The Temptations (sometimes abbreviated as The Temps or The Tempts) are an American vocal group that achieved fame as one of the most successful acts to record for Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, at various times during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-$@%$, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music.Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins, the Temptations have...

The Temptations (sometimes abbreviated as The Temps or The Tempts) are an American vocal group that achieved fame as one of the most successful acts to record for Motown Records. The group's repertoire has included, at various times during its five-decade career, R&B, doo-$&@, funk, disco, soul, and adult contemporary music.Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins, the Temptations have always featured at least five African American male vocalistsdancers. The group, known for its recognizable choreography, distinct harmonies, and onstage suits, has been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to pop and rock.1 Having sold an estimated 22 million albums by 1982,2 The Temptations are one of the most successful groups in music history3 and were the definitive male vocal group of the 1960s.4 In addition, they have the second-longest tenure on Motown (behind Stevie Wonder), as they were with the label for a total of 40 years: 16 years from 1961 to 1977, and 24 more from 1980 to 2004 (from 1977