For more than forty years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits, and sold-out performances. The history of The Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical career in Detroit in the early '60s. In 1964 Smokey Robinson wrote and produced The Way You Do the Things You Do, the first major hit for The Temptations.
An avalanche of hits followed that included My Girl, It's Growing, Since I Lost My Baby, Get Ready, Ain't Too Proud to Beg, Beauty Is only Skin Deep, and I Wish It Would Rain.
Beyond the fabulous singing, The Temptations became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptation Walk became the staple of American style, flair, flash and class.
When the '60s and '70s turned political, The Temptations got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music with smoldering hits as Runaway Child, Cloud Nine, I Can't Get Next To You, Papa Was a Rolling Stone and Psychedelic Shack.
In the '80s, The Temptations prevailed with smashes like Treat Her Like A Lady. In the '90s, there was another Temptation explosion. It began with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983. It continued with the NBC mini-series that chronicled the group's history, earning them an Emmy Award.
