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.
This Christmas
The Temptations Lyrics
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I'm gonna get to know you better, this Christmas
And as we trim the tree
How much fun it's gonna be together, this Christmas
Fireside is blazing bright
And we're carolin' through the night
And this Christmas will be
Hang all the mistletoe
I'm gonna get to know you better, this Christmas
And as we trim the tree
How much fun it's gonna be together, this Christmas
Fireside blazing bright
And we're carolin' through the night
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me
Shake a hand, shake a hand oh
Presents and cards are here
My world is filled with cheer and you, this Christmas
And as I look around
Your eyes outshine the town, they do, this Christmas
Fireside blazing bright
And we're carolin' through the night
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me
Shake a hand, shake a hand now
It's alright, oh baby, we're gonna do it
This Christmas
Hey, baby, baby, we're gonna do it, whoa yeah
This Christmas
Fireside blazing bright
And we're carolin' through the night
And this Christmas will be
A very special Christmas for me
Shake a hand, shake a hand
Baby, fireside blazing bright
Girl, everything is gonna be
Alright
This Christmas is a joyful and upbeat song that talks about the holidays and the joy it brings. The song opens with the lyrics “Hang all the mistletoe, I'm gonna get to know you better, this Christmas,” which conveys the message that the singer wants to spend more time with their loved one during the holidays. The following lines “And as we trim the tree, how much fun it's gonna be together, this Christmas” suggest the idea of decorating the tree and having fun while doing it. It's a beautiful and heart-warming way of expressing the spirit of togetherness and love during the holiday season.
The chorus of the song, “And this Christmas will be a very special Christmas for you and me,” reinforces the message of togetherness and the unique opportunity that the holiday brings to strengthen relationships. The song then goes on to highlight the joy of the season with the lyrics “Fireside is blazing bright and we're carolin' through the night,” which conveys the image of people sitting by the fireside singing carols together. The final verse starts with “Presents and cards are here, my world is filled with cheer and you, this Christmas” which portrays the excitement and buzz around the holidays with presents and cards. The song ends with the chanting of “Shake a hand, shake a hand” which again emphasizes the feeling of togetherness and community during the festive season.
Lyrics © DistroKid, Peermusic Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Donny Edward Hathaway, Nadine McKinnor
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Talia Hill
This was my grandma's favorite Christmas album. We would listen to it nonstop! My mother and aunt bought her one of those radios with the auto reverse feature. Never had to turn the tape over again! Lol I miss her so much. Now my 3 yr old is learning the album and my newborn is up next!! Enjoy it everyone! Seasons greetings🎄🎁
Renee Rougeaux
Awww 🥰 mine too! I miss her so much 💫🎄
shaun walker
Good old days. And silent night too.
reeesyy kaye
This is a family tradition to play this album all the way through. My grandmother would have this album playing all December long!!
Kelvin Hall
A perennial classic here!!!! The untouchable lead vocals of the late Dennis Edwards is refreshing!!!!!!
Ike Richardson
The great dentist Edwards and The Tempting Temptations put their unbelievable arrangement to the Christmas classic of Donny Hathaway this Christmas !!! Love this slow beginning, this song has been recorded by many artists but outside of Donnie hathaways I love this one the most the uniqueness and unmistakable sound of The temptations this second to none!!!!
Autumn Rayn
Brings tears to my eyes...Missin sooo much daddy💔❤
Autumn Rayn
@Kaye Mendi ....*in tears reading this*....I try so hard...I've been off pills for 8 years....I haven't had alcohol in 12 years....I NEVER done cocaine nor have I ever done fentanyl...back in June my urine drug screen tested pos for cocaine...I was hurt angry and confused! I lost my 13 take homes ( I go to a methadone clinic) and in August I finally got them back but only 6...my counselor called me at the end or beginning of November and told me I tested positive for fentanyl!! I was upset because I know I would NEVER do anything to sabotage my sobriety!! I didn't lose my take homes because it turned out to be a false positive...but today I lost my take homes because my urine tested positive for alcohol...smh...at this point I'm starting to think my life is one big joke...😢😢
Kaye Mendi
@Autumn Rayn You’re welcome!! The world is a shaky place. I’m sending you so much positivity and love!! DON’T give up!! Life gives us experiences and lessons that may take some time to understand. Listen to your soul!! It has been trying to tell you how to move. Move that way. I don’t know why I felt the need to write that part….🤔
Autumn Rayn
@Kaye Mendi ....thank you ❤️ I really needed to hear kind words today... I'm so tired of doing right in this world just turn around and get let down....😭 Nothing ever goes right for me...😢