Wednesday, April 23, 2008

THE TEMPTATION WALK

Of all the great talent to come from Motown, one of the best loved is The Temptations. They had a hit after hit over the decades, with several terrific lead singers, and gave the world a lesson on how to be cool to the 10th power. I’m talking about a series of moves that became known as the Temptation Walk. And what prime moves they were! I think anyone who looks at the old footage of the Tempts, and then compares it to what passes for cool today, will be won over in a heartbeat. And if you don’t dig what they are putting down, I’m afraid you may be soulfully DOA, my friend. Of course, being from Detroit, I may be just a teensy bit biased, but thanks to the posters at YouTube, you can easily watch and decide for yourself.

Here’s a classic from 1965, with David Ruffin on lead. Oh, baby, what a voice!

My Girl http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vdCLBM-RnY&NR=1

Their moves got so much attention, there was even made a song and a dance about it!

Temptation Walk http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qKPqhvlq2Po

And finally, we can’t leave without this solo from David Ruffin…one of the great “love-pain” songs of all time! My Whole World Ended (The Moment You Left Me) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jw2uU5LSBN0


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