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  1. #1
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    Why So Many Temptations???

    I was thinking today [[ I know, scary huh? LOL!) why were there so many Temptations, replacement members or what have you? I think there were something like 300 Temptations and counting. Well, maybe not quite that many, but there were a lot of them.

    Why do think there were so many individual Temptation members?

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    They started off something like this........ ok well not completely, but you what I mean.:

    Name:  primeseddiekellpaul.jpg
Views: 9219
Size:  73.0 KBName:  Otis Williams and the Distants.jpg
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Size:  52.6 KB
    Last edited by marv2; 02-21-2015 at 04:43 PM.

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    Those two groups, the Primes and the Distants merged and gave birth to this group called "The Temptations"!
    Attached Images Attached Images  

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    I count 22 Temptations [[ defined as singing with Otis Williams after the Temptations were formed. 21 Plus Otis

    edafan

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    Quote Originally Posted by edafan View Post
    I count 22 Temptations [[ defined as singing with Otis Williams after the Temptations were formed. 21 Plus Otis

    edafan
    To me that's quite a bit when I think of the Temptations always being a 5 man unit....................with 17 spares I guess! LOL
    !

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    To me that's quite a bit when I think of the Temptations always being a 5 man unit....................with 17 spares I guess! LOL
    !
    Except when they did the reunion album, and Eddie and David joined them.

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    Quote Originally Posted by soulster View Post
    Except when they did the reunion album, and Eddie and David joined them.
    You are good! I am going to get to that in just a bit.

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    No really, what made me think of this topic is that I was watching a clip of the Four Tops from the Ed Sullivan Show singing "Reach Out, I'll Be There". They all looked happy and like they were having so much fun. To think that they were able to keep the same line-up for something like 47 years is amazing now that I think about it. I bet it was much more fun being a Top than a Tempt.

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    How many of them have passed, now?

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    Quote Originally Posted by blueskies View Post
    How many of them have passed, now?
    Must we? Ok then.....


    Elbridge "Al" Bryant
    Melvin Franklin
    Eddie Kendricks
    Paul Williams
    David Ruffin
    Ricky Owens
    Richard Street
    Damon Harris
    Ali-Ollie Woodson
    Ray Davis
    Harry McGilberry

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    The Temptations from [[1968–1971):

    Name:  The-Temptations2.jpg
Views: 7926
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    Changes started coming more rapidly. The Temptations in [[1971):

    Name:  Rickey Owens with temptations.jpg
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    Before I could look up and around, these were the Temptations from [[1971–1975):

    Name:  the-temptations-1972.jpg
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    You would have thought that the above grouping would have stayed together much longer being they were having big hits, winning Grammys etc, etc.....but NOoooooooo! By early 1975 it was time for another change! Here they are ladies and gentlemen.....The Temptations as they were from [[1975–1977):
    Name:  Temptations with Glenn leonard.jpg
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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    You would have thought that the above grouping would have stayed together much longer being they were having big hits, winning Grammys etc, etc.....but NOoooooooo! By early 1975 it was time for another change! Here they are ladies and gentlemen.....The Temptations as they were from [[1975–1977):
    Name:  Temptations with Glenn leonard.jpg
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    Not Otis trying the Superfly hairdo either...

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    Here's Theo doing This Is My Promise during a solo gig from roughly three years ago:


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    Quote Originally Posted by midnightman View Post
    Not Otis trying the Superfly hairdo either...

    Did you see them on Midnight Special back then? Summer of 75? He looked like that on the show. I think I remember the whole show was devoted to the Tempts and their lastest album containing "Glass House", "Shakey Ground" etc.

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    Must we? Ok then.....


    Elbridge "Al" Bryant
    Melvin Franklin
    Eddie Kendricks
    Paul Williams
    David Ruffin
    Ricky Owens
    Richard Street
    Damon Harris
    Ali-Ollie Woodson
    Ray Davis
    Harry McGilberry
    Wow....I had no idea.

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    Quote Originally Posted by blueskies View Post
    Wow....I had no idea.
    I really don't like focusing on that, but ya did ask....................... May they all rest in peace.

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    Quote Originally Posted by blueskies View Post
    How many of them have passed, now?
    IDK, lemme count down:

    Paul Williams - first Temptation to die [[1973)
    Elridge "Al" Bryant - second to die [[1975)
    David Ruffin [[1991)
    Eddie Kendricks [[1992)
    Melvin Franklin [[1995)
    Ricky Owens [[1996)
    Ray Davis [[2005)
    Harry McGIlberry [[2006)
    Ali-Ollie Woodson [[2010)
    Richard Street [[2013)
    Damon Harris [[2013)

    Of the 22 Temptations members, 11 have died.

  21. #21
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    Answer..Otis?

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    Quote Originally Posted by luke View Post
    Answer..Otis?

    You've got the right answer or at least the one common denominator in all of this drama! Pssst, but don't say that too loud, he has his fans too. LOL!!!

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    You've got the right answer or at least the one common denominator in all of this drama! Pssst, but don't say that too loud, he has his fans too. LOL!!!
    This answer by you revealed your intention.

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    Quote Originally Posted by luke View Post
    Answer..Otis?
    This was an answer given to your question.

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    These were the Temptations from [[1964–1968)

    Name:  the-temptations.jpg
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    I understand Otis being the boss at this point from default, because he's the only one left. But back then... who died and left him in charge? In the 1967-75 period?

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    Quote Originally Posted by jillfoster View Post
    I understand Otis being the boss at this point from default, because he's the only one left. But back then... who died and left him in charge? In the 1967-75 period?
    I think he became "Boss" because he was the one that could hit the hardest! I am not even half way joking...............

  28. #28
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    Confused yet? Don't be because there is a lot more to come! LOL! Rounding out the 70s is this last grouping. They were smoother than ever.....perhaps too smooth! The Temptations from [[1977–1980):

    Name:  temptations with Louis Price.jpg
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    ....and then Dennis came back! The Temptations from [[1980-82):

    Name:  tempts dennis again.jpg
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    I have many Temptations stories and recollections having gotten to know them..especially Paul as a young teenager...I do recall one event along this topic...It was 85 or 86 maybe as I was visiting the MoWest studios with my brother to see Russ Terrana. As we were standing in the vestibule between the two studios...several Temptations walked in along with Dennis Edwards who had been released from the group, as if I was a part of the conversation while awaiting Otis' arrival. Dennis started wondering aloud with his former group mates if Otis would let him back in the group. Dennis was there to lobby Otis for readmission which I believe he did get back in for a while at that point.
    Last edited by StuBass1; 02-21-2015 at 07:42 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by StuBass1 View Post
    I have many Temptations stories and recollections having gotten to know them..especially Paul as a young teenager...I do recall one event along this topic...It was 85 or 86 maybe as I was visiting the MoWest studios with my brother to see Russ Terrana. As we were standing in the vestibule between the two studios...several Temptations walked in along with Dennis Edwards who had been released from the group, as if I was a part of the conversation while awaiting Otis' arrival. Dennis started wondering aloud with his former group mates if Otis would let him back in the group. Dennis was there to lobby Otis for readmission which I believe he did get back in for a while at that point.
    Stu, he, Dennis got his spot back for one year and one album in 1987. The only single from that period that I recall is :


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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    Stu, he, Dennis got his spot back for one year and one album in 1987. The only single from that period that I recall is :

    I love this video.
    If Billy Dee Williams told me Not to ever sing this song; I wouldn't sing it.

    edafan

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    Quote Originally Posted by StuBass1 View Post
    I have many Temptations stories and recollections having gotten to know them..especially Paul as a young teenager...I do recall one event along this topic...It was 85 or 86 maybe as I was visiting the MoWest studios with my brother to see Russ Terrana. As we were standing in the vestibule between the two studios...several Temptations walked in along with Dennis Edwards who had been released from the group, as if I was a part of the conversation while awaiting Otis' arrival. Dennis started wondering aloud with his former group mates if Otis would let him back in the group. Dennis was there to lobby Otis for readmission which I believe he did get back in for a while at that point.
    Here's an inquiry left of center, since there was a MoWest studio....were there ever a free standing MoWest office or was it incorporated under the "Motown" umbrella save for Melodyland Nashville, because it is my understanding that Nashville doesn't take you seriously until you have an office on Music Row or in Nashville in general?

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    Motown's offices were in a high rise on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood...Obviously rented enough space to have the Motown logo in front of the building...The studio was not far away in W. Hollywood...Berry Gordy's ex wife Rae Singleton ran the studio operation...

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    Quote Originally Posted by StuBass1 View Post
    Motown's offices were in a high rise on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood...Obviously rented enough space to have the Motown logo in front of the building...The studio was not far away in W. Hollywood...Berry Gordy's ex wife Rae Singleton ran the studio operation...
    Thanks Stu. Raynoma is listed as Executive Producer for one of the most underrated albums, the "Sherrick" debut by the late Sheerick....a great Motown inspired album.

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    I find it funny people harp on Mary Wilson for continuing the Supremes and allowing them to become a "revolving door" as some put it, but I don't hear much about Otis for keeping the Temptations going to the point they became a tribute act rather than the actual group.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bradsupremes View Post
    I find it funny people harp on Mary Wilson for continuing the Supremes and allowing them to become a "revolving door" as some put it, but I don't hear much about Otis for keeping the Temptations going to the point they became a tribute act rather than the actual group.
    From everything I have read and seen, Otis is a bit of an a-hole.

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    Quote Originally Posted by soulster View Post
    From everything I have read and seen, Otis is a bit of an a-hole.
    Uh, urrr, ahhh and you know that! LOL!!!

    Seriously, he was the iron fist! Someone would have to help me understand how that many talented singers, grown men would join a World famous group like the Temptations and then start screwing up to the point of being dismissed! How could that even be possible?? Does that make sense to anyone reading this?

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    Uh, urrr, ahhh and you know that! LOL!!!

    Seriously, he was the iron fist! Someone would have to help me understand how that many talented singers, grown men would join a World famous group like the Temptations and then start screwing up to the point of being dismissed! How could that even be possible?? Does that make sense to anyone reading this?

    Marv; they wanted more money; Usually Otis said "No"

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    Quote Originally Posted by edafan View Post
    Marv; they wanted more money; Usually Otis said "No"
    edafan, I believe it was a combination of things and each situation had it's uniqueness. Damon Harris for example. I understand that Mr. Gordy didn't like his attitude and ask Otis to drop him.

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    Now there was the matter of this big Temptations Reunion back in the 80s, 1982 to be exact. Who's original idea was it? I am not sure, but I sure am not going to ask Shelly Berger because I would bet good money what he'll say......When the news hit, questions abounded about who or which Temptations were going to be a part of the reunion. We got the answer pretty quickly when this promo picture was released:

    Name:  Tempts_Reunion 1982.jpg
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    Last edited by marv2; 02-21-2015 at 09:01 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    Now there was the matter of this big Temptations Reunion back in the 80s, 1982 to be exact. Who's original idea was it? I am not sure, but I sure am not going to ask Shelly Berger because I would bet good money what he'll say......When the news hit, questions abounded about who or which Temptations were going to be a part of the reunion. We got the answer pretty quickly when this promo picture was released:

    Name:  Tempts_Reunion 1982.jpg
Views: 12774
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    Here the guys appear together on "Solid Gold":


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    I bet Otis and Motown did not ask all the former Temptations to audition for spots on that reunion tour!

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    The Temptations Reunion Tour made money! They drew large crowds and even the album with the single "Standing on the Top" sold well. Then what was the problem? The one side of the story that we always heard was that the two "bad boys" [[aka David Ruffin & Eddie Kendricks) caused too many problems and Otis wanted them out of the group........AGAIN! I always find this part amusing because, the year after the reunion tour came "Motown 25" and neither Eddie or David were even invited by Ms. DePasse. That led the public to believe that they were in no condition to perform on national TV. I find it funny because just a few years after that, David and Eddie hooked up with Hall & Oates to headline a concert at the Apollo, which lead to a very popular live recording and video of the combined acts. Further, David and Eddie were invited to participate in the Artists Against Apartied video and recording of "Sun City"!

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    Now doesn't that look like a group of happy fellows? Buds? I mean this line up had been together since 1980. By 1983 somebody had to go! Tag Glenn Carl Leonard, you are it! I always wondered what he did to get fired. I mean he is one of the lead voices on the Christmas classic "Silent Night" and he never seem to pushy on stage. Maybe he forgot Otis' birthday one year, I don't know ...just sayin' LOL! So out you go Glenn Carl Leonard. In comes Ron Tyson of Philly. The Temptations from [[1983–1984):

    Name:  Temptations motown 25.jpg
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    Ok now back to our featured story..........hehehehehehe it is now late 1983 moving into 1984 so it was time for someone else to go! The Tempts were still bathing in the after glow of "Motown 25" and out on the road touring with the "TNT Show" [[ the Tempts and the Tops).

    I don't know what Dennis "the human yo yo" Edwards did, but he shouldn't have oughta done it! Otis once again fired his ass from the group! I mean just kicked him right outta the group like he was nothing! Dennis got the last laugh because he came up with a HUGE solo hit in 1984 called "Don't Look Any Further". The Tempts would score their own late in that year:

    Name:  Tempts and Tops tour.jpg
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    Last edited by marv2; 02-21-2015 at 11:50 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bradsupremes View Post
    I find it funny people harp on Mary Wilson for continuing the Supremes and allowing them to become a "revolving door" as some put it, but I don't hear much about Otis for keeping the Temptations going to the point they became a tribute act rather than the actual group.
    Well Brad. I believe that "revolving door" comment as well as those like "They had simply sequined out......" Came from folks that should have been supporting Mary and the Supremes rather than setting them adrift until the right moment came to kill off the group! They were no less talented and attractive in 1977 than they were in 1967.
    Just think. We all know how good Mary Wilson, Susaye Greene and Scherrie Payne sing today. Can you imagine if they never broke up and were allowed to continue in all these 37 years since? How much more great music and performances we could have enjoyed!
    Last edited by marv2; 02-21-2015 at 08:59 PM.

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    Quote Originally Posted by marv2 View Post
    Well Brad. I believe that "revolving door" comment as well as those like "They had simply sequined out......" Came from folks that should have been supporting Mary and the Supremes rather than setting them adrift until the right moment came to kill off the group! They were no less talented and attractive in 1977 than they were in 1967.
    Just think. We all know how good Mary Wilson, Susaye Greene and Scherrie Payne sing today. Can you imagine if they never broke up and were allowed to continue in all these 37 years since? How much more great music and performances we could have enjoyed!
    i have also wondered about MSS staying together. I really liked the last album and wished the dynamics were there to keep things going, but I will stop there! God knows the talent was there.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bradsupremes View Post
    I find it funny people harp on Mary Wilson for continuing the Supremes and allowing them to become a "revolving door" as some put it, but I don't hear much about Otis for keeping the Temptations going to the point they became a tribute act rather than the actual group.
    i thought the same thing. the Supremes went thru a total of 5 lineup changes [[^ if you count the Primettes) while during the same time period, the Tempts had 7 different lineup and counting.

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    Quote Originally Posted by bradsupremes View Post
    I find it funny people harp on Mary Wilson for continuing the Supremes and allowing them to become a "revolving door" as some put it, but I don't hear much about Otis for keeping the Temptations going to the point they became a tribute act rather than the actual group.
    I really think that is a male/female bias. When the female is directive and organized like Otis is, she's a bitch. With Otis, he's a strong, organized man. The other issue is that Otis has been successful at managing to keep the group going and you can't argue with success. He is recognized by the public for that. Some fans feelin differently but not the public. And in addition, the Supremes just didn't have anyone that was able to pull a group together and keep it together and modestly successful after about 1972. The Temptations did.

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