The Temptations Research Paper

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The Temptations were the ideal group of male singers. The quintet accented each other to make many harmonious sounds, producing many hits through the 1960’s. They experienced many changes in the Temptations ‘lineup’ as time changed. New sounds and voices of the interchanging members brought different styles to the group. The Temptations are still known to this day for creating many great songs. The Temptations had originally started as a group of five members. There were always five group members. In the Beginning, the original five joined together from two groups, The Primes and the Distants. “Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Bryant, Franklin, and Kendricks joined together as the Elgins; after a name change to the Temptations” (Ankeny). …show more content…

The changes in members often were because of disagreements while others wanted to persue a solo career. The first change in members occured with Elbridge Bryant. He had burtally attacted Paul Williams. It is still unknown whether or not Bryant was fired or he resigned from the group, however David Ruffin was the tennor singer they needed. With Ruffin joining the group, many new songs were produced (Ankeny). Soon after “Ruffin failed to appear at a 1968 live performance, the other four Tempts fired him.” He was replaced by Denis Edwards who helped the other Temptations create their hit “Cloud Nine.” Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams later left the group, looking to have a solo career. Damon Harris and Richard Street then replaced the two. Through out the years, the Temptations have lost and replaced many group …show more content…

Many songs that hit the number one spot on the charts you may be familiar with. Songs such as ‘My Girl’ were and still are quite popular. When the Temptations got together, some hits were soon released. “Early hits such as "My Girl," "Ain't Too Proud To Beg" and "Get Ready" remain beloved classics,” (Ankeny). They were very popular and are still known today. Some of the Temptations’ other hits were "Run Away Child, Running Wild," "Psychedelic Shack," and "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today).” These songs are not known as well as others but are definitly worth mentioning. The group even continued to produce more great songs through out the 70’s. “After the 1971 hit "Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)," they returned in 1972 with the brilliant number one single "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." “The Tempts hit the charts regularly throughout 1973 with "Masterpiece," "Let Your Hair Down," and "The Plastic Man,"” however popularity soon decreased as time progressed into the late 70’s. Many great songs had been produced throughout the time of the

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