The Temptations are an American vocal group who released a series of successful singles and albums with Motown Records during the 1960s and 1970s. The group's work with producer Norman Whitfield, beginning with the hit single "Cloud Nine" in October 1968, paved the way for psychedelic soul and was influential in the evolution of R&B and soul music. The group's members are known for their choreography, distinctive harmonies, and distinctive style. Having sold tens of millions of albums, the Temptations are one of the most successful groups in the history of music. The group was formed in Detroit, Michigan, in 1960 by Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Elbridge "Al" Bryant, and Paul Williams, all former members of rival groups. They were soon joined by Eddie Kendricks and Ali-Ollie Woodson, and signed with Motown Records in 1961. The Temptations began their recording career with a series of singles influenced by doo-wop, but found real success once they began working with producer Norman Whitfield. The group's first Top 40 hit, "The Way You Do the Things You Do", was released in 1964, and was followed by a series of hits including "My Girl" (1965), "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (1966) and "Beauty's Only Skin Deep" (1966). The Temptations reached their commercial peak in the late 1960s with a series of psychedelic soul hits written and produced by Whitfield, including "Cloud Nine" (1968), "I Can't Get Next to You" (1969) and "Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (1970). In the early 1970s, the Temptations left Motown for a short time, signing with Atlantic Records. They returned to Motown in 1972 and released the number one album, All Directions, which included the hit singles "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" and "Masterpiece". The following year, the group released their last album with Whitfield, A Song for You in 1974, which was less successful commercially but still included the hit single "Happy People". The Temptations' fortune began to decline in the mid-1970s, due in part to creative differences with Whitfield and the departure of several members. Kendricks left the group in 1971, Woodson in 1972 and Bryant in 1975. The group continued to record and tour with a rotating cast of members, but did not achieve the same level of success as before. The Temptations were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame in 1999. Four of the group's original members (Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Ali-Ollie Woodson and Ron Tyson) have passed away, with Otis Williams and Ron Tyson being the only remaining members of the classic 1960s lineup of the group.

Temptations -Treat Her Like A Lady (Extended) Extract :