Temptations founder says group always has been greater than sum of its parts

By: Stacy M. Brown/ NNPA Newswire Senior National Correspondent

To hear him tell his story, Otis Williams is just a southern boy from Texarkana, Texas, who, while growing up, loved the “Devil’s music.”

His two grandmothers took care of him when his mother moved to Detroit in search of better employment and living conditions for the musically inclined troublemaker.

Williams had recently become a teenager when he happened upon The Fox Theater in the Motor City, where his family group, The Cadillacs, performed.

“Oh, how I wanted to have my own group,” he told NNPA Newswire in a discussion at the Imperial Theater on Broadway where a sold-out crowd sang, danced, laughed, cried, and cheered the fantastic musical, “Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of The Temptations.”

As in the musical, Williams revealed an everlasting fondness for the Classic Five, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and David Ruffin.

There’s also the seldom mentioned Lamont, not a Temptation, but Williams’ son.

“People often ask me, if I could bring back to life one member of The Temptations, which one would I choose,” Nik Walker, who portrays Williams in the musical, says during a spotlighted scene near the close of the electrifying performance. “Lamont. My son. That’s who,” he said.

Even behind the dark shades and the baseball cap with the “Aint To Proud” logo, one could see Williams’ genuine expressions.

“The music lives forever,” Williams deadpanned. “Life isn’t like a record that you can rewind.”

With the tragic deaths of each of the original members, Williams at 80 remains in a familiar spot. Sixty years ago, his motivation centered on not only making The Temptations the biggest group in R&B history but protecting the brand.

With the reopening of the Broadway show and a touring version hitting the road, Williams said he can now concentrate on getting back on the road with the latest incarnation of the supergroup.

Williams reminds everyone that he’s been fortunate to have been with the “most singing-Esque brothers ever.” In all, the group has made 24 changes in its 60-year history and, as they embark on their anniversary tour, Williams confides that he’s about to make another personnel change.

“But every single member has always, at some point, asked if they could come back,” Williams insisted.
With the opening of “Ain’t Too Proud,” Williams and the group will launch a concert tour that could span the globe.

On Monday, November 1, the City College Center for the Arts plans to honor the legend and other group members. The affair will feature a conversation with Williams, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee, and multiple Grammy Award winner.

It also will include special guests, including longstanding members Ron Tyson and Terry Weeks.
Officials plan to simulcast the special event from the Aaron Davis Hall’s renowned Marian Anderson Theatre. Viewers can see the program at www.citycollegecenterforthehearts.org.

Distinguished musician, composer, and entertainment entrepreneur K. Sparks will conduct the online event, which begins at 7:30 p.m. EST.

“For more than four decades, Aaron Davis Hall has been Harlem’s performing arts center,” stated City College of New York President Dr. Vincent Boudreau. “World scholars, artistic giants, and academic geniuses like Nelson Mandela, Alicia Keys, President Barack Obama, and Ella Fitzgerald have blessed these stages. The City College of New York is so proud of the contributions The Temptations have made and continue to make to the American cultural landscape, and we are honored to add their name to that distinguished list.”

Williams recalled his roots.

“It was always about the collective,” he asserted. “Sure, having talent is good, but I’ve always looked at the head and the heart over talent. That’s why we’ve been so successful and have become the number one R&B group ever because we were always operating under the realistic model that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”

October 16, 2023, HOUSTON, TX – Congressional Candidate Amanda Edwards has raised over $1 million in less than 4 months, a substantial sum that helps bolster the frontrunner status of the former At-Large Houston City Council Member in her bid for U.S. Congress. Edwards raised over $433,000 in Q3 of 2023. This strong Q3 report expands on a successful Q2 where Edwards announced just 11 days after declaring her candidacy that she had raised over $600,000. With over $829,000 in cash-on-hand at the end of the September 30th financial reporting period, Edwards proves again that she is the clear frontrunner in the race. “I am beyond grateful for the strong outpouring of support that will help me to win this race and serve the incredible people of the 18th Congressional District,” said Edwards. “We are at a critical juncture in our nation’s trajectory, and we need to send servant leaders to Congress who can deliver the results the community deserves. The strong support from our supporters will help us to cultivate an 18th Congressional District where everyone in it can thrive.” Edwards said. “Amanda understands the challenges that the hard-working folks of the 18th Congressional District face because she has never lost sight of who she is or where she comes from; she was born and raised right here in the 18th Congressional District of Houston,” said Kathryn McNiel, spokesperson for Edwards’ campaign. Edwards has been endorsed by Higher Heights PAC, Collective PAC, Krimson PAC, and the Brady PAC. She has also been supported by Beto O’Rourke, among many others. About Amanda: Amanda is a native Houstonian, attorney and former At-Large Houston City Council Member. Amanda is a graduate of Eisenhower High School in Aldine ISD. Edwards earned a B.A. from Emory University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Edwards practiced law at Vinson & Elkins LLP and Bracewell LLP before entering public service. Edwards is a life-long member of St. Monica Catholic Church in Acres Homes. For more information, please visit www.edwardsforhouston.com

As September 13th rolls around, we extend our warmest birthday wishes to the creative powerhouse, Tyler Perry, a man whose indomitable spirit and groundbreaking work have left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. With his multifaceted talents as an actor, playwright, screenwriter, producer, and director, Tyler Perry has not only entertained but also inspired audiences worldwide, particularly within the African-American community, where his influence and role have been nothing short of powerful. Born in New Orleans, Louisiana, in 1969, Tyler Perry’s journey to stardom was a path riddled with adversity. Raised in a turbulent household, he found refuge in writing, using it as a therapeutic outlet. This period of introspection gave rise to one of his most iconic creations, Madea, a vivacious, no-nonsense grandmother who would later become a beloved figure in Perry’s works, offering a unique blend of humor and profound life lessons. Despite facing numerous challenges, including rejection and financial struggles, Perry’s determination and unwavering belief in his abilities propelled him forward. In 1992, he staged his first play, “I Know I’ve Been Changed,” which, although met with limited success, was a pivotal moment in his career. Unfazed by initial setbacks, Perry continued to hone his craft, and by 1998, he had successfully produced a string of stage plays that showcased his storytelling prowess.

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