1. The Temptations … Read Full Bio ↴The Temptations may refer to at least two groups
1. The Temptations are an American Motown singing group whose repertoire has included doo-wop, soul, psychedelia, funk, disco, rnb, and adult contemporary. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins. The group, known for its finely tuned choreography, distinct harmonies, and stylish suits, has been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to rock. Having sold an estimated 22 million albums by 1982, The Temptations are one of the most successful groups in black music history and were the definitive male vocal group of the 1960s. In addition, they have the second-longest tenure on Motown (behind Stevie Wonder), as they were with the label for a total of 40 years: 16 years from 1961 to 1977, and 24 more from 1980 to 2004 (from 1977 to 1980, they were signed to Atlantic Records). As of 2005, The Temptations continue to perform for Universal Records with only one original member, founder Otis Williams, in its lineup.
Like its sister group The Supremes, The Temptations' lineup has changed frequently over the years. The original group included members of two local Detroit vocal groups: second tenor/baritone Otis Williams, first tenor Elbridge Bryant and bass Melvin Franklin from The Distants; and first tenor/falsetto Eddie Kendricks and second tenor/baritone Paul Williams (no relation to Otis) from The Primes. Among the most notable future Temptations were lead singers David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards (both of whom became successful Motown solo artists after leaving the group, as did Kendricks), Richard Street (another former Distant), Damon Harris, Ron Tyson, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Theo Peoples, and G.C. Cameron.
Over the course of their career, The Temptations have released four number-one pop hit singles and 14 number-one R&B hit singles, and their material has earned them three Grammy Awards. Most of the early Temptations hits, including "The Way You Do the Things You Do", "My Girl", and "Get Ready" were written and produced by Smokey Robinson and other members of The Miracles, while composer/producer Norman Whitfield and lyricists Eddie Holland and Barrett Strong crafted most of the group's later hits, including "Ain't Too Proud to Beg", "I Wish It Would Rain", "Cloud Nine", "I Can't Get Next to You", "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)", and "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone".
2. There was also a 50s doo-wop group from New York named the Temptations. They are best remembered for their 1960 top 40 hit "Barbara. After this hit, lead singer Neil Stevens went solo.
Boogie down
The Temptations Lyrics
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The Temptations' song "Boogie Down" is an upbeat love song that encourages the listener to let their guard down and enjoy the moment. The repeated phrase "boogie down" suggests an energetic and carefree attitude, while the lyrics express the singer's desire to love and satisfy their partner. The lines "I'm bad enough to make an other bad lie" and "let my love flood your water gate" suggest a certain level of confidence and bravado from the singer, while the lines "sweet lover, don't make me wait" and "I wanna love ya, kiss, and hug ya, baby, tonight” express their romantic intentions.
The repeated use of the phrase "boogie down" throughout the song creates a sense of repetition and urgency, urging the listener to embrace their spontaneous desires and dance together. The song features an upbeat and catchy melody, with a prominent bassline and strong drumbeat that encourage dancing and movement. Overall, "Boogie Down" is an energizing and fun song about embracing love and spontaneity.
Line by Line Meaning
Boogie Boogie down baby
Let's dance and have fun.
I'm bad enough to make an other bad lie
I am confident enough to make you feel good and satisfied.
I'm gonna hook you on a natural high
I will give you such a good time that you will feel like you are on cloud nine.
And I know I can satisfy, hey
I am sure I can make you happy and meet your desires.
I wanna love ya, baby, tonight
I want to be intimate with you and show you how much I care tonight.
Boo-hoo-hoo, boogie down
Come on, let's dance and enjoy ourselves.
Let's get it on, girl, don't hesitate
Let's have sex, don't be shy.
Let my love flood your water gate
Let me give you pleasure and satisfaction.
Sweet lover, don't make me wait, hey
Don't keep me waiting, my love for you is strong and I want to show you now.
I wanna love ya, kiss, and hug ya, baby, tonight
I want to be close to you and express my affection for you tonight.
Make ya feel alright
My actions will make you feel good and happy.
Boogie down, boogie down, baby
Let's dance and enjoy ourselves.
Go downtown
Let's go out and have fun in the city.
Gonna mess around
We are going to have a good time and enjoy ourselves.
Like a hound, gonna sniff around
We are going to explore and find exciting things to do.
I found a girl, love you up and down
I found someone special and I want to show her affection and make her happy.
Boogie down, baby
Let's dance and have a good time.
Hey, hey yall
Come on everyone, join in and have fun.
Boogie ooh, huh, huh, huh, huh
Let's dance and enjoy ourselves.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LEONARD CASTON, ANITA POREE, FRANK EDWARD WILSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
sauquoit13456
On this day in 1974 {April 27th} Eddie Kendricks performed "Boogie Down" on the nationally syndicated television program, 'Soul Train'...
At the time the song was at position #39 on Billboard's Hot Soul Singles chart, eleven weeks earlier it had peaked at #1 {for 3 weeks}...
The song "Boogie Down" replaced at #1 was "Let Your Hair Down", which was recorded by his former group, the Temptations...
And on Billboard's Hot Top 100 chart, "Boogie Down" peaked at #2 for two weeks, for the two weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for both of those weeks was "Seasons In The Sun" by Terry Jacks...
Between 1971 and 1988 the Alabama native had twenty-six records on the Hot Soul Singles chart, nine made the Top 10 with three* reaching the #1 position...
Besides the above "Boogie Down", his two other #1 records were "Keep On Truckin'" for two weeks in 1973 and "Shoeshine Shoe" for one week in 1975...
Sadly, Edward James Kendrick passed away at the young age of 52 on October 5th, 1992 {lung cancer}...
May both he and Don Cornelius {1936 - 2012} R.I.P.
*He just missed having a fourth #1 record when his "He's A Friend" peaked at #2 for three weeks, and for the three weeks it was at #2, the #1 record for those three weeks was "Disco Lady" by Johnnie Taylor...
David Richardson
Happy 80th birthday Eddie Kendricks. Continue to bring harmony, love, peace and soul in the gates of heaven with David, Dennis, Paul and Melvin. #RIPEddieKendricks
kathy guinto
I was 15 when this was released.This may be old,but I like it alot,it's a great song.This kicks ass on the stuff of today,hands down!.John M Guinto
Charlene Saunders
(From a fellow Sagittarius) I was around Motown music all my childhood & this is 1 of my ALL Time Favorite singers! Eddie Kendricks was & will always be a legendary artist, some people really unrestimated his talent-RIP 2 rest of the Temps as well.
Jim Saunders
i agree, sis!
tyrone hammock
+Jim Saunders true words
Easy Going
"Ditto" (me too) on growing up with Motown. For sure! 💌
msglimmertwin52
Back when soul music was badass soul music.
Sheridan
I can see why the Temptations were so upset when Eddie split the group. He's such a great talent.
Jonathan Clary
Well The Temps Were Going Through A Dry Spell At That Time.
Italia Romano
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