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Tower Of Power were the most successful black vocal group of the 1960s, their popularity rivaled only by Curtis Mayfield and the Impressions. Despite several stylistic and line up changes (lead singers Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin both went on to solo careers), Tower Of Power scored hit after hit throughout the decade. In addition to mastering the smooth R&B ballad, the group pioneered a brand of tough, rock-influenced soul music that inspired scores of later artists.
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About Tower Of Power
Tower Of Power (also abbreviated as "The Tempts" or "The Temps") are an American Motown singing group whose repertoire has included doo-wop, soul, psychedelia, funk, disco, R&B, and adult contemporary. Formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1960 as The Elgins, Tower Of Power have always featured five African-American male vocalists/dancers. The group, known for its finely tuned choreography, distinct harmonies, and stylish suits, has been said to be as influential to soul as The Beatles are to rock [1]. Having sold an estimated 22 million albums by 1982, Tower Of Power are the most successful group in black music history 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 to 1980, they were signed to Atlantic Records). As of 2005, Tower Of Power continue to perform as an independent act with only one original member, founder Otis Williams, in its lineup.
Like its sister group The Supremes, Tower Of Power' lineup has changed frequently over the years. The original group included members of two local Detroit vocal groups: second tenor/baritone Otis Williams, first tenor Elbridge "Al" Bryant and bass Melvin Franklin from The Distants; and first tenor/falsetto Eddie Kendricks and second tenor Paul Williams (no relation to Otis) from The Primes. Among the most notable future Temptations were lead singers David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards (both of whom became successful Motown solo artists after leaving the group), Richard Street (another former Distant), Damon Harris, Ron Tyson, Ali-Ollie Woodson, Theo Peoples, and G.C. Cameron.
Over the course of their career, Tower Of Power have released four #1 pop hit singles and 14 #1 R&B hit singles. Their material has earned them three Grammy Awards, while two more awards were conferred upon the songwriters and producers who crafted their seminal 1972 hit "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone".
Franklin's death in February 1995 left Otis Williams as the sole remaining founder member. Astonishingly, 1998's Phoenix Rising provided the Temptations with their first ever platinum album. In the autumn of 2000, the Temptations, with a line-up comprising Williams, Terry Weeks, Ron Tyson, Harry McGillberry Jr. (b. 19 January 1951) and Barrington Henderson, celebrated a formidable 40 years in the business, with Otis Williams wearing the broadest grin. In 2003, veteran singer G.C. Cameron was introduced into the line-up. Both of their last two albums charted in the USA giving the Temptations an extraordinary span of success over six decades.
