The Temptations
7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2
For more than 50 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. "The crowds are bigger, the sales are sizzling," says one industry report. "The outpouring of affection for this supergroup has never been greater." The history of The Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early '60s. It wasn't until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced "The Way You Do the things You Do" turned the guys into stars. An avalanche of hits followed, many of which — "My Girl," for instance — attained immortality. "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby;," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Beauty Is only Skin Deep," "I Wish It Would Rain" — the hits kept coming.
The current lineup is Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Larry Braggs and Willie Greene Jr. "The more we change," says veteran Ron Tyson, "the more we stay true to ourselves. We're about singing straightup soul. It's a style that will live on forever." "The Temps have always been known for great lead singers," says Williams. "Today we have four of the greatest leads in the proud history of the group." The soaring voice of Philadelphia born and raised Ron Tyson is perhaps the best high tenor in the business. And so The TEMPTATIONS go on, and on, and on.