The Temptations By: Jeremiah Parker

History It all started with a dream by Otis Williams. He formed the group The Distants with Elbridge Bryant and Melvin Franklin. In 1961, The Primes and The Distants joined together to form a five man group that they later named The Elgins. All of the group members were from Detroit and they were determined to create a new sound for the whole world to hear and enjoy. The group members were: Otis Williams, Elbridge Bryant ,Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams originally from The Primes.

Group Members Otis Williams Elbridge Bryant

Group Members Melvin Franklin Eddie Kendricks

Group Members Paul Williams The Elgins were on their way to stardom!!!

Their big break In 1962, The Elgins had an audition with Motown Records were they blew owner Barry Gordy off his feet. Gordy was impressed with everything but their name.

New name The group members put their minds together and came up with a new name. They would be called The Temptations.

New beginning In 1963, Bryant resigned or was fired and the group was down one member. In 1964, their luck changed when David Ruffin joined the group. Ruffin was the missing piece to the puzzle and their careers went in a new direction.

Beginning success The Temptations joined with producer, singer, and songwriter Smokey Robinson and created hit after hit!!

More success After their first song with Robinson titled, “The Way You Do The Things You Do”, the group continued to top the charts. They had 37 Top Ten Hits such as, “My Girl”. The Temptations became one of the most famous male groups of all times.

“My girl” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IUG-9jZD-g

The Temptations