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The Temptations

    The Cavaliers - A high school band formed in Birmingham, Alabama. Members Edward James Kendricks, Paul Williams, Cal Osborne and Wiley Waller. After graduating from school they moved to Cleveland and met manager Milton Jenkins, who felt the group would do better based out of Detroit. Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams and Cal Osborne did so, then changed their name to The Primes. Meanwhile Otis Miles of Texarkana, Texas, moved to Detroit in 1950 and in 1959 formed a street-corner group called The Elegants with Elbridge Bryant, Melvin Franklin (real name David English), his cousin Richard Street and Albert Harrell, all friends from Northwestern High School. During this period they found out about the white group called The Elegants and thus became The Questions then changing their name once more to The Distants. The Primes met The Distants at a party thrown by Janette Poole, a friend of The Distants. Richard Street and Albert Harrell soon departed and the two groups merged into one. The members were now Otis Miles (now calling himself Otis Williams) Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams and Elbrige "Al" Bryant. Milton Jenkins arranged local club work for the group and they became The Elgins. This is when Berry Gordy spotted the group and signed them to his Motown subsidiary Miracle records. Standing on the porch of Motown's Hitsville office Otis Williams and label employee Billy Mitchell came up with the name The Temptations for the group.

Otis Williams & The Siberians (Members Otis Williams, Elbridge Bryant, James "Pee Wee" Crawford, Arthur Walton And Vernard Plain -- Lead)

?  - Pecos Kid / All Of My Life - 1958 Only reference to this release is Otis Williams in his book The Temptations.

The El Domingoes (Members Otis Williams, Elbridge Bryant, James "Pee Wee" Crawford, Arthur Walton And Vernard Plain -- Lead)

Little David Bush (David Ruffin)

Vega 1002 - Believe Me / You And I - 1958

Eddie Bush (David Ruffin)

? - Statue Of A Fool / ? - ? (78 Rpm Format)

The Voice Masters (Members Ty Hunter, C.P. Spencer, Lamont Dozier, David Ruffin And Freddie Gorman)

Anna 101 - Hope And Pray / Oop's I'm Sorry - 1959 (This was the first release on the Anna Label)
Anna 102 - Needed / Needed (For Lovers Only) - 1959

Ty Hunter & The Voice Masters

Anna 1114 - Everything About You / Orphan Boy - 1960
Anna 1123 - Every Time / I'm Free - 1960

David Ruffin

Anna 1127 - I'm In Love / One Of These Days - 1960

The Voice Masters

Frisco 15235 - In Love In Vain /  Two Lovers - 1960 (Identification Number shown since no selection number is used)

The Distants (Members Richard Street (Strick) (Former singer with High School group The Swallows), Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eldrige Bryant And James Crawford)

Northern 3732 - Come On* / Always** - 1960 *Co-Written by Johnnie Mae Matthews. **Written by Ex-Member Vernard Plain. (This label number was also assigned to Johnnie Mae Matthews with "So Lonely / Help Me" and also Pop Corn & His Mohawks with "Pretty Girl / You're The One")

The Distants Vocal By Richard Strick

Warwick 546 - Come On / Always - 1960

The Distants

Northern ? - Alright / Open Your Heart - 1960 (Backing Vocals The Andantes) - Reference to this release is Otis Wiliams in his book The Temptations.
Warwick 577 - Always Open Up Your Heart -1960

The Temptations (Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams And Elbrige Bryant)

Miracle 5 - Oh, Mother Of Mine / Romance Without Finance - 1961
Miracle 12 - Check Yourself / Your Wonderful Love* - 1961 *Covered In 1969 by Chuck Jackson on Motown 1144. This was the last release on the Miracle Label. 

Richard Street & The Distants (Members Richard Street, Eddie Kendricks And Paul Williams)

Thelma 82335/6 - Answer Me / Save Me From This Misery - 1961
Harmon 1002 - Answer Me / Save Me From This Misery - 1962

David Ruffin

Check-Mate 1003 - Actions Speak Louder Than Words / You Can Get What I Got - 1961
Check-Mate 1010 - Knock You Out (With Love) / Mr. Bus Driver (Hurry) - 1962

The Temptations

Gordy 7001 - Dream Come True / Isn't She Pretty - 1962 (The first issue on the Gordy Label)
Gordy 7010 - Paradise / Slow Down Heart - 1962

The Pirates

Mel-O-Dy 105 - Mind Over Matter (I'm Gonna Make You Mine)* / I'll Love You Till I Die - 1962 (The Group Was The Temptations) *Written by Nolan Strong who also released it in 1962 on Fortune 546.

The Temptations

Gordy 7015 - I Want A Love I Can See / The Further You Look, The Less You See - 1963
Gordy 7020 - May I Have This Dance? / Farewell, My Love - 1963 (Elbrige Bryant leaves group and is replaced by David Ruffin after this release)
Gordy 7028 - The Way You Do The Things You Do* / Just Let Me Know - 1964 *Lead Eddie Kendricks - Song also covered In 1969 by Diana Ross & The Supremes & The Temptations on Motown 1142.

Liz Lands & The Temptations

Gordy 7030 - Keep Me / Midnight Johnny - 1964

The Temptations

Gordy 7032 - I'll Be In Trouble / The Girl's Alright With Me* - 1964 *Also released in 1974 by The Undisputed Truth on Gordy 7139.
Gordy 7035 - Girl (Why you Wanna Make Me Blue) / Baby, Baby I Need You - 1964

Hitsville U.S.A. Dm 097311 - Greetings To The Tamla Motown Appreciation Society - 1964 This American record was limited to 300 copies for dispersal throughout various European Fan Clubs as a Promo for their first European tour. Each act gives an individual greeting over it's latest Record. Artists involved are The Miracles, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Marvelettes, The Temptations, Martha And The Vandellas, The Contours, Eddie Holland, Kim Weston And The Supremes. The record has an introduction from Publicist Margaret Phelps and Berry Gordy.

The Temptations

Gordy 7038 - My Girl* /  (Talking 'Bout) Nobody But My Baby - 1965 *Lead David Ruffin - Song also released in 1968 by Stevie Wonder on Tamla 54168.
Gordy 7040 - It's Growing* / What Love Has Joined Together** - 1965 *Song also released in 1968 by Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers on Gordy 7079. **Originally released in 1963 by
Mary Wells on Motown 1042.
Gordy 7043 - Since I Lost My Baby / You've Got To Earn It - 1965
Gordy 7047 - My Baby / Don't Look Back - 1965
Gordy 7049 - Get Ready* / Fading Away** - 1966 *Also released in 1970 by Rare Earth on Rare Earth 5012 And In 1979 by Smokey Robinson on Tamla 54301. **Covered in 1968 by
Bobby Taylor & The Vancouvers on Gordy 7069.
Gordy 7054 - Ain't Too Proud To Beg - 1966 (One Sided Disc)
Gordy 7054 - Ain't To Proud To Beg / You'll Lose A Precious Love - 1966 (Issued with Picture Sleeve)
Gordy 7055 - Beauty Is Only Skin Deep / You're Not An Ordinary Girl - 1966 (Issued with Picture Sleeve)
Gordy 7057 - (I Know) I'm Losing You* / I Couldn't Cry If I Wanted To** - 1966 *Also released In 1970 by Rare Earth on Rare Earth 5017. **Originally released in 1963 by Eddie Holland on Motown 1049.

Various Artists

Motown 2482 - Seasons Greetings From Motown - 1966 very short "Christmas Greetings" Radio Station spots are delivered By Martha And The Vandellas, The Temptations, The Miracles, Shorty Long, The Velvelettes, The Spinners, The Four Tops, The Elgins and The Supremes ---- Issued in red vinyl.

The Temptations

Gordy 7061 - All I Need / Sorry Is A Sorry Word* - 1967 *Also released in 1970 By Ivy Jo on V.I.P.  25055.
Topps/Motown 4 - My Girl - 1967 (Cardboard Record)
Topps/Motown 13 - The Way You Do The Things You Do - 1967 (Cardboard Record)
Gordy 7063 - You're My Everything* / I've Been Good To You - 1967 (Has Gordy on top of label) *Also released in 1970  by
Gladys Knight & The Pips on Soul 35071.
Gordy 7063 - You're My Everything / I've Been Good To You* - 1967 (Has Gordy on left side of label) *Originally released in 1961 by The Miracles on Tamla 54053.
Gordy 7065 - (Loneliness Made Me Realize) It's You That I Need / Don't Send Me Away - 1967
Gordy 7067 - All I Need / All I Need - 1967 (White Label Promo Issue Only)
Gordy 7068 - I Wish It Would Rain / I Truly, Truly Believe - 1967
Gordy 7072 - I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You) / Gonna Give Her All The Love I've Got* - 1968 *Originally released in 1967 by
Jimmy Ruffin on Soul 35032. 
Gordy 7074 - Please Return Your Love To Me / How Can I Forget* - 1968 David Ruffin leaves and is replaced by Dennis Edwards after this release. *Also released in 1969 by Marvin Gaye on Tamla 54190. 
Gordy 7081 - Cloud Nine* / Why Did She Have To Leave Me (Why Did She Have To Go) - 1968 (This 45 became Motown's first Grammy Winner - For Best Group R & B Performance) *Also released in 1969 by Gladys Knight & The Pips on Soul 35068 and in 1971 by
Edwin Starr on Gordy 7107

Diana Ross & The Supremes & The Temptations

Motown 1137 - I'm Gonna Make You Love Me / A Place In The Sun - 1968

The Temptations

Gordy 7082 - Silent Night / Rudolph, The Red-Nosed Reindeer - 1968  
Gordy 7084 - Run Away Child, Running Wild* / I Need Your Love - 1969 *Also released in 1969 by Earl Van Dyke on Soul 35059.

Diana Ross & The Supremes & The Temptations

Motown 1142 - I'll Try Something New / The Way You Do The Things You Do - 1969

The Temptations

Gordy 7086 - Don't Let The Joneses Get You Down / Since I've Lost You* - 1969 *Originally released in 1964 by Jimmy Ruffin on Soul 35002.
Gordy 7093 - I Can't Get Next To You / Running Away (Ain't Gonna Help You) - 1969

Diana Ross & The Supremes & The Temptations

Motown 1150 - Stubborn Kind Of Fellow / Try It Baby - 1969
Motown 1153 - The Weight / For Better Or Worse - 1969

The Temptations

Gordy 7096 - Psychedelic Shack / That's The Way Love Is* - 1970 *Originally released in 1967 by The Isley Brothers On Tamla 54154.
Gordy 7099 - Ball Of Confusion (That's What The World Is Today)* / It's Summer - 1970 *Also released in  1971 by The Undisputed Truth on Gordy 7112 and in 1972 by Edwin Starr on Soul 35096.  (Issued With Picture Sleeve and some copies came in red vinyl)
Gordy 7102 - Ungena Za Ulimwengu (Unite The World) / Hum Along And Dance* - 1970 *Covered in 1973 by Rare Earth on Rare Earth 5054. (Some copies issued in red vinyl)
Gordy 7105 - Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) / Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)* - 1971 (White Label Promo Issue Only) *Also released in 1973 by The Undisputed Truth on Gordy 7130.
Gordy 7105 - Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me) */ You Make Your Own Heaven And Hell Right Here On Earth** - 1971* Lead Eddie Kendricks -- He leaves group shortly after this release to start a solo career at Motown. Also Paul Williams leaves due to ill health. Both are replaced by Damon Harris (From The Vandals And T-Neck) and Richard Street (From The Distants And The Monitors) Also at this time Ricky Owens (Of The Vibrations) sang with the group for a short time. **Also released in 1971 by The Undisputed Truth on Gordy 7112.
Gordy 7109 - It's Summer / I'm The Exception To The Rule* - 1971 Members Otis Williams, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin And Dennis Edwards. *Originally released in 1965 by The Velvelettes on V.I.P. 25017.
Gordy 7111 - Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are) / Gonna Keep On Tryin' Till I Win Your Love* - 1971 Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Damon Harris And Dennis Edwards. *Also released in 1975  by David Ruffin on Motown 1336.**Also released in 1967 by Edwin Starr on Gordy 7066 and also in 1970 on Gordy 7104. In 1968 by Jimmy Ruffin on Soul 35053. In 1969 by Marvin Gaye on Tamla 54185. In 1973 by The Undisputed Truth on Gordy 7124.  
Gordy 7115 - Take A Look Around / Smooth Sailing (From Now On) - 1972
Gordy 7119 - Mother Nature / Funky Music Sho Nuff Turns Me On* - 1972 *Originally released in 1971 by Edwin Starr on Gordy 7107.
Gordy 7121 - Papa Was A Rollin' Stone / (Instrumental)* - 1972 (Originally released In 1972 by The Undisputed Truth on Gordy 7117) *Flip won a Grammy as Best Instrumental.
Gordy 7126 - Masterpiece (Vocal) / Masterpiece (Instrumental) - 1972 
Gordy 7129 - Plastic Man / Hurry Tomorrow - 1973
Gordy 7131 - Hey Girl (I Like Your Style) / Ma* - 1973 *Also released in 1973 by Rare Earth on Rare Earth 5053 and on Rare Earth 5056.
Gordy 7133 - Let Your Hair Down / Ain't No Justice - 1973
Gordy 7135 - Heavenly / Zoom - 1974
Gordy 7136 - You've Got My Soul On Fire* / I Need You - 1974 *Originally released in 1973 by Edwin Starr on Motown 1276.

The Temptations / The Temptations Band

Gordy 7138 - Happy People / Happy People (Instrumental) - 1974 *Flip By The Temptations Band.

The Temptations

Gordy 7142 - Shakey Ground / I'm A Bachelor - 1975
Gordy 7144 - Glasshouse / The Prophet - 1975 Around this time Damon Harris is replaced by Glenn Leonard (From The Unifics)
Gordy 7146 - Keep Holding On / What You Need Most (I Do Best Of All) - 1975 Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Glenn Leonard And Dennis Edwards.
Gordy 7150 - Up The Creek (Without A Paddle) / Darling Stand By Me (Song For A Woman) - 1976
Gordy 7151 - Who Are You (And What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life) - 1976 (Single Sided Disc -Promo Issue Only)
Gordy 7151 - Who Are You (And What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life) / Darling Stand By Me (Song For A Woman) - 1976 (Unreleased)
Gordy 7152 - Let Me Count The Ways (I Love You) / Who Are You (And What Are You Doing The Rest Of Your Life) - 1976
Atlantic 3436 - In A Lifetime / I Could Never Stop Loving You - 1977 Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Glenn Leonard And Louis Price.
Atlantic 3461 - Think For Yourself / Let's Live In Peace - 1978
Atlantic 3517 - Bare Back / I See My Child - 1978
Atlantic 3538 - Ever Ready Love / Touch Me Again - 1978
Atlantic 3567 - Mystic Woman / I Just Don't Know How To Let You Go - 1979
Gordy 7182 - Power / Power - 1980 (Promo Copy -- Red Vinyl -- Same Version Both Sides)
Gordy 7183 - Power / Power (Part 2) - 1980 Lineup now consists of a returned Dennis Edwards, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street And Glenn Leonard.
Gordy 7188 - Struck By Lightning Twice / I'm Coming Home - 1980
Gordy 7208 - Aiming At Your Heart / The Life Of A Cowboy - 1981
Gordy 7213 - Oh What A Night / Isn't The Night Fantastic - 1981

The Temptations Featuring Rick James

Gordy 1616 - Standing On The Top - Part 1 / Standing On The Top - Part 2 - 1982 (Rick James Is Melvin Franklin's Nephew) Members On This 45 Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Dennis Edwards, Richard Street, Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin And Glenn Leonard.

The Temptations

Gordy 1631 - More On The Inside / Money's Hard To Get - 1982
Gordy 1654 - Silent Night / Everything For Christmas - 1982 Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Glenn Leonard And Dennis Edwards.
Gordy 1666 - Love On My Mind Tonight / Bring Your Body (Exercise Chant)   - 1983
Gordy 1683 - Made In America / Surface Thrills - 1983

The Temptations / Finis Henderson

Motown 119 - Surface Thrill* / ** ? - 1983 ( 12" Promo Issue Only) *The Temptations Only. **Finis Henderson Only.

The Temptations

Gordy 1707 - Miss Busy Body (Get Your Body Busy) (Part 1) (Vocal) / Miss Busy Body (Get Your Body Busy) (Part 2) (Instrumental) - 1983 Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Ron Tyson And Dennis Edwards.
Gordy 1713 - Silent Night / Everything For Christmas - 1983
Gordy 1720 - Sail Away / Isn't The Night Fantastic - 1984
Gordy 1765 - Treat Her Like A Lady / Isn't The Night Fantastic - 1984 Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Ron Tyson And Ali-Ollie Woodson.
Gordy 1781 - My Love Is True (Truly For You) / Set Your Love Right - 1985
Gordy 1789 - How Can You Say That It's Over / I'll Keep My Light In My Window - 1985
Gordy 1818 - Do You Really Love Your Baby / I'll Keep My Light In My Window - 1985
Motown 4550 - Do You Really Love Your Baby (3 Versions) / I'll Keep My Light In Your Window - 1985 (12" Release)
Gordy 1834 - Touch Me / Set Your Love Right - 1986

The Temptations / Smokey Robinson

Motown 1837 - A Fine Mess */ Wishful Thinking - 1986 * From The Film Of Same Title. Flip Is By Smokey Robinson

The Temptations / Jackson 5 / De Barge / The Commodores

Quaker - Motown Sound - 1986 (45rpm Cardboard Picture Disc Issued With Box Of "Quaker Granola Dipp Bars". No Selection Number Used)

The Temptations

Motown 180 - A Fine Mess / A Fine Mess - 1986 (12" Promo Issue)
Gordy 1856 - Lady Soul / Put Us Together Again - 1986
Gordy 1871 - To Be Continued / You're The One - 1986
Motown 1908 - I Wonder Who She's Seeing Now* / Girls (They Like It) - 1987 * Harmonica Solo By Stevie Wonder -- Members Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street, Ron Tyson And Dennis Edwards.
Gordy 1881 - Someone / Love Me Right - 1987 (Last Issue On The Gordy Label)
Motown 1920 - Look What You Started / More Love, Your Love - 1987
Motown 4598 - Look What You Started (4 Versions) / More Love, Your Love - 1987 (12" Release)
Motown Yesteryear 690 - Silent Night / Everything For Christmas - 198?
Motown 1933 - Do You Wanna Go With Me / Put Your Foot Down - 1988
Motown 1974 - All I Want From You / (Instrumental) - 1989
Motown 4649 - All I Want From You / (Instrumental) - 1989 (12" Release)
Motown L33-17880 - All I Want From You (Club Mix) / (Debbie Favorite Mix) - 1989 (12" Promo Issue)
Motown 2023 - Soul To Soul / (Instrumental) - 1990
Motown L33-18149 - Soul To Soul (3 Versions) - 1990 (12" Promo Issue)
Motown L33-18206 - One Step At A Time (3 Versions) - 1990 (12" Promo Issue)#
Motown 53954 - Get Ready 1990 (4 Versions) - 1990 (12" Release)
Motown 1132 - Get Ready 1990 (4 Versions) - 1990 (12" Promo Issue)

The 1991 Temptations Lineup Includes Ali-Ollie Woodson, Damon Harris, Richard Street, Ron Tyson, And Louis Price.

Motown 1604 - The Jones (4 Versions) - 1991 (12" Promo Issue)
Motown 37463 1025 1 - Hoops On Fire (3 Versions) - 1992 (12" Promo Issue)
Motown 860862-7 - Stay* / My Girl - 1998 *Produced By Narada Michael Walden.

The 2001 Temptations lineup includes Harry McGilberry (the 17th Temptation replacing Melvin Franklin), Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks (in group since 1997) and Barrington "Bo" Henderson (in group since 1998)

Harry McGilberry worked extensively for Philly International in the 1970's , initially as a member of The Futures (remembered for their 1975 album "Castles In The Sky") as well as providing backing vocals on McFadden & Whitehead's "Ain't No Stopping Us Now" and artists such as Patti LaBelle, Lou Rawls, Billy Paul and Teddy Pendergrass).

Discography by Bosko Asanovic with additions from Dave Rimmer, Colton Thomas, and Steve Robbins