In the first half of the 1960s, at a time when Motown enjoyed its pinnacle of success, the amount of incredibly soulful music, characterized by a steady drum tempo beat and pop and gospel-sounding vocals, was rampant. And it was the Temptations who helped pioneer this new genre of music.
Comprising of five members, plus a few more who rotated throughout the years, the Temptations, also known as “The Classic 5”, are from the birthplace of Motown — Detroit, Michigan, USA.
Written by famed singer, songwriter, former record producer, and Motown mogul Smokey Robinson, and Ronald White, the song “My Girl” was on the Temptations 1964 album. The inspiration for writing this song? Smokey penned it with his wife Claudette Rogers Robinson in mind, a lighthearted love song that went on to become the Temptations’ first #1 hit. Little did they know that this catchy tune would later rank #88 on Rolling Stone magazine’s list of “The 500 Greatest Songs of all Time.”
Now, if you are a fan of the song, then there is a treat in store for you. This video is the black and white version of the band singing the iconic song. Dressed in dapper suits with white shoes, white pocket squares, and white lined blazers, the Temptations take to the checkered stage to deliver a soulful performance of their hit song. Lead singer David Ruffin stands to the right while his bandmates sing the backup vocals to the left. The moment the signature guitar riff plays during the intro and well into the song, you can’t help but feel nostalgic, wanting to sing along too. “My Girl” is a gem of a track that has it all, and it will only continue to stand the test of time.
The melodic pop classic made a resurgence in the 1991 comedy drama starring child superstars Macaulay Culkin and Anna Chlumsky. So now even a younger generation has been exposed to it, further proving just how much street credit it’s garnered over the years.
Click the video below to watch the Temptations dance and sing their smash hit.
