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Glad folks like this one. Happened upon it a couple weeks ago by accident while watching a pretty decent Christmas film, The Holdovers. Midway through the film this tune was faintly audible in the background. I asked Siri, "What's playing?" She nailed the song and the group.
Released in 1968 by the original Temptations lineup with Eddie Kendricks on lead falsetto. This version of Silent Night is among the greatest soul Christmas performances ever recorded. A masterpiece!
@Mona - Thanks. I came across that awesome VEVO recording of Silent Night you posted and decided to use a stage performance instead. The VEVO has superior acoustical quality being studio recorded. I'm wondering now if I might have gotten the date wrong on the OP? Would love to hear how the group members on stage (in the OP) differ from the '68 VEVO recording if at all. Is the OP really from '80? Or did I guess wrong on the date?
@hank. I do not think that you got the date wrong.
In 1968, the Temptations consisted of Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklyn, Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards, and Paul Williams. Actually, sometime in 1968, David Ruffin was fired and replaced by Dennis Edwards. But, by the time the 1968 version of Silent Night was recorded, Dennis Edwards was in the group.
In 1980, they consisted of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklyn, Louis Price, Ron Tyson, and Glen Leonard.
Ahh ... So Franklin (the wonderful baritone) was in both the '68 and '80 group. Looks like there's a film out there about the group and Ruffin whose behavioral issues led to his firing.
Each temptation offered something unique, and together they created something truly exceptional.
The Distants became the Temptations in 1960 and at that time, Elbridge Bryant was part of the group. In 1964 David Ruffin replaced Elbridge, but Ruffin is generally considered an original member.
Yes, Ruffin had behavioral problems (huge ego), including demanding that the group be renamed David Ruffin and the Temptations. He picked up this idea from Diana Ross and The Supremes (they were dating at one point). I was partial to David Ruffin's tenor (raspy but not harsh) voice and magnetic presence. Listen to these songs where he was lead:
I Wish It Would Rain My Girl Since I Lost My Baby Ain't Too Proud To Beg
While My Girl is his signature, I Wish It Would Rain is my favorite.
@Mona. Good Temps knowledge. Growing up in Detroit in the golden age of Motown ,, the Temps were the soundtrack of my youth. My peer group were late to the Beatles and Stones.
Comments
There were none better than David Ruffin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, and Dennis Edwards.
In 1968, the Temptations consisted of Eddie Kendricks, Melvin Franklyn, Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards, and Paul Williams. Actually, sometime in 1968, David Ruffin was fired and replaced by Dennis Edwards. But, by the time the 1968 version of Silent Night was recorded, Dennis Edwards was in the group.
In 1980, they consisted of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklyn, Louis Price, Ron Tyson, and Glen Leonard.
Thank you @Mona!
Ahh ... So Franklin (the wonderful baritone) was in both the '68 and '80 group. Looks like there's a film out there about the group and Ruffin whose behavioral issues led to his firing.
The Distants became the Temptations in 1960 and at that time, Elbridge Bryant was part of the group. In 1964 David Ruffin replaced Elbridge, but Ruffin is generally considered an original member.
Yes, Ruffin had behavioral problems (huge ego), including demanding that the group be renamed David Ruffin and the Temptations. He picked up this idea from Diana Ross and The Supremes (they were dating at one point). I was partial to David Ruffin's tenor (raspy but not harsh) voice and magnetic presence. Listen to these songs where he was lead:
I Wish It Would Rain
My Girl
Since I Lost My Baby
Ain't Too Proud To Beg
While My Girl is his signature, I Wish It Would Rain is my favorite.