunity other groups have at producing hits, it could have really been a successful song.

(From the Review's official home page, www.geocities.com/DavidSeaFan/TempsReview.html ...... "For Booking information or to Purchase the new CD 'Live at Casino San Pablo'......Contact..Hi-C Management & Productions, Inc....28876 Glenbrook Drive, Farmington Hills, MI 48331. Ph: 248-626-6243 Fax: [phone].")


Jane, I think if the classic Five had remained together, (or the classic four and Dennis) they would have always had Motown backing them and there's no telling the success they could have had. Look at what they were able to do with the ethnic bias that existed in the sixties. If they had made it into the seventies, and maybe even the eighties when African American groups were given a somewhat more equal footing to compete against white groups on, we might all be saying "Beatles who?"

(Of course I say "Beatles who?" anyway)

Or, they could have stayed together and broken up in the seventies never to perform or record again. Who knows?

Call me a pessimist, but one way or the other, I think the Tempts were doomed from jump.

[sukkafu]

jane, diva, ive, and fuf, you all have posted some EXCELLENT posts today! i am so impressed with the level of thoughtfulness and intellect used on this message board!

we have what we have and the past cannot be erased. we enjoy the little surprises here and there of lost songs that are eventually found and re published, or newly released video tape of some 60's or 70's show that the tempts were on.

it's what keeps us going!