Famous Male Singing Groups

In the post-doo-wop era, male vocal groups generally sang about themes intended for adults. However, Frankie Lymon and the Teenagers, who gained fame in 1956 with their hit “Frankie Goes to Hollywood,” aimed for a younger demographic. This act opened the airwaves for the rise of boy bands. The Temptations also rose to fame. However, they did not last long. The group broke up in 1971.

The Temptations

One of the first and best-known male singing groups, The Temptations are a legendary group of soul singers from the 1960s. Although the original lineup has split up, Otis Williams remains the sole original Temptation. Other members of the group include Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson, and Melvin Franklin. Later, singer Anthony Grant joins the group. The Temptations are renowned for their soulful voices and legendary walk.

The Temptations’ musical development occurred during the turbulent 1960s. The psychedelic sound and political consciousness of the time prompted the group to change their name to “The Temptations”. Their songs reflected themes and signs of the times. The Temptations also embraced funk and disco. Despite their diverse musical influences, they have always remained a staple of Motown music.

In 1969, The Temptations released the group’s fourth album, “Ear-Resistible,” on the Motown label. This album featured the hit songs “I’m Here” and “Selfish Reasons.” In 2001, the group released another album, “Awesome,” which became their 45th album to reach the Billboard Top 200. During this period, The Temptations also performed at the 40th anniversary of “A Capitol Fourth,” a national July 4th television tradition.

The Temptations’ lineup was changed over the years. Originally, members of two Detroit vocal groups, the Distants and The Primes, became members of The Temptations. Other members of the group were David Ruffin, Elbridge “Al” Bryant, and Dennis Edwards. Several of them went on to become part of the group. The Temptations’ Anthology album was the first to reach the top of the R&B chart.

Melvin Franklin was the co-founder of The Temptations. He had a distinctive bass voice, and sang lead in many of the group’s hits. One of the most notable Temptations songs is ‘Old Man River’ by Paul Robeson. Franklin and Kendricks had a close relationship that lasted over three decades. Sadly, Melvin Franklin began to battle health problems in the late 1960s and was killed in a car accident in 1973.

The Temptations began performing in the early 1960s. They consisted of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, David Ruffin, and Paul Williams. The group’s first hit was “The Way You Do the Things You Do.” It became their first Top 20 hit in April 1964. In the 1970s, the Temptations’ lineup would change a few times, but the core members remained consistent.