Despite several lineup changes over the years the legendary Temptations have continued to survive as an institution thanks mostly to the work of Otis Williams.
At age 66, Williams is the last surviving founding member of the Temptations. His experienced presence has helped the group maintain its magic on stage and in the studio. Although Williams has a smooth baritone voice he rarely sings lead, focusing instead on his role as a background harmony vocalist and as business leader, recruiting singers who have kept the group fresh decade after decade.
The Recorder recently spoke with Williams, a down-to-earth and thoughtful man, about the past, present and future of the Temptations:
What comes to mind when you think of Indianapolis?
Williams: We love coming to Naptown, although we wish we could come more often. It’s always a joy visiting Indianapolis and seeing our fans there.
What Temptations memory puts a smile on your face?
When you have a history like us you have so many great memories. Well, when we were in San Diego once they had us on a stage where the fans could walk up and reach out and touch us. So at the end of the last song, which was “I’m Losing You,” the girls came out of the stands and started chasing us. We scattered, and Eddie (Kendricks) and myself went the same way. I made it over a fence then Eddie tried to make it over the fence but a young lady grabbed the back of his pants. With Eddie trying to get over and her pulling backward his pants were pulled apart and he came into the dressing room in basically just his shorts. Man, we had some crazy moments.
David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks were dismissed from the group under stressful circumstances. Did you make peace with them before they died?
Well I did with Eddie, but I didn’t get a chance to see David. When David passed he had just got in from touring in Europe and he was living in Philadelphia, so I did see him. Before Eddie passed I called him and we mentioned how much we meant to each other and the history that we made. We talked that day and the next thing I knew he was gone.
How do you let a group member go? Is it like “The Apprentice,” where you tell the person they are fired? Or are they voted out by other members?
It’s different for different guys. Some like Paul Williams, Ray Davis and Melvin Franklin left because of health reasons. For everybody else it was either their ego or drugs. If your ego is out of control and you can’t conform to what we are about, you gotta go. And when drugs become the ruling factor you damn sure gotta go.
Can anyone apply to be a Temptation when a spot is open?
Sure. We are always more interested in the type of person an individual is first, then consider their talent second. Show business is a business and I think some people tend to forget that. They’ll come into the organization thinking it’s just glitz and glamour and fanfare and parties, but it’s a business and we try to run the Tempts as a business.
The bottom line is if you don’t take care of business and you don’t get out there and work, the promoters will stop calling you. So we look for people who are willing to be a part of something that is fun but also treat it as a business.
Obviously, it’s very important to keep yourself in physical shape.
Yes. You have to have your health together, period. We are considered both singers and athletes because of all the moves we have to do on stage for over an hour.
When I get a chance, I go to the gym to work out. I also ride my bike and watch my diet, which is very important. But it’s kind of hard for us to watch our diet. We have such irregular hours and a lot of times there’s nothing but fast food joints or truck stops open. We try to be mindful of our diet and get our annual physical exams to make sure everything’s OK.
What will happen to the group once you are unable to perform?
That’s a good question because I’ve been told, “Otis, when you’re not there anymore its not gonna be the same.” I realize that, so we’re working on that and considering how the best transition will come about.
Why don’t you sing lead more often?
I have to come up with a simple answer for that: shy. I’ve been told over the years, “Man you have a nice voice, you need to sing lead more often.” All I could say is shy, bashful, whatever. I was, however, the lead singer when we started out as Otis Williams and the Distants.
Other than your own group which acts do you admire?
Groups that come to mind right away include the O’Jays, the Whispers, the Chi-lites, the Cadillacs, the Flamingos and Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers.
What advice do you have for people who want a career in the music business?
Just stay dedicated and continue to believe in your dream. Stay true to your craft, dedicate yourself to it and practice often. It is also important to educate yourself because you’re entering a business – it might be glitz and glam but it’s still a business. Many books that talk about details of the music business are now available.
What do have to say to fans in Indianapolis who have supported the group?
They have supported us and kept us around for 47 years, so I want to say I love them for showing us love and undying dedication.
