Temptations & Four Tops

The Temptations:

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 crowds are bigger, the sales are sizzling,” says one industry report. “The outpouring of affection for this super group has never been greater.”

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 Robinsin 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. “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 hits kept coming.

The Four Tops:

The Four Tops were one of soul music’s most popular and long-lived vocal groups. This quartet from Detroit endured for more than 40 years without a single change in personnel. Moreover, they charted hits at every stage in their lengthy career. Although they’re best remembered for the records they made at Motown in the Sixties, the Four Tops also had substantial success at such labels as ABC, Casablanca and Arista in subsequent decades. They even returned twice to Motown later in their career. All the while they remained a solid draw on the touring circuit, performing 100 shows per year.