Instagram story viewer> @temptin__temptations> Posts

The Temptations Legacy

@temptin__temptations

81.1K

followers

1944

following

Resource for @thetemptations!
Celebrating Motown’s #1 Male Act
The Greatest Group Ever
Many lineups, one legacy.
Temptations Forever🎶
-Not affiliated

POSTS STORIES REELS

The Temptations - My Girl | Live, Swingin’ Time (1966)

Happy Valentines Day, Temptations fans! It's another year, another celebration of spreading love to our loved ones and everyone around the world. By celebrating the day all about love, here's a classic performance of @TheTemptations singing their most popular love song “My Girl” in 1966.

This song is not just about your significant other, but it can also be about your sister's and mother's. The song has become one of the most well-known songs around the world and is still being played as if it just came out yesterday. “My Girl” warms the hearts of many and spreads joy and love to everyone when this song plays either on the radio, films, or our playlist. Make sure to show some love not just because it's Valentines day but every other day. Happy love day to you all! Temptations Forever. by @temptin__temptations

The Temptations “Treat Her Like A Lady” on ‘The Love Boat’ (1985)

On #TemptingTuesday, Tempts fans, I want to share a classic clip from the 80s!

This footage is from an episode on ‘The Love Boat’ that aired in October 1985. It featured the famous Motown supergroup—@TheTemptations, as they are shown performing their hit smash “Treat Her Like A Lady” during a music video filming scene. These five will always be one of the groups greatest eras and best lineups throughout their history. Ali Woodson really showed off during his time with the Temptations and this fan favorite will always remain timeless! Temptations Forever.

📹@paramountplus by @temptin__temptations

The moment of truth...here’s me singing my favorite song of all-time with my favorite group/artist last night in my hometown! Man, when I tell you how nervous I was to be up there infront of thousands, and to be sharing the stage with the guys I looked up to my whole life was surreal. As you can tell, I was wearing probably my favorite hoodie that night to show how much of a big fan I am, lol. My singing was okay, like I said before I was really nervous but I gave it my best shot. This is a moment I will never forget for the rest of my life! Never thought this moment would come. Thank you, God and my uncle/dad for making this happen. @TheTemptations are the greatest of all-time! Shout out to @tonygrantlife22, @jawanjackson, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson, and of course the last original Temptation, Otis Williams and to all the members for shaping my life. Temptations Forever. by @temptin__temptations

On this day, @TheTemptations released their fourth consecutive No. 1 R&B hit single “(I Know) I’m Losing You” 60 years ago.

On November 2, 1966, Motown released The Temptations next hit single titled “(I Know) I’m Losing You”—written by Norman Whitfield, Eddie Holland, and Cornelius Grant and produced by Whitfield. It became their fourth consecutive No. 1 R&B hit of 1966—making them the first group in music history to achieve four No. 1 R&B hits in a single calendar year. The other three chart-toppers that same year were “Get Ready,” “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” and “Beauty Is Only Skin Deep.” Aside from “Get Ready,” this was another powerhouse David Ruffin-led track that cemented itself as one of his enduring signature performances. During the recording sessions, the group's lead guitarist and musical director Cornelius Grant—affectionately known as the unofficial sixth Temptation—crafted that blistering opening guitar riff. And when it came to the background vocals, the Tempts laid down that unmistakable gospel flavor with their signature harmonies and ad-libs. The track would later reached to No. 8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and be covered by artists, including another Motown group—Rare Earth and Rod Stewart even put his own spin to it.

As for them being the first in music history to achieve multiple No. 1 R&B hits in a single year, the record was tied by a multitude of artists for decades until rapper Kendrick Lamar finally surpassed it by achieving five No. 1 R&B hits in 2024. Black history at its finest! Temptations Forever.

📹The Mike Douglas Show | February 23, 1967 by @temptin__temptations

On this day, NBC aired the iconic two-part miniseries “The Temptations” 28 years ago.

On November 1, 1998, @NBC aired the classic two-part miniseries biopic “The Temptations”—based on the true story about Motown’s No. 1 Soul group. Since its release, it has been regarded as one of the best and most beloved biopics of all-time. It tells the story about five men coming up in Detroit and later on becoming not just Motown legends, but musical legends in pop culture history. Based on Otis Williams’ 1988 autobiography ‘Temptations’, it takes us through all the trials, tribulations, drama, the ups and downs, the good and bad times, and all the great music we know today. Although it’s not told in full, it still does a great job with the storytelling about the men behind the music and the acting is top-notch. Here’s one of my favorite moments from the miniseries when they perform “Cloud Nine” right before David Ruffin, played by Leon, tried to force his way back into the group.

Shout out to @wwwjustleon, @malikwhitfield, @terronbrooks, @christianpaytonzone, @dbwofficial, @jaugustrichards, and all the actors for doing a wonderful job portraying these legends! Without this biopic, I wouldn’t be who I am today. Temptations Forever. by @temptin__temptations

“I’m gonna use witchcraft—to win your love”

Happy Halloween, Tempts fans! It’s that time of the year again and I figured this song would he perfect for today’s spooky holiday. Titled “Witchcraft (For Your Love),” this track by @TheTemptations was written by Robert Hamilton and William “Mickey” Stevenson and recorded in September 1963. Left behind in the Motown vaults, it wasn’t officially released until years later on their 1994 “Emperors Of Soul” CD box set. It features the original five-member lineup, with the baritone master himself, Paul Williams, delivering his soulful lead vocals. While it isn’t strictly a Halloween song, the eerie instrumentation throughout gives it a wonderfully spooky vibe.

Check out the full song if you haven’t already! Happy Halloween and stay safe. Temptations Forever. by @temptin__temptations

Happy 85th birthday to founder, de facto leader, tenor/baritone vocalist, and the sole surviving original member of @TheTemptations, Dr. Otis Williams!

On October 30, 1941, Otis Miles Jr., also known as, Otis Williams, was born in Texarkana, Texas. For so many years, Dr. Otis Williams has been carrying on the legacy of The Temptations as the last original member alive. He is one of the main reasons the group has kept its relevance over years and still continues to grow today. At now 85 years old, he’s still going on tour with the group and continues to spread their iconic music that’ll out last us all. The Temptations has expanded over six decades with many members coming and going, but one thing for certain is that Williams has been the glue that kept them together no matter what. Since the very beginning of their journey, Williams provided background vocals and blended out each of their voices as a tenor/baritone vocalist. He was not known for being the voice but his strong leadership, dedication, discipline, and great business mind made his presence felt within the shadows. He achieved many accomplishments as a member of the Temptations—winning multiple Grammy Awards, being inducted into the Rock ’N Roll Hall of Fame, receiving the Hollywood Walk of Fame star and more. With all that being said, thank you Otis for making sure the music and the men that helped built the legacy alongside with you is still going on strong. I wish you many more blessings in the years to come! Temptations Forever. by @temptin__temptations

Guess who’s turning 85 tomorrow!!

Temptations fans, get ready to celebrate the man who has kept @TheTemptations legacy alive and strong for so many years while being the sole surviving original member of the greatest singing group of all-time. Tomorrow, Dr. Otis Williams of The Temptations will be turning 85 years old and is still active today. Here’s a nice close up shot of the living legend back in early 1967! Y’all ready to celebrate one of Motown’s finest? Temptations Forever.

📸Otis Williams, 1967 by @temptin__temptations

On this day, @TheTemptations released their Grammy Award winning hit single—“Cloud Nine” 58 years ago.

On October 25, 1968, Motown released The Temptations next single titled “Cloud Nine”—written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by Whitfield. Around the time, the Tempts sound was changing and so was the world around them. In June of that year, they had fired David Ruffin and replaced him with a young powerful singer named Dennis Edwards. He brought a new sound to the group and the Temptations knew they had to come up with something fresh. When the group was in New York, Otis Williams and his friend Kenny Gamble, a legendary songwriter, was hanging out and heard this new sound being played on the radio. It was Sly & The Family Stone’s classic hit “Dance To The Music.” When they got back to Detroit, Williams went to his friend and the groups then-producer Norman Whitfield about using that song as an inspiration for their next single. At first, Whitfield brushed it off and didn’t pay it no mind. Three weeks later, the group got back from the road and headed to Hitsville to record. When they got back, Whitfield had already recorded the track to what would be called “Cloud Nine.” The song was released in the fall of 1968 and it started off very slow. Their fans were used to their love ballads and it caught them off guard with this new sound that was much different from their last single “Please Return Your Love To Me.” Not long after, the song quickly became a smash hit by reaching No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 2 on the R&B chart. It then went on to win the group and Motown’s very first Grammy Award in March 1969. It was the beginning of the Temptations iconic psychedelic era.

Source: The Strange Brew Podcast w/Dr. Otis Williams of The Temptations (June, 2026) by @temptin__temptations

The Temptations - Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone | Live, Music Fair Japan (1988)

Today, Temptations fans, I have another great performance to showcase to y’all!

This performance of ‎⁨@TheTemptations comes from a Japanese television show called Music Fair that was filmed in late 1988. The group performed one of their most popular hit songs—their 1972 No. 1 Grammy award winning smash “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone.” As seen in the clip, only four out of the usual five were able to attend—with their bass singer Melvin Franklin being missing due to being ill at the time. But even when the Tempts are missing one of their guys, they still go out and put on a fantastic show. This was also around the time Ali Woodson returned to the group after he departed in late 1986. I hope you all enjoy this one! Temptations Forever.

📹‎⁨@5338-p6w⁩ by @temptin__temptations

Happy 59th birthday to the current lead singer of @TheTemptations, Tony Grant!

On October 22, 1967, Tony Grant was born in Forest City, North Carolina. Long before he became apart of Motown royalty, Grant has been well-known to some of us. Many of you might recognize him for acting in some of Tyler Perry’s plays like “The Marriage Counselor,” “A Madea’s Christmas,” “Why Did I Get Married” and many others. He also sung in a R&B group called Az Yet in the late 90s by replacing their lead singer Marc Nelson. In between his acting career, he has release many solo projects over the years and continues to record more. In late 2021, he got the opportunity of a lifetime by becoming a member of the legendary Motown group—The Temptations, replacing Mario Corbino. Ever since, he has helped keep their legacy going by providing his strong and powerful vocals night in and night out. The last original member of The Temptations, Dr. Otis Williams personally calls him “Chocolate Smokey.” Have a blessed birthday, @tonygrantlife22. Temptations Forever by @temptin__temptations

Flip Wilson’s ‘Reverend Leroy’ comedy routine with The Temptations (Live, 1972)

Today, Tempts fans, I want to share with you this funny skit featuring a legendary comedian in the early 70s!

In this funny clip, @TheTemptations made their second appearance on Flip Wilson very own television show that aired in November 1972. Once again, the group join Wilson in his iconic ‘Reverend Leroy’ comedy skit as his five deacons. Throughout the skit, the other four group members are full awake for the sermon except for brother Dennis, who is the only one slumped in the chair asleep from having a reckless night. It’s one of my favorite moments from the Temptations because we get to see another side of them and enjoy the great comedic genius of Flip Wilson. In my opinion, he is very underrated when it comes to all the greats comics of his time. Check out the full skit on my YouTube channel! Temptations Forever.

📹November 23, 1972 by @temptin__temptations