Sweet sounds of love will be oozing from the Center for the Arts Wednesday night as Motown magic fills the air. It is not everyday that memories come to life, but this performance is sure to do just that.
The Temptations and The Marvelettes will both be performing for "The Legends of Motown show," beginning at 8 p.m. in the Mainstage Theatre.
It's not too hard to remember hearing the Temptations as a toddler. Hearing the title of their first hit, "The Way You Do the Things You Do," brings the melody to life.
The Temptations started in Detroit in the early '60s when The Primes and the Distants joined together, first calling themselves The Elgins.
The name didn't last long, but the classic five formation did. Even though Otis Williams may be the only original member of the Temptations, the five synchronized singers have stayed true since the beginning.
The history of the group is filled of Motown stars and Hollywood-style controversy.
Before the Temptations, The Primes had a female counterpart. They were the Primettes, and three of those girls formed a group called The Supremes.
The Motown saga of the Temptations continues through the decades, starting in 1968 when David Ruffin became the first Temptation to be fired after missing a live performance.
The group has experienced many deaths in over 45 years. Paul Williams shot himself in the head in 1973. David Ruffin died from a cocaine overdose in 1991 after rejoining the group for a short time in 1982.
But at 65 years old, Otis Williams still illuminates the groovy connection to the soul and funk of the fading Temptations.
It's hard to imagine the entertainment world without and "My Girl," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone." Luckily, there's still time to get groovy with a sweet thing this Valentines Day.
Tickets are $49.50 and $39.50 and are available from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Box Office and at all Ticketmaster locations.
