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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
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Size:  73.0 KBName:  Otis Williams and the Distants.jpg
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    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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    How many of them have passed, now?

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    Answer..Otis?

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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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    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 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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    These were the Temptations from [[1964–1968)

    Name:  the-temptations.jpg
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    The Temptations from [[1968–1971):

    Name:  The-Temptations2.jpg
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  13. #13
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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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    Changes started coming more rapidly. The Temptations in [[1971):

    Name:  Rickey Owens with temptations.jpg
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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...............

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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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    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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    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 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 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 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 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 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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    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.

  28. #28
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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 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 :


  30. #30
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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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    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.

  32. #32
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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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    After the reunion tour in 1982, the Tempts shrunk back to it's normal 5 man group. They recorded a few more albums into the beginning of 1983. The Temptations at this time [[1982–1983) were:

    Name:  Temptations 82-83.jpg
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    Last edited by marv2; 02-21-2015 at 10:20 PM.

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    Great thread Marv. I am somewhat mystified as to Otis' power. Couldn't the rest of group out vote him. ?Although I guess owning the name and being an original gave him the final say.

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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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    Quote Originally Posted by luke View Post
    Great thread Marv. I am somewhat mystified as to Otis' power. Couldn't the rest of group out vote him. ?Although I guess owning the name and being an original gave him the final say.
    Luke, it ain't even that complicated. My STRONG belief is that Otis was the silent, tough guy [[although all of the early members were pretty rough, forget that Suzanne DePasse fairytale movie LOL!) and he took control of the group early on in decision making.
    Last edited by marv2; 02-22-2015 at 01:46 AM.

  39. #39
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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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    Just when we were about to resign the Temptations to "oldies group" status.........it happened! Enter Ali - Ollie Woodson of Detroit!~ Man, this cat could SANG! I was still working in Detroit at the time and I remember the women in my office would swoon and get all figgity just at the mention of this dude's name! LOL! Ali can be credited for breathing new life into the Temptations. With him, they were in demand more than ever. The Temptations as they were from [[1984–1987):


    Name:  tempts [[1984–1987).jpg
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    Last edited by marv2; 02-21-2015 at 11:04 PM.

  41. #41
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    Great pictures and story line.

    The truth is Otis ran the group PERIOD

    edafan

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    Once more Dennis Edwards rejoined the group replacing Ali-Ollie Woodson [[WTF?). This period was covered a bit out of sequence above, but for [[1987-88), these were the Temptations:

    Name:  TheTemptations1987.jpg
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    Last edited by marv2; 02-22-2015 at 12:05 AM.

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    I think Ricky Owens caught a bad break having to replace Eddie so soon after "just My Imagination" had taken off. the fact that audiences were so unforgiving of him blowing the lyrics, just further proves how classic that song is. Those pics must be from private show or a rehearsal since Otis stated he was present for both of his shows.

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    By the mid part of 1988, Ali-Ollie Woodson was back and all was well [[buh, bye Dennis.....) The Temptations from [[1988 -92) :

    Name:  temps Ali again.jpg
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    Lol this is great. Keep going marv..supremes story next? I guess miss Flo would have been the Otis character but for BG. She wouldn't have put up with no stuff and booted ...

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    Moving on further into the 90s is when things began to get a bit dicey for me! As a long time fan and supporter of the Temptations, even I was becoming confused over who was in the group and who was not. This also around the time Melvin Franklin became ill and have to withdraw from the group for extended periods of time. So for the era [[1992–1994) we had almost 2 groups in one. Many television appearances showed them as a 4 man group with newcomer, Theo Peoples.......

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    Name:  Temptations 1996.jpg
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  47. #47
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    Quote Originally Posted by luke View Post
    Lol this is great. Keep going marv..supremes story next? I guess miss Flo would have been the Otis character but for BG. She wouldn't have put up with no stuff and booted ...
    Thanks Luke, but if I got into it about the Supremes and told what I know [[and I know the truth), It would spark World War III LOL! It would lead to all kinds of pandemonium, mayhem and perhaps some hard feelings. I ain't going to do that to Ralph or myself thank you!

    True, Flo could hit the hardest...........................hehehehehehehe!
    Last edited by marv2; 02-22-2015 at 01:54 AM.

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    I should mention before any further that Theo Peoples came into the group in 1992,replacing long time member Richard Street. Richard had been with the group for 21 years at the time of his dismissal. From what Richard has said. He became very ill and was hospitalized with multiple gall stones, etc. Being in the hospital caused Richard to miss a show. Otis Williams blew a gasket and cursed Richard out something awful! Richard's feelings were hurt because Otis showed him no sympathy over his health crisis and that ended that!

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    On February 23, 1995 [[20 years ago this weekend) Melvin Franklin died. He was the true heart & soul of the Temptations in my opinion. Still the show must go on and he was replaced by Ray Davis formerly of Parliament/Funkadelic [[Y'all remember "Tear the Roof off the Sucka"? That was Ray's booming bass voice on that record). The grouping with Ray only lasted a year. The Temptations for [[1995) :

    Name:  Temptations Ray Davis.jpg
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    Last edited by marv2; 02-22-2015 at 01:14 AM.

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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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