Temptations

Rating:
Summary: Growing up in the 60's
Review: While reading this book I realized I did not pay enough attention to the groups that made the songs such hits that I listened to and danced to! I didn't pay much attention to who the hottest groups were and with what songs, I just knew the songs I loved to dance to! I now wish I could turn back time and do it all over again. I thoroughly enjoyed this book; while I was getting out of high school and holding down a job, the Temptations were trying to get their music up on the charts. It's interesting to read what their life was like then, reading the book gets you closer to their lives. I feel very sorry for the deaths of Otis' buddies and original Temptations. I'm sorry they aren't all still with us. Otis, if you get to read this, take care of yourself! I hope I see your group on TV soon, how about that for a new idea?

Rating:
Summary: TEMPTATIONS FOREVER!
Review: I taped the movie on TV, and that was so good, I had to buy this book, as there is so much more information and insights that a movie cannot cover.
Otis Williams is the glue that has kept The Temptations together all these years, so it is only fitting that he be the one to write this memoir.This is an insightful portrayal of one of Motown's top groups. Otis tells the story with great honesty and simplicity, without any mudslinging or gossipy viciousness that is often found in celebrity "tell-all" books. He is frank but fair in his portrayal of various group members, describing their strengths as well as their weaknesses. For example, he talks about David Ruffin's drug problems and huge ego, but also admires David's showmanship and great talent. The tone of the book is very positive, written by somebody who has lived life to the fullest and is grateful to still be alive and singing. At times he is very humble, in awe that God blessed him with the good fortune to be in a group like the Temptations. Even when Otis describes sad or difficult episodes in his life, (such as the death of his only son and fellow Temptations), this book still remain upbeat and even spiritual at times. It is inspiring to see how these men from humble backgrounds were able to become one of the top singing groups of all time. You'll find yourself reading this book again and again.

Rating:
Summary: A Big Fan from Old School!
Review: I read the first edition of this book(in "88"). I borrowed it from the Library.Read it in four days, it was so informative on
life within the group and I loved the pictures. Wished there were
more of them. Being grown in the sixties, you know, I know of them.

I broughtjust about all of their 45's(smiles) and quite a few of
their albums,and now cd's. My loves were David and Eddie.
Otis's account of the group is one that he lived, whether we
like it or, we have to respect him as a living monument to the
group."REALITY CHECK," AS ONE REVIEWER SAID, Otis has a right to
have some bitternes.He put a lot of heart, sweat and tears into
keeping the group together. I also have the dvd of them and the
"Standing In The Shadow of Motown dvd, the Funk Brothers Band's
story, behind Motown's Music. I recomend this one too. Read other
performer's story about Motown for more history.I'll buy this book, for my self and WILL read it. If you don't buy, get it from
the library. God bless you Otis! you must be doing something right!I saw Their Movie, but the book is actuall.

Rating:
Summary: One Of The Best Biographical Books On Music
Review: When I first saw this book, I thought to myself "What can be so different between this and the NBC mini-series." I was wrong. In fact, this book gives more information than the movie, that in some ways it tells a little different version in the story of how one of the most famous R&B groups, in history, had started. For instance, in the movie it shows Elbridge Bryant singing lead on a song called 'Come On'. In Otis's book, he writes that Richard Street sang lead on that song.
It tells all about the countless changes in the group lineup. From day 1 until today, Otis mentions every Temptation that evr stood on stage with them. Also, he writes about Motown, when it was in it's early days, when Mary Wells and the Contours were making hits.
About this book, I give it five stars. It tells more details on the history of Otis Williams, and the Tempations, than any other source. I think Otis Williams tells the story wonderfully. I would recommend this book to any music lover.

Rating:
Summary: Fiiiiiiinaly
Review: 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".

Rating:
Summary: A Big Fan from Old School!
Review: I read the first edition of this book(in "88"). I borrowed it from the Library.Read it in four days, it was so informative on
life within the group and I loved the pictures. Wished there were
more of them. Being grown in the sixties, you know, I know of them.

I broughtjust about all of their 45's(smiles) and quite a few of
their albums,and now cd's. My loves were David and Eddie.
Otis's account of the group is one that he lived, whether we
like it or, we have to respect him as a living monument to the
group."REALITY CHECK," AS ONE REVIEWER SAID, Otis has a right to
have some bitternes.He put a lot of heart, sweat and tears into
keeping the group together. I also have the dvd of them and the
"Standing In The Shadow of Motown dvd, the Funk Brothers Band's
story, behind Motown's Music. I recomend this one too. Read other
performer's story about Motown for more history.I'll buy this book, for my self and WILL read it. If you don't buy, get it from
the library. God bless you Otis! you must be doing something right!I saw Their Movie, but the book is actuall.

Rating:
Summary: Disgusted with Otis
Review: I have read the 1988 version and the updated version of the Otis book. I even went out and bought the DVD. Okay, Otis if you want to hurt your soul brothers you have achieved! Why the hate!! According to you, Melvin and you did not do anything but become true Temps and everyone else was there for personal reasons. I totally agree with one of the reader, I will not buy anything that YOU publish!! Moreover, if you come to my town I will not spend a dime to see the show. Your true hate should be Barry Gordy not four uneducated men who did not understand how to become successful. I don't blame Eddie, Paul, David, and Dennis for their demons however; I blame the one who made 5 million dollars off of Temptations Barry. Yes, the producers wrote the songs but, Temptations brought the songs to life. You were all great in your own special way why do you hate your brothers because you are mad at BG.

BG used five talented men to get what he wanted and it is a shame you did not get that!! When I read the book, I cried for all of you guys not just you Otis!! With little or none education, you guys did not understand that you were being used to point that Paul had to drink; Eddie had to increase smoking, and David bad behavior. Next time you get in mood of bashing your brothers, please ask yourself why they acted like that!!

I am so sorry I bought the 1988 version, the updated version, and the movie. Otis, when you guys were at the top I was a baby I did not get an opportunity to share in the Motown excitement. All I can do just wonder what it was like in that era but after reading your materials I wish I would never pick up the book. I wish Eddie, Paul, Melvin, and David was around so they can help me understand what it was like being a temptation. In the movie, you were referring to David success brings out the worst in people. I think you were talking about yourself.

Recomendation to readers if you are looking for a book that will bash all the members please feel free to buy Otis version. If you want to celebrate the lives of the classic 5, seach for a book that will give a fair balance of each member.

Rating:
Summary: Otis's Version of the Tempts
Review: I love this book and I am grateful that Otis Williams wrote it. But I strongly suggest to all Motown fans to do your own research and read other books because things don't add up with Otis's version of the Temptations. I am not calling the man a liar because I admire him and I think he believes his own story, but I feel that he's trying to add importance to himself by taking away from David, Paul (my favorite), Eddie, Dennis and even Melvin. I didn't like the way he protrayed any of them. Yes, its true that David, Paul, Dennis and Eddie had both ego and personal problems, but I am sure that Otis had his demons too. In fact, from what I hear he wasn't the best person either. But he doesn't show that side to you in his book. The only bad thing he admits to is cheating on his wife and at times, I felt like he was bragging about his relationships with certain women. Although he was kinder to his friend Melvin, he protrayed Melvin as a follower and not a leader. I wonder why? One of the most disturbing tales in his book is about Paul's drinking problem. Its true that he had a problem, but Otis doesn't really talk about Paul's bout with Sickle Cell which made his problem even worst. Also Paul's "suicide" his rather strange and things don't add up (but do the research). I also found it odd that he didn't talk alot about how Berry G. ran Motown and why alot of the artists lived terrible lives after their Motown's glory years and why most died broke. By now, everyone knows that Berry was a cheat, but Otis seems to forgive him more than he forgives his brothers. Part of the reason why they died so young has something to do with Berry. Now, I am not blaming Berry for everything. I have read books that put all the blame on Berry (which I don't agree with), but its doesn't take an expert to realize that the Motown story is mostly sad. We will never hear David, Paul, Eddie, and Melvin's side of the story...and that is why you shouldn't take this book as 100% fact. Maybe the still living Dennis will write his own version. Excellent book, but not perfect.

Rating:
Summary: Otis Williams shame on you
Review: This is another vehicle for you to collect revenues on the backs and memories of the men you supposedly loved like brothers. They didn't need enemies if they had you watching their backs.

I bought the movie and I have read this book, but I will not buy it and add another dime to your pocket. I was completely disgusted when you put that picture of Paul Williams w/a woman other than his wife in this book. They were not divorced and that was downright disrespectful to her and to the memory of the "Ultimate Temptation". Thank god you did give the man credit for being the creative genious behind the Tempts stage performances, you definitely can't take away from the luscious baritone voice of his. You failed to elaborate on your indiscretions with pictures. Like Eddie and David said in the movie, You are just flying on a big hate, and you wish you could've worked it like they did." If everyone would just open their eyes and ears and listen and watch carefully they would see that you think the Temptations were your brain child alone. According to your info the dancing came from Paul and the outfits came from Eddie. You could've done a better job of loving your brothers. You hated each of them because they overshadowed you on every turn. This is absolutely noticeable in everything published about the Temptations, video clips, and newspaper publications. Who cares if you kept the "group" going all this time. The Temptations have been nothing but a group since 1972. You are only enjoying your crossover success now, and true Temptation fans can only love and cherish the Classic 5 lineup. That movie brings me to tears everytime I watch it, simply because it hurts to see that you could further defame the others memories by not telling the truth. What is this about Paul having sickle cell anemia? I need to know. Do you honestly want us to believe that drinking alcohol destroyed Paul's lungs to the point that he could not breathe within a 8-10 year span? My father was born in 1946 and has been drinking since he was a young man. My sister was born in 1965 when My Girl hit and he is still here. Come on man. Which section does this book belong in Non-fiction or Fiction? You didn't even tell the truth and the whole truth about yourself. I think it was a disgrace for you to wait until they were all dead to publish this.

Rating:
Summary: One man's view...and that's all it is.
Review: I love the Tempts...HoF to be precise. My favorite is Eddie, followed by Paul, then David, then Dennis.

Let me just say. The only ones who know everything that went on in the Tempts were the Tempts, yet this book, for me, left a lot to be desired. This definitely isn't my favorite Motown book. I agree with those, on Amazon.com and off, who say that this book negatively portrayed David and Eddie. For example, there is a passage that relays a meeting during the Reunion tour. Apparently the Motown exec in charge of the meeting didn't really care at all for the Tempts at this stage in their career...but you wouldn't have known that until AFTER you read about David and Eddie seemingly flying off the handle for no apparent reason. It appeared as if all the author could recall was David and Eddie's "fits of anger," and couldn't remember what set them off. Yeah, sure... I took it as, the author (either Otis or Romanowski) wanted to paint Eddie and David as spoiled stars. There were too many holes in the passage for me to think otherwise. And then a couple of sentences later, he looks back, and says he wishes that he had joined Eddie and David. Could this mean that they weren't the egotists that they are painted to be? Hmm???

Before I close, I want to comment on the updated chapter. I wonder if Otis realized what he said. In the updated chapter, he implies-actually he basically states--that now that the others are gone, he can say what he wants. He states that in '88, he held stuff back. Is there really more than one way to interpret this??? He talks about how weak Eddie's voice was during the Reunion show...yet in the first addition, he says that "Eddie did his job beautifully." Which is it, Mr. Williams??? Similar statements are made about David. My thing is this, what's the point in bringing it up over ten years after they died?? Who is it helping to hear you backtrack some information? Also, reading that made me wonder about the part he tells about the last time he spoke with Eddie (before his passing). Only Otis, Eddie, and God know if that really went down, but I do have to question his bashing of Eddie's voice in 2002 and then writing about his last communication w/him.

I give it three stars---mainly for the pictures. I don't particularly care for this book. I take issue w/plenty of it. I don't know anymore than most, but there are some things that do not seem to jive with me.

Oh, and I think it's about time that we acknowledge that the Temptations were a merging of two groups: the Primes and the Distants. It wasn't the dream of one man...but of five. Especially given the vocal talent of the said one man. Eddie ("he brought a half, and I brought a half"--Eddie himself said this phrase) considered it a merger and that is much more gracious and giving than one man, sole founder/creator of the group.

Like I said, the pics are good. Except for one. Given the impression of a certain original Tempt given in the book (and the movie for that matter), they really could have found a better shot. I'm sure Big O had better pictures. Read the book and you'll see which one I mean.

Read it to see a original Tempt's view...but DEFINITELY don't take it as gospel.