Yes, @ grifitti, Otis and Eddie were like peanut butter and jelly on a slice of bread. As many of us I tried to mimick the temptations with fellow singers, but I could never find someone who could hold their own, so I became a solo recording gospel singer. Go check out my music like Walk Around Heaven on my youtube channel at unclemighty1 Have a wonderful Holiday Season:
Definitely gotta give Otis credit. Sure, he wasn't a powerful lead vocalist like David, Eddie, and Paul, but the Temptations are superbly known for their harmonizing, and Otis definitely contributed to that. On some songs you can clearly hear his voice blending in. And some singers have certain types of music in which they specialize in, and soft ballads such as this was what his voice was best suited for.
Gotta give Otis his respect. The amazing talents of Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin was a big contribution, but because of Otis the Temptations are an institution.
@unclemighty1 I was looking to see if anyone else (besides me) realized Eddie & Otis's harmony connection. If you notice, too, in the early days, Paul & Melvin hung out front on most of the intricate choreographic moves while Eddie & Otis hung in the back to keep the harmany glued. They stepped out on the moves but mostly hung back to maintain the harmony.
With all due respect, there is a reason why "O" rarely sang lead. The fact is he has/had the least distinctive voice of all the Tempts, especially in their 60- early 70's heyday. Case in point, I Can't Get Next To You. His line is the weakest of all. Still this is subjective of course.
bes426 Sorry i got upset but i have an opinion as well and i don't feel i should be considered ignorant because of it. also on the meet the temptations album, whoever said Ruffin's face was placed on the cover was correct, i also apologize for my error there, not here to argue, just socialize,TheMackado.
bes426-Otis Williams is a wanna be superstar who made it off Paul, Eddie, Melvin and then David, clue what do I need a clue FOR! You write a response to me on the day Ruffin died expecting me to retract my statement about Otis, Hell No! Otis is a sell out, next you'll say Eddie was on drugs too, none of us know for sure who did the drugs except for David,and we can all still say that Ruffin is the VOICE of THE TALL TALENTED TEMPTATIONS. bes426 you get a clue!
Many great groups have failed b/c they didn't have an Otis Williams. You got to have a person with a great business sense and a level head in order for a group to have longevity. Every member of the tempts had a voce from heaven, but didn always make the best choices for their personal life. Can you imagine either one of them (with the exception of maybe 1) making wise decisions for the group ?
@GarwinEugeneW I'm glad that we agree. Most of the comments on yt indicates that when you have a singing talent you will automatically be sucessful. Not true.
dalkey130388, I agree with a lot that you say about Otis, but in reality he couldn't hold the match to light Paul's, Eddie's or David cigarette, not back in the day, Otis' voice was that of mediocricy, the truth be told he could have sang 'I Truly Believe', but Melvin did it that song to me sounded like it was written for Otis and he was too intimidated to lead, However these five men were the best at their craft and it was a craft with them, I do agree with Tempts forever, but just these five..
I've had a crush on Otis since I was 16 and he has brought us all great joy over the years for he is the glue that has kept this great group together through the thick and the thin. Go Otis!
Just recently saw the Temptations at the Meyerhoff here In Baltimore Md! Feb 10 2011,and them boys can BLOW! Otis can still move ! He has not missed a beat!~ After 50 years! WOW!~They are still! The Temptin Temptations! FOREVER BABY!! and we thanked Otis for giving us! 5 of the greatest Male vocalist in one Group!~ of all Time! We made sure they felt the love in that building that memorable Evening~Thanks again Otis Williams~ what a class act~~
i feel like this is the music i would listen to while i get shot at or something as i die, time will slow down and i will hear this music in th background
Producers picks who leads what project...Otis strength was his natural tenor that made the temptation harmony so unique. not all groups had a person with his range that didn't mind holding the harmony down ...plus with all the other great voices in the group he didn't have to lead that much
Otis's voice was not compatible with the pattern of the Temps HIT STYLE, this is a beautiful song BUT it is NOT the TRUE Temptations repretiore, Melvin also was THE best bass I've heard during that time but "I truly believe" with him at lead wasn't a masterful hit either,HOWEVER I LOVE ANYTHING THE RUFFIN,KENDRICK,WILLIAMS,WILLIAMS,FRANKLIN,Temps sang,Just Masterful artist! by the way this is a great post,had forgotten all about this song THANX!!!
Part of the genius of Otis was his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good,I've seen so many groups struggle to get to the top.lose their lead and both falter.Because of his desire for leadership instead of lead we are blessed with a portfolio of songs that resonate in our hearts today...it's not about fame it's about Family...
Otis founded the Temptations. He is the boss. Were it not for him the group would not exist. Apparently he's a difficult and exacting task master as there have been so many lead singers. Richard Street supposedly quit after a dispute with Otis. Others, like Dennis Edwards and David Ruffin were allegedly fired for misconduct. Not sure of the truth but one thing is obvious Otis Williams is the one constant. Everybody else was or is or has been the VARIABLE. That alone speaks for itself.
1967 was the year the boundless optimism Motown fans knew and thought would never end had to start yielding to some not so nice reality: Florence kicked out of the Supremes, the Holland-Dozier-Holland walk-out, and Tammi's illness. David's exit the next year added another dispiriting blow. There'd still be great music that we wouldn't hesitate to buy, but "The Perfect Machine" that was Motown in the mid-60s would now get rather inconsistent and kind of cranky.
When I first heard this song it was back in 1976 right around the time ex Supreme Flo Ballard died. By it being by the Temps and Otis does such a wonderful job, I couldn't stop thinking how Flo was happy back in the days of Motown's early glory and how the Temps were riding high with all their original members then. Great song and still my favorite by the guys.
TO SETTLE THE ARGUMENT BERRY GORDY HIMSELF SAID ALL THE TEMPTATIONS WHERE CAPABLE OF HANDLING LEADS.EVEN AS GREAT A SINGER AS PAUL WILLIAMS WAS.HE WAS LATER RELEGATED TO BACKGROUND ON MOST OF THEIR LATER HITS.PAUL WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL LEAD SINGERS BEFORE DAVID AND EDDIE TOOK OFF. I DONT OTIS CARED ABOUT SINGING LEADS THAT MUCH HE LIKED BEING ENCHARGED AND TOOK OVER LEADERSHIP RESPNSIBILITIES TO MAKE SURE THEY REMAINED AN ORGANIZED GFROUP.
Yes, Otis has a decent voice, more than decent. But I think, like was the case with Mary & Florence, once the Supremes hit big with Diana out front, there was no drive to develop them or get experimental with any formulas. So it may have been the same with the Tempts once the A-sides were doing well with Eddie or David leading things. The more the hits piled up, the less likely any suggestions to tinker with 'the machine' would have been received.
Otis had (has a decent voice) what I like about this song are the four beautiful voices in the background. It's amazing that those amazing singers are all singing background.
Otis is a singer who happens to have led the best male group of all times, (bar none). Their fame is world wide. Thanks for having such a good business mind Otis also.
@butchjnes609 thats true to a point im a big tempts and but you have to achknowledge the four tops as well. they were around before the tempts and lasted longer than them as well. what made the tempts stand out was there moves, they all had very strong seperate personalities all were lead vocals. the 4tops were a more traditional group with one lead, levi stubs
This is a great video, since it features Otis Williams who didn't have a lot of leads also there is a song by Melvin Franklin called " You're the one" I do hope someone will post it.
Thanks for the great post.True there was a lot of bad blood between all ex Tempts,but they are the only group to lose so many great lead singers and still remain a force,regardless of what ever is said the vision Otis had,he held to it. And the result was some fine music that still sounds great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I have always loved this tune - it was the featured flipside of their hit, "(Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need", released on September 22, 1967 - Smokey Robinson wrote this fine tune--
I have always tip my Hat to Otis; a fine gentleman including the Leadership of the Temptations; he had a vision, and only a strong man with the help of God can persevere (mistakes along the way were design to profit from--that is Life) He is a great role model.
What can profit a man if he should lose his own soul?
This is what I apply to my daily life in anything I do.
(otis is what u call a first tenor baritone) (Eddie is a first tenor falsetto) (paul was the second tenor bariton) (Melvin was obviously bass) David was the a high alto baritone)
My feeling is Otis has a good voice, his voice I feel is more suited for background vocals thats where he doe's his best work,but he can sing lead. Temptations fan forever!
I have always loved this song since the album has been out. I still have a mint copy of the lp on vinyl. My first copy got worn out. I love to hear Otis open up "Check Yourself". Not a bad voice at all.....
@ioxxd90 Rightfully so, in his earlier years, he was a 1st tenor....If you want to really be surprise you should hear Otis on I want a love I can see (The Live Version) Trust me you'll swear it was Eddie.
Listen, go to Pigeon Forge, TN to the Temptations threater and listen and watch Nate Evans and the Temptations Review. Wow, the sound, the moves, the way it was.... Give it a try.
Great follow-up. He did sang lead on more than just "Don't Send Me Away." But his greatest accomplishment was in not getting kicked-out of a massively talented group that didn't need his mediocrity.
I love the Temps as much (if not more) as anybody, but to say that Otis Williams was a great singer is (to me) a stretch. So what he could hit a couple of notes; that doesn't make him a great singer. What makes a singer great is the uniqueness of his voice; the way he handles a lyric, the emotion of the delivery; it's that "something special." Otis had none of that. But of course; you are entitled to your opinion
Singing is about hitting notes, and he did that well. His voice was unique, he handled the lyrics fine and his delivery was great. Otis had all of that. Otis was a very talented, great singer. Otis is severely underrated
I agree that Otis Williams is an underrated singer. But compared to the rest of the guys in the Classic Temptations he was (again, I my opinion) the weakess one. Anyway; as fellow Temps fans I don't think we should argue over such things. Let's just agree to dissagree
Yeah lets agree to disagree, I think all The Temptations were great, they all had different and unique voices, personally I dont think that any was better than the next.
You're right. I shouldn't have spoke that way to you. I apologize. I can tell that you are more than a casual Temps fan, and if for no more reason than that; you deserve my respect.
He could carry a tune but I think he operated better as the glue to hold the group togehter. I always wondered how one could lead a group where the others had the obvious talent. but his talent was more that of an organizer. They all played their part in the success of the group so he is as important as the rest. It's not always about who sings the best. You can sing like an angel but if your attitude is fuck'd up then no one cares.
all of them sang in their on special way so stay off otis. he didnt get leads because of popularity in tha group. ppl dont like otis because of tha movie this is pointless im not gonna waste time tryna change someone's mind let those who say otis couldnt sing sound ignorant
I think people have such low expectations for Otis that when they hear he has a decent voice they get all delirious and suggest that he should have sung lead on My Girl. That's why the idea of relative talent is important. It doesn't matter how well Otis could sing, if the others sung better, then they were going to get more opportunities to sing lead. Otis had talent, but there were other guys in the group with more talent; therefore, they got the leads. It's really not rocket science.
Otis is good singer period point blank. If he couldn't sing then the other guys would have never taken him seriously in the first place. Thank you Otis and all the Temptations past and present.......
you can't blame otis for not having more leads, the way motown was setup they gave leads to the people who had the hits, if otis would of had the first hit single all of these haters would talking about him differently.
This is a ridiculous point. The best singer(s) in a group was given the leads (because they sounded the best). This is why Eddie and Paul got all the leads in the early years even when none of them were charting. The exception at Motown was the Supremes, of course, but we all know that story.
I don't care who sang what are how they sang it but when it comes to music, the TEMPTATIONS got the job done. My music life at no point does not inclcude them, no house party I ever went to did not include them, you see just as much as they gave I listened, I have enjoyed them for many many many years and I thank God for being born in a time span where I am able to be writing this abot the Temptations, you see I believe they are one of America''s pioneers of music and to them I say Thank you.
We cannot compare Otis's and Dennis's Voices, they were different in every way...Otis voice was good for smooth,slow and love songs, while Dennis's was for preaching as Tuzwol said.
otis could also sing falsetto(shown in Read between the lines and Let it be)
what i find most interesting is that, most of the otis haters hate him because of the movie, and say he cant sing because of the little amount of leads he had(that they know of..)
Let me refresh you(haters), listen to the song called Read between the Lines, i aint got nothing,stand by me<<<<<Those are his songs. Now a list of songs he shares leads:i see my child,cant you see sweet thing, i cant get next to you,psychedelic shack,smiling faces and runaway child
As far has holding notes Otis was just as good as anyone of the Tempts.His voice wasnt as powerful as Dennis,but Otis voice I think was better suited for love ballads than Dennis
Again, this is getting redundant, but your statement "Otis could've sung Since I Lost My Baby" encapsulates the profound disagreement I have with you. You seem to think these guys are interchangeable. You think Otis could have sung Since I Lost My Baby as well as David with the same emotive power. I think this is nuts! We'll have to just agree to disagree.
They all could sing,a song is a song.Its nuts to you,but listening to Otis sing tells me otherwise.Lets agree to disagree,I just try not to be close-minded.Let me ask you this,how many songs have you heard Otis sing lead
Eddie said in an interview that he brought the leads to the table and that Otis brought the background to the table.They all had a say,it wasnt just 1 man,I know about the choreography,but that 1 legged move in I Cant Get Next To You,Eddie added that part in,thats what i'm saying they all contributed,they all had a say
Cont'd: It astonishes me that Otis gets so much credit considering the fact that he was the worst singer and dancer in the group and was not responsible for their wardrobe, choreography, vocals, nada.
What people usually say about Otis is that he kept the group together all these years but so what. What have they done in the last 30 years that deserves recognition. When people talk about the Tempts they invariably are referring to the Tempts of the 60's and early 70's.
Otis was the worst singer and dancer to you,thats your bottomline.All of them were responsible for the vocals,they each had a say.Keeping the group together matters,because the group would've fell off the radar like those other old school groups....
Tuzwol, you are the most unusual Tempts fan who minimizes David Ruffin at every turn, but yet thinks Otis Williams was the greatest thing since sliced bread (It's almost like your related to OW or something, or maybe you are him). I don't want to belabor the point b/c I know people who visit this thread are likely to be fans of Mr. Williams, but who in the group could he sing better than? And when I say he was the worst dancer, I'm going by the many performances I've seen were he messes up.
I dont minimize David,and I never said Otis was the greatest.And I never said he sang better than anybody,you dont have to be better than anybody to be able to sing.You just dont like the fact that I give Otis praise,so in your eyes that means that I'm minimizing David Ruffin,I've never minimized David Ruffin I always said he added on to the Tempts and that he was greast
Saying that Otis, Paul or whoever could have sung David's songs as well as David is minimizing David Ruffin. Saying that the group was better off without David is minimizing David Ruffin. Don't get it twisted! It might be just your opinion, but a minimization of Mr. Ruffin it is. I'm quite familiar with your posts. The general theme seems to be the same.
That isnt minimizing,that is ackowledging the others talents,especially when you've heard them sing one of Ruffin's songs.Listen to Paul's Feel Like Giving Up,hearing that vocal would lead one to believe that he could've lead on I WIsh It Would Rain or I Could Never Love Another After Loving You,he could've shared the lead on that song
Saying the group was better without him is an opinion,it isnt minimizing him.Are you slow.If someone said they like the 4 tops better than the temptations does that mean they are minimizing the tempts.Becuase I know people who like the 4tops better,but they still lvoe the tempts.You think everything is a minimization,were you sleeping with him
I've read from several sources including Dennis himself that Eddie was primarily responsible for the background vocals and the wardrobe. You seem to not accept the fact that in a group there are different levels of talent and some are better at some things than others.
They all contributed,its not about being better than,it is about singing together and dancing together,when you're a unit,its about the group,not about 1 specific person.Otis has said that they left it up to the tempts about the background vocals.Smokey said they,not Eddie,but they referring tot he tempts were real creative in creating the background,its 4 guys harmonizing,I'm pretty sure they all had a say,in what the group sounded like
I believe in giving individual credit were credit is due. It's a big reason why groups don't tend to stay together b/c individuals often don't think they get enough credit for their part. (The problem with giving Otis credit for his role as "organizer" is that it's hard from the outside to determine how significant it was.) Constantly crediting "the group" does a disservice to those individuals who played a bigger role and gives too much credit to those who's role was more insignificant.
Otis was a great harmony singer with a great harmonizing voice. I've said that in this thread long ago. I don't agree that he made the harmony "what it was". I think Eddie made the harmony what it was. I think the high voice is always the most important part of any harmony, because it's the one you hear most clearly.
Cornelius Grant said that the outstanding voice you hear was Eddie,but then he said Otis made the harmony what it was,it was Otis and Eddie's voice combined along with Paul and of course melvin on low.Dont forget when Eddie was singing lead it was Otis back there
I'm quite familiar with the Grant quote I have the Definitive Performances DVD as well. I'm not a sheep. Just b/c he say it doesn't mean I have to agree with it. I like the background harmony much less when Eddie is singing lead. That's the reason I say he was the most important part. When Eddie was part of the harmony it was much improved.
I never said I agreed or disagreed with Cornelius Grant,I made a statement.You dont have to agree with anything.Agreeing with someone doesnt make you a sheep,you genius.You said that the other Tempts plaeyd a bigger role,I dont see that to be the case and thats why I mentioned what Cornelius Grant said because that proves that Otis played a significant role in the tempts
So Eddie, David, Paul, Dennis, or Smokey or Norman Whitfield for that matter didn't play a bigger role than Otis? They weren't more important in the Tempts success than Otis? That's essentially what this discussion is about. You think Otis is just as significant as the others. I think he is less significant than the lead singers, the guy who was the creative force behind the background vocals and the wardrobe (Eddie), and the guy behind the choreography (Paul).
I'm not arguing about who was more important,thats not what I'm saying.SMokey and Norman was the most important because they were writing the damn songs,and the funk brothers were playing those instruments creating the best sound ever.Otis harmonized that's what he did 97% of the time,that is significant,when you're talking about a group.Understand that please.I'm not saying this guy was more important than this guy,thats not important because they're a unit,a team
You said Otis was the worst singer,according to Cornelius Grant his voice made the harmony,so what you said cant be true,it sounds like you're a hater.Using the word worst to describe Otis's singing would be ignorant,Cornelius Grant knows more about the Tempts than you and I,so his words must be respected.You might not agree with him,but Grant's opinion shatters your comment about Otis being the worst singer.The word worst shouldnt be used to describe his singing
I said Otis is the worst singer in the group. That is a relative comparison. If you disagree, then who could Otis sing better than in the group? What Grant said has no reflection on Otis being the worst individual singer in the group. We can't compare individual levels of talent within a group? You treat the Tempts like a communist dictator treats his country. One must never focus on individual skills and defects, strengths and weaknesses, everything must always be "the group".
I never said Otis could sing better than anybody in the group.They were a group of 5 singers who could sing lead.I've heard Otis sing My Girl and I'll Be There,thats why I cant say he's inferior,they were all great.You can focus ont he individual skills,thats fine.I dont believe there was a worst singer in the group.Listen to Ol Man River when they all take turns at the beginning,can you honestly tell me that one sounds better than the other
Another thing, you can go stick your "just keep watching the movie" insults up your ass. I'm a serious Tempts' fan. I read and listened to just about everything about them, and I have come to a view that's quite different from yours.
You can go stick your bullshit comments up your ass you sensitive prick.Stop taking this so serious,its just music.Your view is a view that hates on Otis.I'm quite familiar with your posts also.And your has the same general theme as well
The percentage of my posts that are about Otis are minuscule. When does anybody talk about Otis besides in the "Don't Send Me Away" threads anyway? LOL
I give Otis credit for his book and the movie for introducing the Tempts to a new generation. That has done more for keeping them on the radar than keeping the group together which is more about him milking every cent he can out of the franchise. Another reason the Tempts endure is because the music is so great. The Tempts will live forever, because their huge catalog will never sound obsolete.
In the last 30 years,they have had 36 hits.I guess you never heard POWER or STANDING ON THE TOP from their reunion tour,dont forget the Tempts came back together in 1982.WHat about Treat Her Like A Lady that hit #2 on the charts or Lady Soul that hit #4,I Wonder Who's She Seeing Now hit #3, Look What You Started hit #8,Special hit #10.Their Phoenix Rising album was the biggest selling album of their career.Their song Stay was on the Adult Contemporary charts for 12 weeks straight....
And I bet 9 out of 10 Tempts' fan wouldn't care in the least about any of this. I don't think it's controversial to suggest that the Tempts are best-known for their work in the 60's and early 70's and everything after this is basically living off the legacy that was created before.
Seeing them at the Uptown Theater in North Philly was the ultimate. I nearly lost my mind lol!!
Ce1949Ce 1 month ago
“Until lions have their historians, tales of the hunt shall always glorify the hunter”
Respect to The Temptations ~ They Personified Class, Cool, Courage & Soul Singing ~
PoetryManDC 1 month ago
Lol David Ruffin and his manager from the movie came in and disliked this! ^_^ (David was a hater) ...
Jeiygo 2 months ago
Yes, @ grifitti, Otis and Eddie were like peanut butter and jelly on a slice of bread. As many of us I tried to mimick the temptations with fellow singers, but I could never find someone who could hold their own, so I became a solo recording gospel singer. Go check out my music like Walk Around Heaven on my youtube channel at unclemighty1 Have a wonderful Holiday Season:
unclemighty1 3 months ago in playlist Liked videos
This is baby making MUSIC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! This generation aint got it like that! Hell Nauw!
City44errr 3 months ago
Definitely gotta give Otis credit. Sure, he wasn't a powerful lead vocalist like David, Eddie, and Paul, but the Temptations are superbly known for their harmonizing, and Otis definitely contributed to that. On some songs you can clearly hear his voice blending in. And some singers have certain types of music in which they specialize in, and soft ballads such as this was what his voice was best suited for.
GrandsonofSoul 4 months ago 2
Gotta give Otis his respect. The amazing talents of Paul Williams, David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin was a big contribution, but because of Otis the Temptations are an institution.
GarwinEugeneW 5 months ago
wow, who knew Otis had it in him!
soulmama862 6 months ago
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search " i swag by yasha swag " for the most swaggity swaggerish nigarrish duck on sack licking a f*ck nigga what lol swag!
SosaBellina87 8 months ago
Otis strongest part of the Temptations was he was a great second tenor under Eddie Kendricks. He made Eddies first tenor fit like a hand in a glove.
unclemighty1 8 months ago
@unclemighty1 I was looking to see if anyone else (besides me) realized Eddie & Otis's harmony connection. If you notice, too, in the early days, Paul & Melvin hung out front on most of the intricate choreographic moves while Eddie & Otis hung in the back to keep the harmany glued. They stepped out on the moves but mostly hung back to maintain the harmony.
grifitti 3 months ago
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Without OTIS there are no TEMPTATIONS END OF STORY.
fresh1173 9 months ago
Without OTIS there are no TEMPTATIONS END OF STORY.
fresh1173 9 months ago
@fresh1173 yea without his lies man i wish the others was of live
KTAZYAKALMM 6 months ago
With all due respect, there is a reason why "O" rarely sang lead. The fact is he has/had the least distinctive voice of all the Tempts, especially in their 60- early 70's heyday. Case in point, I Can't Get Next To You. His line is the weakest of all. Still this is subjective of course.
jeffrey1712 9 months ago
bes426 Sorry i got upset but i have an opinion as well and i don't feel i should be considered ignorant because of it. also on the meet the temptations album, whoever said Ruffin's face was placed on the cover was correct, i also apologize for my error there, not here to argue, just socialize,TheMackado.
TheMackado 9 months ago
bes426-Otis Williams is a wanna be superstar who made it off Paul, Eddie, Melvin and then David, clue what do I need a clue FOR! You write a response to me on the day Ruffin died expecting me to retract my statement about Otis, Hell No! Otis is a sell out, next you'll say Eddie was on drugs too, none of us know for sure who did the drugs except for David,and we can all still say that Ruffin is the VOICE of THE TALL TALENTED TEMPTATIONS. bes426 you get a clue!
TheMackado 9 months ago
Otis you can sing me to sleep any night.
winsome1235 9 months ago
Many great groups have failed b/c they didn't have an Otis Williams. You got to have a person with a great business sense and a level head in order for a group to have longevity. Every member of the tempts had a voce from heaven, but didn always make the best choices for their personal life. Can you imagine either one of them (with the exception of maybe 1) making wise decisions for the group ?
totaly52 10 months ago
@totaly52 I agree as good as Eddie & David were if any of them were the leader of the group the Temptations would not have lasted as long as it did.
GarwinEugeneW 5 months ago
@GarwinEugeneW I'm glad that we agree. Most of the comments on yt indicates that when you have a singing talent you will automatically be sucessful. Not true.
totaly52 5 months ago
give me a break...There is a place and time for each type of voice....
SuperBdaa11 10 months ago
dalkey130388, I agree with a lot that you say about Otis, but in reality he couldn't hold the match to light Paul's, Eddie's or David cigarette, not back in the day, Otis' voice was that of mediocricy, the truth be told he could have sang 'I Truly Believe', but Melvin did it that song to me sounded like it was written for Otis and he was too intimidated to lead, However these five men were the best at their craft and it was a craft with them, I do agree with Tempts forever, but just these five..
TheMackado 10 months ago
@TheMackado you truly don't have a clue do you
bes426 9 months ago
I've had a crush on Otis since I was 16 and he has brought us all great joy over the years for he is the glue that has kept this great group together through the thick and the thin. Go Otis!
winsome1235 11 months ago 7
Just recently saw the Temptations at the Meyerhoff here In Baltimore Md! Feb 10 2011,and them boys can BLOW! Otis can still move ! He has not missed a beat!~ After 50 years! WOW!~They are still! The Temptin Temptations! FOREVER BABY!! and we thanked Otis for giving us! 5 of the greatest Male vocalist in one Group!~ of all Time! We made sure they felt the love in that building that memorable Evening~Thanks again Otis Williams~ what a class act~~
tedkay 1 year ago
This is time piece music,love those days. thanks 2 you all out there!!!!!!!!!!
musikman324 1 year ago
i feel like this is the music i would listen to while i get shot at or something as i die, time will slow down and i will hear this music in th background
AresCosmos 1 year ago
Love Otis' voice, very smooth and mellow, im very glad he is still with us
melodymx86 1 year ago
otis is the man , great singer and person had the privellige of meeting him in durham nc 2010 at dpac
jones5962 1 year ago
Producers picks who leads what project...Otis strength was his natural tenor that made the temptation harmony so unique. not all groups had a person with his range that didn't mind holding the harmony down ...plus with all the other great voices in the group he didn't have to lead that much
theone2147 1 year ago
Otis's voice was not compatible with the pattern of the Temps HIT STYLE, this is a beautiful song BUT it is NOT the TRUE Temptations repretiore, Melvin also was THE best bass I've heard during that time but "I truly believe" with him at lead wasn't a masterful hit either,HOWEVER I LOVE ANYTHING THE RUFFIN,KENDRICK,WILLIAMS,WILLIAMS,FRANKLIN,Temps sang,Just Masterful artist! by the way this is a great post,had forgotten all about this song THANX!!!
TheMackado 1 year ago
Part of the genius of Otis was his willingness to sacrifice for the greater good,I've seen so many groups struggle to get to the top.lose their lead and both falter.Because of his desire for leadership instead of lead we are blessed with a portfolio of songs that resonate in our hearts today...it's not about fame it's about Family...
formyearsonly 1 year ago
Otis founded the Temptations. He is the boss. Were it not for him the group would not exist. Apparently he's a difficult and exacting task master as there have been so many lead singers. Richard Street supposedly quit after a dispute with Otis. Others, like Dennis Edwards and David Ruffin were allegedly fired for misconduct. Not sure of the truth but one thing is obvious Otis Williams is the one constant. Everybody else was or is or has been the VARIABLE. That alone speaks for itself.
blewis9505 1 year ago
IF YOU ACCEPT MY INPUT, OTIS HAS THAT TYPE OF VOICE THAT SHOULD SING SEXY, MELODIC TUNES.
mindsee1 1 year ago
1967 was the year the boundless optimism Motown fans knew and thought would never end had to start yielding to some not so nice reality: Florence kicked out of the Supremes, the Holland-Dozier-Holland walk-out, and Tammi's illness. David's exit the next year added another dispiriting blow. There'd still be great music that we wouldn't hesitate to buy, but "The Perfect Machine" that was Motown in the mid-60s would now get rather inconsistent and kind of cranky.
dvlaries 1 year ago
When I first heard this song it was back in 1976 right around the time ex Supreme Flo Ballard died. By it being by the Temps and Otis does such a wonderful job, I couldn't stop thinking how Flo was happy back in the days of Motown's early glory and how the Temps were riding high with all their original members then. Great song and still my favorite by the guys.
Vincent50 1 year ago
no wonder the temps were so GOOD when this guy can sing like this and was considered the 5th best FANTASTIC.
1953map 1 year ago
he could sing, he was just surrounded by to much talent. when u got paul, david and eddie its easy to understand why he didnt get to many leads
grievous05 1 year ago
TO SETTLE THE ARGUMENT BERRY GORDY HIMSELF SAID ALL THE TEMPTATIONS WHERE CAPABLE OF HANDLING LEADS.EVEN AS GREAT A SINGER AS PAUL WILLIAMS WAS.HE WAS LATER RELEGATED TO BACKGROUND ON MOST OF THEIR LATER HITS.PAUL WAS ONE OF THE ORIGINAL LEAD SINGERS BEFORE DAVID AND EDDIE TOOK OFF. I DONT OTIS CARED ABOUT SINGING LEADS THAT MUCH HE LIKED BEING ENCHARGED AND TOOK OVER LEADERSHIP RESPNSIBILITIES TO MAKE SURE THEY REMAINED AN ORGANIZED GFROUP.
pookiechristopher 1 year ago
i always liked Otis' voice its very mellow
MotownMaster 1 year ago
I think this is one of their all time greats! This song makes you appreciate being in love with that special person. Temptions live for ever!
ladysure1 1 year ago
Otis started theTemps & he and Melvin kept it together !
Love their music & style.
mydimail 1 year ago
I'm shocked....he's actually not bad!
PetePeterkin 1 year ago
Love this song!! great job temptations.
Icue160Music 1 year ago
Listen close Yall, , Eddie is Tooo Smooth... in the background, he is "Kool Aid"
He is absolutely crushing that tenor, listen close , Do You hear him ? What a talent !
unclebud09 1 year ago
Yes, Otis has a decent voice, more than decent. But I think, like was the case with Mary & Florence, once the Supremes hit big with Diana out front, there was no drive to develop them or get experimental with any formulas. So it may have been the same with the Tempts once the A-sides were doing well with Eddie or David leading things. The more the hits piled up, the less likely any suggestions to tinker with 'the machine' would have been received.
dvlaries 1 year ago
You can say that again. My all time favorite. I still listen to them practically every day and have been doing that for a long, long time.
willtempfan1 1 year ago
Otis had (has a decent voice) what I like about this song are the four beautiful voices in the background. It's amazing that those amazing singers are all singing background.
willtempfan1 1 year ago
@willtempfan1 thats what made the tempts so special they were all lead singers and very versatile as well. they were a rare, special bunch.
bigblondman1 1 year ago
Otis is a singer who happens to have led the best male group of all times, (bar none). Their fame is world wide. Thanks for having such a good business mind Otis also.
butchjnes609 1 year ago
@butchjnes609 thats true to a point im a big tempts and but you have to achknowledge the four tops as well. they were around before the tempts and lasted longer than them as well. what made the tempts stand out was there moves, they all had very strong seperate personalities all were lead vocals. the 4tops were a more traditional group with one lead, levi stubs
bigblondman1 1 year ago
This is a great video, since it features Otis Williams who didn't have a lot of leads also there is a song by Melvin Franklin called " You're the one" I do hope someone will post it.
bobbyroy8 1 year ago
very nice song
Floydalbert 1 year ago
Has that old doo-wop feel to it. I love this track. I have it on the Emperors of Soul box set. Thank you for the post.
tlover1062 1 year ago
check out from 2:40-2:50 blowen hard on that I Need your love.Ican play tghat one part over and over for bout ten minutes.lol
SUPERPRETTYRICKY 1 year ago
Thanks for the great post.True there was a lot of bad blood between all ex Tempts,but they are the only group to lose so many great lead singers and still remain a force,regardless of what ever is said the vision Otis had,he held to it. And the result was some fine music that still sounds great!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
dixoin56 2 years ago
I have always loved this tune - it was the featured flipside of their hit, "(Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need", released on September 22, 1967 - Smokey Robinson wrote this fine tune--
christheone8773 2 years ago
I wish Otis had had more leads.
InuyashaPrincess14 2 years ago
:@InuyashaPrincess14 : AMEN TO THAT!!, and Melvin Franklin too. Too Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks makes me sick!!!!!!!.
Jennykate1985 1 year ago
love this song!
MyRomantic1 2 years ago
I love Otis. I Love them all. He did his thing here. :)
Spadesz93 2 years ago
Eddie Kendricks co-wrote this song
vidaricks 2 years ago
I have always tip my Hat to Otis; a fine gentleman including the Leadership of the Temptations; he had a vision, and only a strong man with the help of God can persevere (mistakes along the way were design to profit from--that is Life) He is a great role model.
What can profit a man if he should lose his own soul?
This is what I apply to my daily life in anything I do.
Thanks for this beautiful posting.
josette47 2 years ago
(otis is what u call a first tenor baritone) (Eddie is a first tenor falsetto) (paul was the second tenor bariton) (Melvin was obviously bass) David was the a high alto baritone)
hazin786 2 years ago
@hazin786 You was sort of right, Only Paul was Baritone/Bass....
HutchyV 2 years ago
I didn't know that was Otis! I always thought it was Eddie
savivafosho 2 years ago
What real music should sound like.
1kyga 2 years ago
TEMPTATIONS FOR EVER!
Gr8LilLady 2 years ago
My feeling is Otis has a good voice, his voice I feel is more suited for background vocals thats where he doe's his best work,but he can sing lead. Temptations fan forever!
mewjaws5754 2 years ago
I have always loved this song since the album has been out. I still have a mint copy of the lp on vinyl. My first copy got worn out. I love to hear Otis open up "Check Yourself". Not a bad voice at all.....
ioxxd90 2 years ago
@ioxxd90 Rightfully so, in his earlier years, he was a 1st tenor....If you want to really be surprise you should hear Otis on I want a love I can see (The Live Version) Trust me you'll swear it was Eddie.
HutchyV 2 years ago
Otis did not want the lead singer role. He still was the leader of the temps anyway. Nice job OTIS!!
sheltonlabitue 2 years ago
sorry spelled Temptations wrong!!
MOTOWNFOREVER 2 years ago
dalkey, that was a very detailed and excellent synopsis on the Tempations! Thanks again
MOTOWNFOREVER 2 years ago
Listen, go to Pigeon Forge, TN to the Temptations threater and listen and watch Nate Evans and the Temptations Review. Wow, the sound, the moves, the way it was.... Give it a try.
OldHippie7320 2 years ago
where can i download this song? i love it!
alishasha61 2 years ago
Some singers are gifted at lead and at background. Others are gifted at only lead. And some are gifted primarily at background.
Otis was an important part of the vocal blend. But as a lead vocalist, he's nothing to write home about.
elperromagico 2 years ago
He also sang "This Guys In Love With You" which can be found on their "Talk of the Town" album from 1970
tuzwol 2 years ago 2
the strings at 1:51- 2:05 are amazing... the whole song is amazing Otis is great.
Aljor00 2 years ago
they should have used this song in the temps miniseries, like when Josephine becomes mad with Otis.
DeathCabForJordan 2 years ago
Does anyone else feel the bliss I do when Otis hits the notes on "wonderful love"
atrem0 2 years ago
Are there any other songs with otis singing lead?
davidsmokeybonghit 2 years ago
"The Christmas Song"
"I Aint Got Nothing"
"Read Between The Lines"
"Darling Stand By Me"
"I'll Be There", he only sang a couple of verses of that
And he sang a verse from My Girl
He sang another song, its on the barebak album I think, I'm not sure though.
He sang a few verses on You've Made Me So Very Happy and Let It Be
tuzwol 2 years ago
Great follow-up. He did sang lead on more than just "Don't Send Me Away." But his greatest accomplishment was in not getting kicked-out of a massively talented group that didn't need his mediocrity.
tonycozart 2 years ago
yeah, yeah. Otis wasnt mediocre, he was a great singer in my opinion
tuzwol 2 years ago
I love the Temps as much (if not more) as anybody, but to say that Otis Williams was a great singer is (to me) a stretch. So what he could hit a couple of notes; that doesn't make him a great singer. What makes a singer great is the uniqueness of his voice; the way he handles a lyric, the emotion of the delivery; it's that "something special." Otis had none of that. But of course; you are entitled to your opinion
tonycozart 2 years ago
Singing is about hitting notes, and he did that well. His voice was unique, he handled the lyrics fine and his delivery was great. Otis had all of that. Otis was a very talented, great singer. Otis is severely underrated
tuzwol 2 years ago
I agree that Otis Williams is an underrated singer. But compared to the rest of the guys in the Classic Temptations he was (again, I my opinion) the weakess one. Anyway; as fellow Temps fans I don't think we should argue over such things. Let's just agree to dissagree
tonycozart 2 years ago
Yeah lets agree to disagree, I think all The Temptations were great, they all had different and unique voices, personally I dont think that any was better than the next.
Temptations forever
tuzwol 2 years ago
OK!!!!!! Damn! Let's move on.
tonycozart 2 years ago
you replied to say that,DAMN!you could've saved that reply
tuzwol 2 years ago
You're right. I shouldn't have spoke that way to you. I apologize. I can tell that you are more than a casual Temps fan, and if for no more reason than that; you deserve my respect.
Temptations Forever
tonycozart 2 years ago
No problem, apology accepted, peace
tuzwol 2 years ago 4
I love you Eddie, always in my heart.
TemptinTina1 2 years ago
Otis had a lot more talent then you do.
whitenite007 2 years ago 11
the string arrangements in this tune really "send ME away"!!! - A great Smokey Robinson composition!!!!
christheone8773 2 years ago 2
I always liked this song, and thought Otis sounded good, this was from the "With A Lot O Soul" Lp in 1967
MotownMaster 2 years ago 4
eddie is alive too. all u guyz are stupid
peeceout12 2 years ago
nvm i just looked him up rite now. i forgot that they showed it in the movie.
peeceout12 2 years ago
eddie kendricks died in 1992. Otis is the only orignal member still alive.
Yesterdaysboombap 2 years ago 2
U are stupid! LOL!!!
meestahwill 2 years ago
not funny to mock the dead
luvPaul1 2 years ago
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javiandog 2 years ago
ur stupid i already said NEVERMIND. idiot
peeceout12 2 years ago
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javiandog 2 years ago
haha watevr fuck u. hey, i saw ur profile u good at those michael jackson moves?
peeceout12 2 years ago
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javiandog 2 years ago
yep i sure am are you good at them
javiandog 2 years ago
No wonder he didn't lead he can hold a note but he's no David, Eddie, or Paul
Jameela90 2 years ago
He could carry a tune but I think he operated better as the glue to hold the group togehter. I always wondered how one could lead a group where the others had the obvious talent. but his talent was more that of an organizer. They all played their part in the success of the group so he is as important as the rest. It's not always about who sings the best. You can sing like an angel but if your attitude is fuck'd up then no one cares.
Mongo76 2 years ago 2
Way to basically quote the movie.
whitenite007 2 years ago
???????
Mongo76 2 years ago
Don't you people have any respect for yourselves?AND Otis was a wonderful singer and man.:)
alliework 2 years ago 2
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heartandsoul22 2 years ago
well that can't be healthy.
philsyouup23 2 years ago
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heartandsoul22 2 years ago
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heartandsoul22 2 years ago
all of them sang in their on special way so stay off otis. he didnt get leads because of popularity in tha group. ppl dont like otis because of tha movie this is pointless im not gonna waste time tryna change someone's mind let those who say otis couldnt sing sound ignorant
javiandog 2 years ago
Otis and his wife was getting ready to break up, that's why he sung the song.
goodblackman4u 2 years ago
I think people have such low expectations for Otis that when they hear he has a decent voice they get all delirious and suggest that he should have sung lead on My Girl. That's why the idea of relative talent is important. It doesn't matter how well Otis could sing, if the others sung better, then they were going to get more opportunities to sing lead. Otis had talent, but there were other guys in the group with more talent; therefore, they got the leads. It's really not rocket science.
0812820 3 years ago
This to dalkey130388.
Check yourself is Paul Williams on lead.
Eddie is missing from the date and one of ther Holland brothers is singing the high parts. rolan brazier
rolanbrazier 3 years ago
Otis is good singer period point blank. If he couldn't sing then the other guys would have never taken him seriously in the first place. Thank you Otis and all the Temptations past and present.......
rsynth75 3 years ago 12
two comments down it says otis cant sing, are u deaf?
listen to the song right now, thats him..sound good, no not good great to me
ian11211 3 years ago 3
you can't blame otis for not having more leads, the way motown was setup they gave leads to the people who had the hits, if otis would of had the first hit single all of these haters would talking about him differently.
tempfan84 3 years ago 10
This is a ridiculous point. The best singer(s) in a group was given the leads (because they sounded the best). This is why Eddie and Paul got all the leads in the early years even when none of them were charting. The exception at Motown was the Supremes, of course, but we all know that story.
0812820 3 years ago
its actually a great point
tuzwol 2 years ago
great point, like Smokey said "they were 5 deacons"
tuzwol 2 years ago
I don't care who sang what are how they sang it but when it comes to music, the TEMPTATIONS got the job done. My music life at no point does not inclcude them, no house party I ever went to did not include them, you see just as much as they gave I listened, I have enjoyed them for many many many years and I thank God for being born in a time span where I am able to be writing this abot the Temptations, you see I believe they are one of America''s pioneers of music and to them I say Thank you.
kayburrell59 3 years ago 4
Otis had a great lead too but THERE WAS AND ALWAYS will be one David Ruffin lead!!!I Check out "Say You", Its Growing, and so on. Need i say more.
don1985don 3 years ago
We cannot compare Otis's and Dennis's Voices, they were different in every way...Otis voice was good for smooth,slow and love songs, while Dennis's was for preaching as Tuzwol said.
otis could also sing falsetto(shown in Read between the lines and Let it be)
jjc0929 3 years ago 2
this is typical....Otis haters.
what i find most interesting is that, most of the otis haters hate him because of the movie, and say he cant sing because of the little amount of leads he had(that they know of..)
Let me refresh you(haters), listen to the song called Read between the Lines, i aint got nothing,stand by me<<<<<Those are his songs. Now a list of songs he shares leads:i see my child,cant you see sweet thing, i cant get next to you,psychedelic shack,smiling faces and runaway child
jjc0929 3 years ago 2
R U out of your mind there's no way on this earth Otis voice is better than Dennis's YOU MENTAL PATIENT;
69spoon 3 years ago
As far has holding notes Otis was just as good as anyone of the Tempts.His voice wasnt as powerful as Dennis,but Otis voice I think was better suited for love ballads than Dennis
tuzwol 3 years ago
but Otis could've sung those ballads,he sung I'll Be THere ,a verse from My Girl,Otis could sing.Otis could've sung SInce I Lost My Baby
tuzwol 3 years ago
Again, this is getting redundant, but your statement "Otis could've sung Since I Lost My Baby" encapsulates the profound disagreement I have with you. You seem to think these guys are interchangeable. You think Otis could have sung Since I Lost My Baby as well as David with the same emotive power. I think this is nuts! We'll have to just agree to disagree.
0812820 3 years ago
They all could sing,a song is a song.Its nuts to you,but listening to Otis sing tells me otherwise.Lets agree to disagree,I just try not to be close-minded.Let me ask you this,how many songs have you heard Otis sing lead
tuzwol 3 years ago
Eddie said in an interview that he brought the leads to the table and that Otis brought the background to the table.They all had a say,it wasnt just 1 man,I know about the choreography,but that 1 legged move in I Cant Get Next To You,Eddie added that part in,thats what i'm saying they all contributed,they all had a say
tuzwol 3 years ago
Hhe cant just retire,he has to keep working,but only haters will say that he is milking every cent out of the franchise.
tuzwol 3 years ago
Cont'd: It astonishes me that Otis gets so much credit considering the fact that he was the worst singer and dancer in the group and was not responsible for their wardrobe, choreography, vocals, nada.
What people usually say about Otis is that he kept the group together all these years but so what. What have they done in the last 30 years that deserves recognition. When people talk about the Tempts they invariably are referring to the Tempts of the 60's and early 70's.
0812820 3 years ago
Otis was the worst singer and dancer to you,thats your bottomline.All of them were responsible for the vocals,they each had a say.Keeping the group together matters,because the group would've fell off the radar like those other old school groups....
tuzwol 3 years ago
Tuzwol, you are the most unusual Tempts fan who minimizes David Ruffin at every turn, but yet thinks Otis Williams was the greatest thing since sliced bread (It's almost like your related to OW or something, or maybe you are him). I don't want to belabor the point b/c I know people who visit this thread are likely to be fans of Mr. Williams, but who in the group could he sing better than? And when I say he was the worst dancer, I'm going by the many performances I've seen were he messes up.
0812820 3 years ago
I dont minimize David,and I never said Otis was the greatest.And I never said he sang better than anybody,you dont have to be better than anybody to be able to sing.You just dont like the fact that I give Otis praise,so in your eyes that means that I'm minimizing David Ruffin,I've never minimized David Ruffin I always said he added on to the Tempts and that he was greast
tuzwol 3 years ago
All you do is trash Otis,you are a hater in every sense of the word.
tuzwol 3 years ago
Saying that Otis, Paul or whoever could have sung David's songs as well as David is minimizing David Ruffin. Saying that the group was better off without David is minimizing David Ruffin. Don't get it twisted! It might be just your opinion, but a minimization of Mr. Ruffin it is. I'm quite familiar with your posts. The general theme seems to be the same.
0812820 3 years ago
That isnt minimizing,that is ackowledging the others talents,especially when you've heard them sing one of Ruffin's songs.Listen to Paul's Feel Like Giving Up,hearing that vocal would lead one to believe that he could've lead on I WIsh It Would Rain or I Could Never Love Another After Loving You,he could've shared the lead on that song
tuzwol 3 years ago
Saying the group was better without him is an opinion,it isnt minimizing him.Are you slow.If someone said they like the 4 tops better than the temptations does that mean they are minimizing the tempts.Becuase I know people who like the 4tops better,but they still lvoe the tempts.You think everything is a minimization,were you sleeping with him
tuzwol 3 years ago
I've read from several sources including Dennis himself that Eddie was primarily responsible for the background vocals and the wardrobe. You seem to not accept the fact that in a group there are different levels of talent and some are better at some things than others.
0812820 3 years ago
They all contributed,its not about being better than,it is about singing together and dancing together,when you're a unit,its about the group,not about 1 specific person.Otis has said that they left it up to the tempts about the background vocals.Smokey said they,not Eddie,but they referring tot he tempts were real creative in creating the background,its 4 guys harmonizing,I'm pretty sure they all had a say,in what the group sounded like
tuzwol 3 years ago
I believe in giving individual credit were credit is due. It's a big reason why groups don't tend to stay together b/c individuals often don't think they get enough credit for their part. (The problem with giving Otis credit for his role as "organizer" is that it's hard from the outside to determine how significant it was.) Constantly crediting "the group" does a disservice to those individuals who played a bigger role and gives too much credit to those who's role was more insignificant.
0812820 3 years ago
Even their guitarist Cornelius Grant said that Otis made the harmony what it was.
The Tempts have a sound,their harmony is unique and Otis has alot to do with that.Just keep watching the movie.LOL.And get your facts from there.LOL
tuzwol 3 years ago
Otis was a great harmony singer with a great harmonizing voice. I've said that in this thread long ago. I don't agree that he made the harmony "what it was". I think Eddie made the harmony what it was. I think the high voice is always the most important part of any harmony, because it's the one you hear most clearly.
0812820 3 years ago
Cornelius Grant said that the outstanding voice you hear was Eddie,but then he said Otis made the harmony what it was,it was Otis and Eddie's voice combined along with Paul and of course melvin on low.Dont forget when Eddie was singing lead it was Otis back there
tuzwol 3 years ago
I'm quite familiar with the Grant quote I have the Definitive Performances DVD as well. I'm not a sheep. Just b/c he say it doesn't mean I have to agree with it. I like the background harmony much less when Eddie is singing lead. That's the reason I say he was the most important part. When Eddie was part of the harmony it was much improved.
0812820 3 years ago
I never said I agreed or disagreed with Cornelius Grant,I made a statement.You dont have to agree with anything.Agreeing with someone doesnt make you a sheep,you genius.You said that the other Tempts plaeyd a bigger role,I dont see that to be the case and thats why I mentioned what Cornelius Grant said because that proves that Otis played a significant role in the tempts
tuzwol 3 years ago
So Eddie, David, Paul, Dennis, or Smokey or Norman Whitfield for that matter didn't play a bigger role than Otis? They weren't more important in the Tempts success than Otis? That's essentially what this discussion is about. You think Otis is just as significant as the others. I think he is less significant than the lead singers, the guy who was the creative force behind the background vocals and the wardrobe (Eddie), and the guy behind the choreography (Paul).
0812820 3 years ago
Eddie wasnt the only voice in the background,and the other Tempts had a say as far as the harmonies,it wasnt only Eddie Kendricks that isnt TRUE.
tuzwol 3 years ago
I'm not arguing about who was more important,thats not what I'm saying.SMokey and Norman was the most important because they were writing the damn songs,and the funk brothers were playing those instruments creating the best sound ever.Otis harmonized that's what he did 97% of the time,that is significant,when you're talking about a group.Understand that please.I'm not saying this guy was more important than this guy,thats not important because they're a unit,a team
tuzwol 3 years ago 2
Dennis was more of a shouter,preacher,as far as love ballads,Otis voice was better suited for those.
tuzwol 3 years ago
You said Otis was the worst singer,according to Cornelius Grant his voice made the harmony,so what you said cant be true,it sounds like you're a hater.Using the word worst to describe Otis's singing would be ignorant,Cornelius Grant knows more about the Tempts than you and I,so his words must be respected.You might not agree with him,but Grant's opinion shatters your comment about Otis being the worst singer.The word worst shouldnt be used to describe his singing
tuzwol 3 years ago
I said Otis is the worst singer in the group. That is a relative comparison. If you disagree, then who could Otis sing better than in the group? What Grant said has no reflection on Otis being the worst individual singer in the group. We can't compare individual levels of talent within a group? You treat the Tempts like a communist dictator treats his country. One must never focus on individual skills and defects, strengths and weaknesses, everything must always be "the group".
0812820 3 years ago
I never said Otis could sing better than anybody in the group.They were a group of 5 singers who could sing lead.I've heard Otis sing My Girl and I'll Be There,thats why I cant say he's inferior,they were all great.You can focus ont he individual skills,thats fine.I dont believe there was a worst singer in the group.Listen to Ol Man River when they all take turns at the beginning,can you honestly tell me that one sounds better than the other
tuzwol 3 years ago
Another thing, you can go stick your "just keep watching the movie" insults up your ass. I'm a serious Tempts' fan. I read and listened to just about everything about them, and I have come to a view that's quite different from yours.
0812820 3 years ago
You can go stick your bullshit comments up your ass you sensitive prick.Stop taking this so serious,its just music.Your view is a view that hates on Otis.I'm quite familiar with your posts also.And your has the same general theme as well
tuzwol 3 years ago
The percentage of my posts that are about Otis are minuscule. When does anybody talk about Otis besides in the "Don't Send Me Away" threads anyway? LOL
0812820 3 years ago
I give Otis credit for his book and the movie for introducing the Tempts to a new generation. That has done more for keeping them on the radar than keeping the group together which is more about him milking every cent he can out of the franchise. Another reason the Tempts endure is because the music is so great. The Tempts will live forever, because their huge catalog will never sound obsolete.
0812820 3 years ago
It isnt called milking it is called surviving,do you think that he is a millionaire?lol
tuzwol 3 years ago
In the last 30 years,they have had 36 hits.I guess you never heard POWER or STANDING ON THE TOP from their reunion tour,dont forget the Tempts came back together in 1982.WHat about Treat Her Like A Lady that hit #2 on the charts or Lady Soul that hit #4,I Wonder Who's She Seeing Now hit #3, Look What You Started hit #8,Special hit #10.Their Phoenix Rising album was the biggest selling album of their career.Their song Stay was on the Adult Contemporary charts for 12 weeks straight....
tuzwol 3 years ago
And I bet 9 out of 10 Tempts' fan wouldn't care in the least about any of this. I don't think it's controversial to suggest that the Tempts are best-known for their work in the 60's and early 70's and everything after this is basically living off the legacy that was created before.
0812820 3 years ago
I'm not disputing that,all I'm saying is stop hating on Otis,it seems like you just saw the