Otis Williams, the Last Original Temptation, on Storied Band, Broadway Play

The Temptations founder and only surviving original member, whose life story inspired a current Broadway play, says the band keeps rollin’ on, no matter what.

Detroit is known for the Motown Sound. But among all the music stars launched by Berry Gordy’s label, there are still some sounds that stand out.

Cue the tunes of the Temptations.

Songs like “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” made the Temptations are one of the most successful groups in music history. And the group’s tumultuous back story is so profound it’s become the basis for a Broadway show.

The Temptations are still performing, including a concert with the Righteous Brothers at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights.

Here’s the Temptation’s latest lineup doing their thing during a recent Fourth of July celebration.

 

The Temptation’s founder, the only surviving original member, is Otis Williams. He tells WDET’s Quinn Klinefelter even the group is surprised by its longevity.

“Show business is cyclical, and you make of it whatever you want to make of yourself,” says Williams. 

Click the audio link above to hear WDET’s Quinn Klinefelter interview Otis Williams on his life and career.

Author

  • Quinn Klinefelter
    Quinn Klinefelter is a Senior News Editor at 101.9 WDET. In 1996, he was literally on top of the news when he interviewed then-Senator Bob Dole about his presidential campaign and stepped on his feet.