Temptations

by Otis Williams

Book Overview

The Temptations were the most commercially successful and critically lauded male vocal group of the Sixties and Seventies. Through the years, the group's trademark razor-sharp choreography, finely tuned harmonies, and compelling vocals made them the exemplars of the Motown style. This is the frank, revealing story of the legendary supergroup, told by its founder, Otis Williams.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0399133135
• ISBN13: 9780399133138
• Release Date: September 1988
• Publisher: Putnam Publishing Group
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.

Customer Reviews

More Tempting Than Before!!

I purchased "Temptations" by Otis Williams and Patricia Romanowski when the book was first released back in 1988. I loved it because finally the tale of one of my favorite musical groups had been told. Then, in 1998, I saw the miniseries based on the book that I had read back in 1988. Now, if you want to know the real story, you have to read the book. The miniseries does give you the bases of the story, but the books gives you all of the story. I recently purchased the updated version of the book with the addition of Chapter 10. FOLKS, stop paying those outlandish prices for the 1988 version, and get the updated version. It has the entire book, plus the addition of a new chapter. Thank you Otis for giving us the last 14 years of the Temptations' story in the new updated version. It made me sad and happy all in those pages of Chapter 10. Now, if in the next 14 years you decide to add a Chapter 11, I am there.Haha! I recommend the updated version to everyone out there who wants to know the story. GOD bless you, Otis Williams.

What really happened to Eddie Kendricks?

I enjoyed the 1998 movie of "The Temptations". I grew up in the 60's therefore not really into R & B at that time, but now, I appreciate the music so much that I feel each member really put alot of effort into making the group a success. Aside from the downfalls that the group suffered, I would like to know what really happened to Eddie Kendricks. From the tabloids to rumors Eddie died from a drug overdose. The character (Terron) who played Eddie mostly had a cigarette in his hand if you noticed and it was also mentioned in the movie that it was lung cancer that caught Eddie - so I am confused as to Eddie's death. I was disappointed as to why Eddie and David did not have a funeral in the movie. I most of all enjoyed Eddie's music as I was growing up in the 70's and I miss him dearly. I would like to write to the character who portrayed Eddie and let him know that his character was played to perfection and that he does have some identical features like Eddie. May God bless the familes of the Temptations who have lost their love ones.

Fiiiiiiinaly

After searching hell and high water, I finally got my hands on this book---it's not the hardcover, but who cares. I noticed in some of the other reviews that people were asking where they could find a copy---check your public library; that's where I finally got a hold of a copy. I was not disappointed. I was pleased with the way Otis told the story; he didn't make himself out to be the good guy. I purchased the movie several months ago and I watch a portion of it every night--my sixteen year old daughter thinks I'm crazy. After reading the book I got a somewhat better feel of the torment Paul was going through. I just wish that someway, somehow he could have been helped. When he sang, you could almost hear him pleading for help. His death was such a tragic lose of talent and life. Almost everyone seems to think that David Ruffin was the greatest singer of all time. He could blow alright, however, I recently purchased the "With a Lot O' Soul" cd and the last song on it is "Don't Send Me Away" led by Otis. It blew me away. It's one of those songs we used to slow dance to in the basement of someones home at a party. Otis' voice is so clear with an angelic quality---no riffs, no screaming. If you've heard it before, but not in awhile; I'd suggest listening to it again, if you've not heard it you might want to get it--I think you'll be glad you did. In February, the Temptations will be coming to my home town to do a concert. I've got my tickets and can hardly wait. Even though it's not the original line up, I'm just as excited. As long as Otis is singing, they will still be "The Temptations".

I don't think a better movie could be made about the Temps.

The video stores can't keep the movie in stock. I purchased the last copy just yesterday from one of our Blockbusters. Prior to that I've repeatedly rented the movie. I've viewed it atleast 30 times and could watch it once every day. All of the actors were excellent! But LEON's performance as David Ruffin totally blew me away. I had to look at an actual photo of Ruffin to remember what he looked like after LEON's performance. I actually saw the Temps perform at Western University in Illinois just after Dennis Edwards joined the group (1969/70). For me, there are only 5 that I consider Temps--Paul, Otis, David, Eddie & Melvin. I wish the movie had given more attention to Eddie Kendricks, especially his death from lung cancer. Now I am in search of the book by Williams and Romanowski. It needs to be put back in print.