The Temptations to Perform at Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center, 1/16

Members of the Rock 'n' Roll Hall of Fame and one of Rolling Stone's top 50 bands of all time, The Temptations have four Grammy Awards, 18 #1 Billboard singles, 23 top ten singles, and 10 top ten albums. Over their 50-year history, The Temptations have become an institution noted for their precise choreography and blend of R&B vocals.

CAPA presents The Temptations at the Jeanne B. McCoy Community Center for the Arts (100 W. Dublin-Granville Rd., New Albany) on Thursday, January 16, at 8 pm. Tickets are $35-$55 at the CAPA Ticket Center (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.

This performance is made possible through the generous support of Corna Kokosing. The 2013-2014 Marquee Season is presented by the Limited Brands Foundation.

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. It wasn't until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced "The Way You Do the Things You Do" turned them into stars.

An avalanche of hits followed, including "My Girl," "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Beauty Is only Skin Deep," and "I Wish It Would Rain."

The classic lineup of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin became known for their fabulous singing, smooth stepping, and flawless presentations. "The Temptations Walk" became a staple of American style.

When the '60s and '70s turned political, The Temptations changed their tone, dress, and music with producer Norman Whitfield leading the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards who had replaced David Ruffin, include "Runaway Child" "Cloud Nine," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", and "Psychedelic Shack."

Stellar singers Richard Street and Ali-Ollie Woodson joined the group, but no matter the change in personnel, The Temptations remained true to their tradition and successfully survived the whims of times.

In the '80s, The Temps prevailed with smashes like the Otis Williams-penned "Treat Her Like A Lady."

In the '90s, another Temptation explosion began with their appearance on "Motown 25" in 1983 and continued with the Emmy Award-winning NBC mini-series that chronicled the group's history, a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time.

This was followed by a series of acclaimed records - For Lovers Only, Phoenix Rising, Ear Resistible, Awesome, and Reflections.

The Temptations' current lineup consists of Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, and Bruce Williamson.

"Our challenge," says 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."

Photo credit: Star Direction

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