THE TEMPTATIONS Bring Their Velvet Sound and Smooth Steps to the Ohio Theatre

The Temptations, one of the most iconic bands in the history of American music, have become an institution noted for their precise choreography and blend of R&B vocal sensibilities. Founding and original member Otis Williams has continued to keep The Temptations' sound alive and at the top of the charts for more than 40 years. As members of the Rock ‘n' Roll Hall of Fame and listed as one of the top 50 bands of all time in Rolling Stone Magazine, The Temptations have earned four Grammy Awards, 18 #1 Billboard singles, 23 top ten singles, and 10 top ten albums. With amazing songs and a 15-piece band, their live stage show is an experience that continues to "wow" audiences around the world.

CAPA presents The Temptations at the Ohio Theatre (39 E. State St.) on Sunday, November 14, at 7 pm. Tickets are $20-$50 at the Ohio Theatre Ticket Office (39 E. State St.), all Ticketmaster outlets, and www.ticketmaster.com. To purchase tickets by phone, please call (614) 469-0939 or (800) 745-3000. The Ohio Theatre Ticket Office will open two hours prior to the performance. Students between the ages of 13-19 may purchase $5 High Five tickets while available. This Spectrum Series performance is made possible through the generous support of Univar and series sponsors David and Mo Meuse.

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 Temptations began their musical life in Detroit in the early ‘60s. The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin. It wasn't until 1964, however, that Smokey Robinson's "The Way You Do the Things You Do" turned the group into stars.

An avalanche of hits followed, many of which attained immortality-"My Girl," "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."

Beyond the fabulous singing, The Temptations became known for flawless and smooth-stepping presentations. The "Temptations Walk" became a staple of American style-flair, flash, and class.

When the ‘60s and ‘70s turned political, The Temptations got serious, changing their tone, dress, and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His 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."

Richard Street and Ali-Ollie Woodson joined the group and added their luster to The Temptations' growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, The Temptations remained true to their tradition, surviving disco and techno. "Great singing," said Otis Williams, "will always prevail."

In the ‘80s, The Temptations prevailed with smashes like the Otis Williams-penned "Treat Her Like a Lady." In 1983, they appeared on "Motown 25," and an NBC mini-series that chronicled the group's history was a two-night, prime time ratings triumph and Emmy Award-winner.

A series of acclaimed records followed. Phoenix Rising (1998) was a platinum-plus megahit featuring "Stay," the Narada Michael Walden-produced song that topped the charts. Ear Resistible (2000) nailed a Grammy and a legion of new fans. For Lovers Only (2002), a collection of love standards, was termed an instant classic by critics and remains among the most cherished of all Temptations' recordings. Reflections (2005), a collection of Temptations' covers of some of Motown's greatest songs, earned a Grammy.

Today, the stellar Temptations' lineup 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 Williams. "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 Williams 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 stopped since. He has sung in everything from commercials to musicals to the top showrooms in Las Vegas.

"Our challenge," says Otis Williams, "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.'"

www.temptationssing.com

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