For more than forty years, the Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. Now in the new millennium, their latest release, Awesome, is being called the hottest in Temptation history.

The history of the Temptations is the history of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, the Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early sixties. It wasn't until 1964, however, that the Smokey Robinsin written-and-produced "The Way You Do the Things You Do" turned the guys into stars. An avalanche of hits followed, many of which - "My Girl," for instance-attained immortality. "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready," "Too Proud to Beg," "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," "I Wish It Would Rain"-the hits kept coming.

The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, the Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. The Temptation Walk became a staple of American style, Flair, flash and class. Millions of fans saw their Temptations as cultural heroes.

When the sixties and seventies turned political, the Temps got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards who had replaced David Ruffin, burned with intensity. "Runaway Child," "Cloud Nine," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and "Psychedelic Shack" still smolder. Other stellar singers-Richard Street, Ali-Ollie Woodson-joined, adding their luster to the group's growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, the Temptations remained true to the Temptations tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns.

In the eighties, the Temps prevailed with smashes like "Treat Her Like a Lady." Then in the nineties, another Temptation explosion: It began with their appearance on Motown 25 in 1983; it continued with the NBC mini series that chronicled the group's history, a ratings triumph over two nights in prime time. Then came a series of acclaimed records: For Lovers Only, a collection of love standards, termed an instant classic by critics, remains among the most cherished of all Temptations recordings. Phoenix Rising went through the roof, a platinum-plus mega-hit featuring "Stay" the Narada Michael Walden-produced song that topped the charts. Ear Resistible nailed a Grammy and a legion of new fans. Awesome, released in 2001, with hopes of being the most significant success of all. Now with the release of their first single "Fifty Fifty Love" from their upcoming 2004 album they plan to soar to the top of the record charts once again. The current lineup is Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, G.C. Cameron and Joe Herndon.