Temptations

by Otis Williams, Patricia Romanowski

The Temptations were the most commercially successful and critically lauded male vocal group of the '60s and '70s. 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.

Genres: Music, Nonfiction, Biography, History, Memoir, African American, Autobiography

Paperback

First published September 1, 1988

About the author

Otis Williams is an American second tenor/baritone singer. He is occasionally also a songwriter and a record producer. Williams is the founder and last surviving original member of the Motown vocal group The Temptations, a group in which he continues to perform; he also owns the rights to the Temptations name.

Reviews

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a kind of obsession with that late 80’s period of time when nostalgia for 60’s music kind of seeped into popular culture. I remember very well the mayonnaise and Hi-C commercials that reworked songs by Gene Chandler and The Four Tops, and the “Mac Tonight” McDonald’s mascot. At the height of that mania Otis Williams released this memoir about his time as a member and founder of The Temptations.

I enjoyed it, though it got a little repetitive toward the end - that guy was replaced by this guy, who was replaced by that guy, who was replaced by this other guy, almost like a genealogy in the Bible. But there were a lot of great insights into the Motown era.

Even in a book written by Williams, David Ruffin is the fascinating star of the story. As usual with this kind of book, I spent a lot of time watching moments mentioned in the book on YouTube and the coolest thing I found was this video - https://youtu.be/N0268Le2mBA - of Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks on stage at the Apollo in 1985 with Hall and Oates (during a time when Ruffin and Kendricks were on the outs with the Temps), and Ruffin - emaciated from cocaine abuse - absolutely slaying “My Girl.” He was such a talent.

But Otis is the Temptation you’d want to be lifelong friends with, and it was great to go along with him for a while as he told his story.

Thanks Courtney for the recommendation.

I will update this review after I watch the 1998 movie based on this book.

UPDATE: The 1998 miniseries is amazing. I highly recommend it, and it may be one of my favorite movies ever.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a huge Temptations fan, this book was an essential read. Otis just tells it like he sees it, although in the updated version he explains how he held back to spare the others. I would love to see individual bios on all the guys. I am also very fortunate to have a signed copy!

[Ice · Rating 4 out of 5]

With Romanowski, coauthor of Vanna Speaks , Williams, founder of the Temptations, a blues group that sang its way to the top of the charts in the 1960s, tells a vivid story of good times and bad: Motown's super group has been plagued by violent quarrels, drug and alcohol abuse, suicide.

The Temptations have often been on the verge of falling apart, but Williams, according to the authors, has always been able to pull them together again, even to pick up the pieces of their troubled relationship with Motown founder Berry Gordy. Among other tidbits, the book provides illuminating insights into the famous "Motown U," where singers were instructed in charm and deportment as well as musical skills. The group is still going strong, though membership has changed over the years, and Williams writes as a man who is proud of having kept it alive for so long.

[David Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a great story and there is no better person to hear it from. Otis does a great job telling it like it is (at least from his point of view). The details of how things were done at Motown were particularly notable.

[Patrick Acenas · Rating 4 out of 5]

i read it fully !!!!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding! What a wild and wonderful journey. Original Temptation, Otis Williams weaves a terrific story of the groups history and adventures

[Kev Willoughby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I'm not old enough to remember the Temptations during their heyday, I've always enjoyed their music. This was a definitive look at the group, provided by the founder and only surviving member, Otis Williams.

In many ways, this story is typical of the memoirs of many/most musicians: the record label ripped them off while they were naive and just trying to get noticed; they could have been more successful if the radio guys would have played their songs more; sex, drugs, and alcohol abuse derailed once-promising careers and lives; too much time on the road took away from enjoyment of family life; they kept touring long after their popularity waned and their families fell apart in order to satisfy the urge to have more control of their careers; and in the end they enjoyed fame and success, but at a steep personal price.

With that said, I was surprised and pleased to learn that a couple of the Temptations were from my home state of Alabama. But as a whole, the story of the Temptations was a sad one, and this book testifies to the struggles that each of them had in getting along with each other and with other members of their family throughout their careers. There was also quite a bit of turnover throughout the years, with over a dozen different singers coming in and going out from the mostly five-member group over the decades that they have performed, and during the time while the founding members were still alive. To a man, they each endured significant personal tragedy along the way.

But in spite of all that, I appreciated the optimistic outlook of Otis Williams and his consistent attempts at reconciliation and unity (granted that this book only provides his point of view of those events). I wish I had been able to catch the Temptations in concert. Not only did they have some legendary songs, but it sounds like they put a lot of time and effort into rehearsing and learning choreography to make sure that they always put on a good show for their fans.

[Corinna ⚓️ Reading At Sea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely devoured Temptations! Maybe it’s because I’ve seen the movie more times than I can count, but reading the book gave me a whole new level of appreciation for the story. It dives deeper into the group’s dynamics, struggles, and triumphs in a way that the movie just couldn’t fully capture.

Otis Williams’ perspective is raw, honest, and full of emotion—he doesn’t hold back. You feel the heartbreak, the brotherhood, and the brutal reality of fame. The behind-the-scenes details were everything I didn’t know I needed. If you loved the movie, reading the book makes it all hit even harder.

Highly recommend for fans of music history, Motown, or just a good, emotional ride through the highs and lows of one of the greatest groups of all time.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've really, really enjoyed reading this book.

I grew up hearing Temptations hits on the radio, and found the variety of styles and vocalists remarkable. But at the same time, I didn't know a whole lot about the people in the group. I knew they had several members, and figured that each one was getting the chance to perfom the lead vocal. It wasn't until my wife mentioned that the min-series was going to be on, and we had the opportunity to watch it, that I knew more about the story.

Having heard that some people were upset about how some things were portrayed (outside the control of Otis Williams and Shelly Berger), I took this a step further and purchased this updated 2002 book edition. Now that I've finished it, I can truly say it was time very well spent - a huge blessing I can't recommend highly enough.

[Steven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since I recently saw the musical “Ain’t too Proud” and with Otis being the author of this book I just had to buy it. Years ago I read the other book on the Temptations and enjoyed it also but had forgotten all of the details until the musical. The Temps are one of my favorite R & B groups and with Otis telling the life story of the Temps, both happy and tragic brought back all of the memories. This book is the updated version from the one published in 1988. Hopefully before he passes he can provide a new expanded version, given the popularity of the musical and his involvement in it. Definitely a great read, but biased because of the subject matter.

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I saw the play. Then I watched the miniseries. Both were excellent but not totally alike. So I wanted to read the book to see which was more accurate. I’d say they took turns. But I enjoyed both the play and the series more than the book. Good job to the people who adapted this amazing story. The book had too many details, but what a story it is!

[Nick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some remarkable anecdotes here in this account by Otis Williams, and the list of “Otisisms” is a nice touch.

The structure’s a bit meandering in a conversational way, but for a memoir by one of the original Temptations, it’s worth a quick spin for any fan.

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

This autobiography of the only member of the Temptations to have been in the group from its beginning days until now was written 35 years ago, when he was one of two original members left. The thing is, as much as Williams and Melvin Franklin contributed to the Temptations, it's their classic lead singers David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, occasionally Paul Williams, and later Dennis Edwards that define their sound.

But Williams was there all along, and he was the de facto leader of the group from its earliest days. He had plenty of interesting anecdotes, and the simple documentation of how they changed members throughout the years makes for an interesting read. I'm always more interested in details about how records came to be than he is interested in telling, but heck, the fact that Smokey Robinson just told them one day he'd written "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and wanted them to record it with him is pretty cool. Eventually, they thought Robinson's songs weren't deep enough for them, and Norman Whitfield took over the production and co-wrote many classics with Barrett Strong.

Paul Williams died young. First Ruffin, then Kendricks left the group at the top of their game. Dennis Edwards came in then left then came back then left. A reunion album brought everybody back for one year, but that couldn't hold. These men all loved each other, and very much respected their skills, but some were less capable of subsuming their interests to those of the group than others.

It's a breezy read, if not particularly insightful into the magic of the music. And why aren't there any mentions of their two classic Christmas albums? Surely there would have been interesting discussions about those.

[Diana Townsend · Rating 5 out of 5]

Five stars because there was more than what the mini series showed and I appreciated all of it. I think there’s a lot about this group that I didn’t know and then stuff I wouldn’t have even imagined. These men… they just couldn’t get it together which goes back to Black men and their aversion to therapy. They use sex, drugs, and alcohol to heal and it never works in anyone’s favor.

This is about their wins and their losses. I had no idea they recorded that many songs! I’m shocked Otis didn’t feel the need to mention his response to their version of Silent Night becoming the Black anthem for Christmas but maybe it wasn’t a big deal since it only matters to Black people… idk:

I take one person’s POV with a grain of salt but I also accept he’s the only one left to tell this story. I enjoyed reading this and definitely got some insight to who Otis Williams is as a person and as a leader of this group.

In some ways, it was the blind leading the blind. But they made songs that will always be considered timeless and memorable for generations to come.

[Gail Johnson, Ph.D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firth, I watch "Temptation's" movie (1989) again and then I read both the 1988 and 2002 versions of this book. I had to know what the difference was between all three. In my opinion, the 1988 copy of the book the authors jump around, a lot. The movie is written more chronology in order of some main events. And the 2002 updated book just adds an addition chapter and other information that happened between 1988 and 2002. As usual the book has more details about the Temptations (all 12 of them) and other information that's not in the movie. I would say about 55% of what's the books is in the movie. Recommend the 2002 book to Temptations fans. Loved it!!

[Christina Bolden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing Book

I didn’t see the Temptations mini series until a month or 2 ago at the age of 27, but The Temptations music had always been played in my household. From My Girl to Papa Was A Rolling Stone, The Temptations voices were always around. This book was wonderful and gave so much depth and honesty to the The Temptations as well as the mini series. I’m so glad I was able to read it.

[Carina L · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great History of the Temptations

I started reading this for a university class project about the new Temptations musical, but ended up really enjoying reading it. Otis gives a lot of great anecdotes about the Temptations, from the fun concerts to the reality of racism during the Civil Rights Era. Sometimes I got lost in the large amount of changes in the group and jumps in timeline, but who better to hear their story from than Otis Williams himself?

[Roz Curney-Sherod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent!

Almost exactly like the mini-series but much more detailed and honest without belittling anyone. Loved the parts about their famous hookups! Couldn't put it down and glad it was written by an actual member of the group in his own words.

[Trey Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heartwarming book about a music powerhouse. Williams definitely wallpapered over some really difficult moments in his career, but I very much appreciated this in-depth, easy-to-digest memoir.

[Gene Motley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Searingly honest, as it re-kindles memories of the birth of what became in the 60's "The Sound of Young America" from its roots in Detroit. Sad ending for some of these outstanding musicians, but proof that great music, by great artists, like other great works, will live forever.

[Adrianna Halsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Motown and I love the Temptations. This book was such a real honest look into both. I’ll be recommending this to all the music lovers / autobiography readers I know.

[KR · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good, interesting book, but written in a rambling conversational style

[Jeff Wait · Rating 4 out of 5]

First time reading a book about a musical group, and I really enjoyed it. Learned a lot. Enjoyed the lingo from the era.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pros: Great story on the history of the Temptations, told by one of the original Temptations, Otis Williams. Enjoyable read and feel that this book should come with it's own soundtrack embedded in the binding, somehow. Great pictures, too.

Cons: Nothing

Cover art: 5 out of 5.

[Don LaFountaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book about the Temptations, one of my favorite musical groups and one of Motown's most successful groups.

Written by the last surviving original member of the Temptations, this book follows Otis Williams as a youngster and how as a teenager, he realized that he wanted to be a musician for a living. Starting with a few neighborhood friends, as well as recruiting other singers, such as Melvin Franklin slowly the right mix started to come together. After meeting Barry Gordy, they got an invitation to try out for Motown. A few member changes later, along with changing their name to The Temptations, and the group went to Motown to try out. A successful audition brought them into the Motown family.

Over the next couple of years, the group tried to cut various records but were not very successful. Frustration abounded, and one of the members, Al, was let go from the group and David Ruffin was brought in. This was the mix the group needed, and before they knew it, they had their first hit "The Way You Do the Thing You Do". Having started to make a name for themselves, "My Girl" was released, and the group became superstars.

The book follows the journey of the group during the highs and lows of their musical careers. Otis Williams brings the reader along backstage to show how much the group loved one another, as well as how much they disagreed and fought. The reader does find out about some of how Motown was run, as well as how the various groups interacted with one another. The tale goes from the early 60's, through changes in personnel, (for instance, David Ruffin was fired, and Dennis Edwards brought in), contract disagreements, fights with writers, though the 70's & 80's, (including the reunion tour), with the group entering the Music Hall of Fame.

While the book reads like a "tell all" book, it is not written in a bitter manner as other "tell all" books. As a reader, I felt for a little bit I was looking into a window of what it was like to be a Temptation. I would highly recommend this book to fans of The Temptations, to people interested in music history, especially Motown, and how African Americans dealt with both the overt and covert racism of the 60's & 70's. Overall it was a fun and worthwhile book to read. As with many, many books, I preferred the book over the mini-series that was made based off the book.

[Arlena Flanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book written by Otis Williams the last surviving member of the Temptations. In no way did I find that he threw anyone under the bus in this book or degrade anyone. I read it in like four days, only because I was trying to pace myself. The book could have been a little more longer, but other wise than that I truly enjoyed reading it and would definitely recommend it to others. This a Wonderful book.

[Kent Hayden · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great history of this classic Motown quintet. He holds nothing back about the trials and personal heartaches the group and himself endure. David Ruffin was still living when the book was first published but Williams gets to update us about the true nature of Ruffin's troubles.

[Sheena · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but it could have been better. It was a lot of this happened and then this and then this. I felt like it should have been longer bc many things were barely talked about and didn't make them sound as important.

[Laura Ostermeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic and historical book about one of the best vocal groups ever, The Temptations. Otis Williams (with Patricia Romanowski) shares their ups and downs and stories about the group that only he is left to tell. For anyone who loves their music, this book is a must read!

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

biography