A conversation with the last original Temptation, Otis Williams
By: Felicia Marianna Naoum, Reporter
Updated October 3, 2021
NORTHFIELD, OHIO —
“Love” – Jeannie Schaffer, Parma
“Classic” – Patti Taraskiewicz Schum, Detroit native
“Timeless” -Angie Wise, Brimfield
“SOUL” – Naya Leidy, Grove City
Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park
They (fans) can expect The Temptations to do what they’re known for… we’ll be the way we have been for all these years.” – Otis Williams
It didn’t take long for folks to share one word that comes to mind when they think of this group. These words are powerful and couldn’t be more accurate. “What can make them feel this way”? The Temptations.
For the last 57 years, this group has been resilient through times of change and adversity. The Temptations represent longevity, class, and so much more than a musical group from the 1960s. The Temptations are a culture in and of themselves; they comprise a history that, while refined as a group, still holds true to the roots of Detroit, of Motown, and of the Classic 5.
Fear not, fans, when you arrive at “The Temp’s” show, as original Temptation’s member, Otis Williams, calls the group, you will get the real deal. The Temptations really are still here. “They (fans) can expect The Temptations to do what they’re known for… we’ll be the way we have been for all these years,” assured Otis.
As quickly as fans were naming words to describe the group, they were naming hits, too. With a group this talented and this original, it can be tough to choose a favorite, but the leading song that folks know and love…you guessed it: “My Girl” was the chosen one. After talking to folks, it appears that everyone knows “My Girl.” And along with other classic Temp hits, they will get “My Girl” on January 29 at the Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park.
There are so many reasons to see the show. It must be, “The way they do the things they do…”
True Fans
One thing that hasn’t changed is fans of every age love The Temptations. Brenda Chatman of Cleveland reminisced about her junior high days when she and her friends would go to the YMCA every week for “Canteen Night” to dance. “The DJ mostly played The Temptations; I grew up under them,” said Brenda.
Children loved The Temptations back then, and they still do today. “We have been around a long time and we have seen our audience grow since the sixties. We know that our fan base is stronger- kids as young as 5, 6-years-old,” mentioned Otis.
Otis and I discussed the impact that you, the fans, made on The Temptations. “I’ve seen things that have moved me to tears,” said Otis.
Otis shared a personal fan story. During The Temp’s early years, Otis received a fan letter from a daughter who was writing in for her mother. The mother was about to pass away, and her dying wish was to talk to Otis before she passed. The daughter left the mother’s phone number in the letter. Otis called and from that moment on, he realized, “Wow, they really look at us in such light.” The mother told Otis, “Now I’m ready to leave; I talked to Otis.” The mother was crying and Otis was, too. “I’m bawling on the edge of my bed; I didn’t realize we made this kind of impression. I would never have believed that when we first started out singing,” added Otis.
If tears are not enough to move you, perhaps uniting the human race is.
Motown’s great impact
“Motown music is a positive asset to have; we’ve seen it bring people together.” –Otis Williams, The Temptations
From no age limitations to a lasting culture, The Temptations paved the way with Motown. I asked Otis what he felt Motown music accomplished. His answer was deep and honest. “Motown music helped break down barriers and even bring people together.” Otis shared with me that back in their early years, there would be ropes down the aisles at shows, dividing the audience based on their race. About a year after the division, the ropes were gone. “Blacks and whites were sitting side by side,” said Otis.
That, folks, is what Motown did. It unified our differences. The Temptation’s harmony goes deeper than their hit lyrics, musical chemistry, or adept dance moves. And we know just how pristine and untouchable those moves are.
The Temptations inspire and that is not “Just Our Imagination”
The legacy
In closing, I asked Otis what the legacy of The Temptations will be. “A very impressional one because we’ve been around 57 years. We always try to do great shows regardless of what the personal may be. I like to think it will be a good one. It might be interesting because there have been so many guys in and out of the group.”
Regardless of how many members The Temptations had, they’ve never lost their place in music. Otis said to me, “Temptations Forever.” And that is the note that we will end on. But first…
“Get ready, ’cause here The Temptations come…
January 29 at Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park
Photo courtesy of Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park
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