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One of the most successful vocal groups to emerge from the Motown stable, The Temptations originally called themselves The Elgins when two of Detroit's top vocal groups - The Primes and The Distants - decided to merge. Devising a seductive mix of doo-wop, blues and soul vocal styles with extravagant dance routines and colourful stage shows, their close vocal harmonies became the template for many of the soul and R&B groups who followed in their wake. Signed to Motown in 1960, they stayed with the label for over four decades, a long service record surpassed only by Stevie Wonder, and continue to perform, although Otis Williams is the only original member still with the group. Their early releases met with little success, but their big break came in 1964 with a Smokey Robinson song 'The Way You Do the Things You Do', opening the door to a proud run of classic singles like 'Cloud Nine', 'My Girl', 'Ain't Too Proud to Beg' and 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone'.After a brief decline in the late '70s owing to the band's departure from Motown, The Temptations returned to the label that made them famous where they recorded 'Reunion' and 'Surface Thrills'. 1984 saw the release of their biggest single for more than a decade with 'Treat Her Like a Lady' receiving great radio airplay and positive reviews from the fans and critics alike. With multiple line-up changes due to differences, departures and deaths, The Temptations found they had to reinvent themselves at every turn. They performed at the Super Bowl Halftime Show in 1998 as part of the 40th anniversary celebrations of Motown. They were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999 and their 2000 album 'Ear-Resistable' won the group their third Grammy Award. They released their final album under Motown in 2004 titled 'Legacy'. Moving to Universal they released 'Reflections' in 2006, 'Back to Front' in 2007 and 'Still Here' in 2010. They were honoured with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013.
Artist biography compiled by BDS/West 10. All rights reserved
