Monday, October 15, 2007

Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-The Temptations


Artist:The Temptations

Song:Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me)

Album:Anthology





One would have thought that David Ruffin's dismissal from The Temptations would have killed the group. But Dennis Edwards proved to be a great replacement for Ruffin and producer Norman Whitfield adjusted the sound of the group to reflect the times. They continued to have hits but started to have more problems. Paul Williams' health declined sharply and Richard Street started replacing him on tour in 1969. Preferring their earlier material, Eddie Kendricks had developed a serious attitude problem. 1971's Just My Imagination was the swan song for both. The song is a throwback to The Temptations 60s ballads with a great lead by Kendricks. Williams sings the bridge. The song was #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in 1971. This 1995 reissue of Anthology is out of print so I recommend The Ultimate Collection. Eddie Kendricks soon left The Temptaions for a solo career and was replaced by Damon Harris. Kendricks had a very successful solo career. Paul Williams was permanently replaced by Richard Street due to ill health and comitted suicide on Aug. 17, 1973 at age 34. Here are The Temptations performing Just My Imagination on The Ed Sullivan Show 1971. It was the final time Kendricks & Williams would appear with the group.

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