The Temptations Stop in Arcadia June 7
Courtesy Photo
Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation presents one of the most influential groups of the 20th century, The Temptations, for the final performance in its inaugural season, on Saturday, June 7 at 8pm. 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 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 guys into stars.
An avalanche of hits followed, many of which, “My Girl,” for instance, attained immortality. The hits kept coming with “It’s Growing,” “Since I Lost My Baby,” “Get Ready,” “Too Proud to Beg,” “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep,” & “I Wish It Would Rain.”
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 Temptation 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, adding their luster to the group’s growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, the Temptations remained true to their tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their musical guns.
In the eighties, the Temps prevailed with smashes like “Treat Her like a Lady.” Then in the nineties, another Temptation explosion: It began with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983; and continued with the NBC mini series that chronicled the group’s history, a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time.
The goal of the Arcadia Performing Arts Foundation is to create an endowment of $10 million that will result in an additional $50,000 or more per year for the Performing Arts Center and the district arts programs. The Arcadia Performing Arts Center is destined to be a world-class venue where lessons are learned, talent is fostered and an impressive array of arts is shared and cultivated.
Tickets, available online by visitingwww.Arcadiapaf.org, are $59.50 and $99.50. The theatre is at 188 Campus Drive at North Santa Anita Avenue, Arcadia CA 91007. For more information please call 626-821-1781.