Office at 717.477.SHOW (7469) or online at luhrscenter.com.
For more than forty 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 super-group 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 sixties. It wasn't until 1964 however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced "The Way You Do the Things You Do" turned the group 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 classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, the Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The "Temptations Walk" became a staple of American style. Flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw the Temptations as cultural heroes. When the sixties and seventies turned political, the Temps got serious.
They changed their tone, dress, and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards who had replaced David Ruffin, burned with intensity. "Runaway Child," "Cloud Nine," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", and "Psychedelic Shack" still smolder. Other stellar singers - Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson - joined and added their luster to the group's growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, the Temptations remained true to the Temptations tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns. "Great singing," says Otis, "will always prevail."
In the eighties, the Temps prevailed with smashes like the Otis Williams penned, "Treat Her Like A Lady." Then in the nineties, another Temptation explosion: It began with their appearance on "Motown 25" in 1983 and it continued with the NBC mini-series that chronicled the group's history, which was a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time. An Emmy Award followed. Then came a series of acclaimed records: For Lovers Only, a collection of love standards was termed an instant classic by critics and remains among the most cherished of all Temptations recordings. Phoenix Rising went through the roof and was a platinum-plus megahit featuring "Stay," the Narada Michael Walden-produced song that topped the charts. Ear Resistible nailed a Grammy and a legion of new fans. Reflections was released in 2005, nominated for a Grammy, and brought to the world the Temptations' versions of some of Motown's greatest songs.
Today, the stellar Temps line-up consists of OTIS WILLIAMS, RON TYSON, TERRY WEEKS, JOE HERNDON, and BRUCE WILLIAMSON. "The more we change," says veteran Ron Tyson, "the more we stay true to ourselves. We're about singing straight-up soul. It's a style that will live on forever."
"The Temps have always been known for great lead singers", says Otis. "Today, we have three of the greatest leads in the proud history of the group." The soaring voice of Ron Tyson is perhaps the best high tenor in the business. Terry Weeks grew up in Alabama and spent eight years in the Air Force before his makeshift audition for Otis on a Hollywood street corner. His smooth textures and tones express an extraordinary full range of feelings. Newest member Bruce Williamson started singing in a church choir at the ripe age of five years old and hasn't stop since. He has sung in everything from commercials to musical to the top showrooms in Las Vegas. Bruce was introduced to Otis by Ron Tyson.
"Our challenge," says Otis, "is to live in the present while respecting the past. Our past is filled with riches only a fool would discard. At the same time, we thrive on competition. As a Motowner, I grew up in the most competitive musical atmosphere imaginable. But we also understand that for a group with history, no matter how glorious that history might be, reinvention is the name of the game. "When I tell people we are God's group, I don't mean it arrogantly. It's just that we have been tested time and again and keep coming back. We have suffered the death of so many legendary singers...Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin. Others, like Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Theo Peoples, have left. And yet our unity is tighter, our sound brighter, and our popularity greater. Someone has watched over this group. Someone has protected our integrity. Someone has said, 'just go on singing and it'll get better.'" And so THE TEMPTATIONS go on.......and on.....and on........
For more information about The Temptations visit www.thetemptations.com. For additional information about this performance or other performances within the 2011-2012 Luhrs Center series, call the Luhrs Center Box Office at 717.477.SHOW (7469) or visit the Luhrs Center website at luhrscenter.com.
About the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University
The mission of the H. Ric Luhrs Performing Arts Center at Shippensburg University is to support and enhance the University's role in academic and cultural enrichment for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The Luhrs Center's 1,500-seat state-of-the-art Grove Theatre is where programs to educate, enlighten and entertain are presented. Benefits of the Center to the region include expanding opportunities to participate in
a wide range of cultural programming including full-scale Broadway companies, musical groups, symphonies, dance troupes and internationally known speakers. In addition, it adds options for professional training programs, youth programs and senior citizen programs; attracts regional and national business conferences, professional meetings and planning sessions; and additional visitors to the area which will result in a positive impact on the local and regional economy.
