List of The Temptations Members

List Of The Temptations Members

This page is a chronology of the Motown singing group The Temptations. It lists the members of the group during all phases of the group's history. While the Temptations have frequently changed their lineup, the group has always employed a person for each of the following roles:

  • main lead singer (e.g., David Ruffin)
  • secondary lead singer (e.g., Paul Williams)
  • first tenor/falsetto lead singer (e.g., Eddie Kendricks)
  • bass lead singer (e.g., Melvin Franklin)
  • background second tenor/baritone w/ occasional lead (since 1961 Otis Williams has always held and continues to hold this role)

During their live performances, the falsetto and secondary leads have always been as predominant on stage as the group's official main lead/front man. Also, the falsetto lead position is always considered equal to the main lead position on studio recordings as well; the secondary lead was elevated to almost the same status in the studio from 1968 to 1972 and from 1993 onward.

The background/occasional lead role was originally that of another secondary lead singer before 1961.

The group has performed as a quintet throughout its history, with five exceptions:

  • The Cavaliers' lineup (1955–57)
  • The Primes' lineup (1958–60)
  • April – May 1971 (no falsetto)
  • The 1982 reunion lineup
  • The later half of 1995, following the departure of Ray Davis

Since 1976, the name "The Temptations" has been a registered trademark definitively owned by Otis Williams and (the estate of) Melvin Franklin.

Read more about List Of The Temptations Members:  The Cavaliers, The Primes, Otis Williams & The Siberians/The El Domingoes, The Distants, The Elgins, The Temptations, Timeline

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