American R&B/soul group formed in Detroit in 1960. Long-running lineup has rotated extensively but historically centered on Otis Williams (b. 1941, the only original member still active as of 2025) with David Ruffin (1941-1991), Eddie Kendricks (1939-1992), Paul Williams (1939-1973), and Melvin Franklin (1942-1995) defining the classic mid-1960s lineup. The defining male vocal group of the Motown era.
Released over 40 studio albums between Meet the Temptations (1964) and Temptations 60 (2022). Commercial peak: a string of mid-1960s hits including "My Girl," "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "I Wish It Would Rain," and the psychedelic-soul late-1960s era ("Cloud Nine," "Psychedelic Shack," "Just My Imagination," "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone"). Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989.