The Temptations – Greatest Hits

Title: The Temptations - Greatest Hits
Year/Genre/Sub-Genre/City: 1966, Motown Soul, R&B, Vocal Group, Detroit, Michigan 10/26
Matrix #: GS919
Condition: Sounds Pretty Good (OB) | Members: The Temptations (N/A)
Cultural Facts:

1. David Ruffin Arrived Through His Brother: Before joining the Temptations, David Ruffin had already been performing around Detroit and was the younger brother of singer Jimmy Ruffin. His raw lead vocal became central to the group's mid-'60s breakthrough on songs like “My Girl” and “Ain't Too Proud to Beg.”
2. “My Girl” Started With Smokey Robinson: Smokey Robinson wrote “My Girl” specifically with David Ruffin's voice in mind after hearing him perform. The song became the Temptations' first No. 1 pop single and permanently shifted Ruffin into the spotlight.
3. Five Men, Choreographed Like One: Motown insisted its groups master presentation as carefully as singing. Choreographer Cholly Atkins drilled the Temptations in synchronized steps and stage movement, helping create the polished visual style that became nearly as recognizable as their harmonies.