The Temptations

Few vocal groups have sold as many records as the Temptations, and they rank among the most successful groups in popular music, with tens of millions of albums sold. Formed in Detroit in 1961 as the Elgins, the five-man group built its Motown reputation on distinct harmonies, choreography and a carefully cultivated dress style. Much of their most celebrated work came through producer Norman Whitfield, whose collaboration pioneered psychedelic soul and fed into the wider evolution of R&B.

David Ruffin sang lead on "My Girl" (1964), "Ain't Too Proud to Beg" (1966) and "I Wish It Would Rain" (1967) before Dennis Edwards arrived in 1968, and their run continued with "I Can't Get Next to You" (1969) and "Ball of Confusion" (1970). Kendricks and Paul Williams left in 1971. The group's Grammy for "Cloud Nine" in 1969 made it the first Motown act to win one, and it received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2013. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989, the group logged four Billboard Hot 100 number ones and fourteen R&B number ones. Otis Williams, the last surviving original member, still performs with the group, and he owns the rights to the name.