Yahoo LAUNCHCAST Song Of The Day-The Temptations

Artist:The Temptations

Song:Cloud Nine

Album:20th Century Masters: The Millenium Collection: The Best Of The Temptations Vol. 1

The 1969 hit Cloud Nine was a significant song for The Temptations. David Ruffin had been fired from the group for missing dates and other erratic behaviour likely caused by his cocaine abuse. After Motown agreed to give Ruffin a solo recording contract, former Contour Dennis Edwards was brought in to replace him. The first Temptations album with Edwards was Live At The Copa followed by a collaboration with The Supremes. Diana Ross & The Supremes Join The Temptations was the first studio album with Dennis Edwards. There were also a couple of TV specials. Norman Whitfield had been producer of The Temptations for a couple of years and he had to produce new music. At the time, Sly & The Family Stone's Dance To The Music was a big hit. Otis Williams introduced that mix of R & B and psychedelia to Whitfield. Whitfield thought it was too radical and was a passing fad but soon after he wrote and produced Cloud Nine with partner Barrett Strong. All five Temptations traded lead vocals. Cloud Nine had socially aware lyrics and a hard driving beat featuring wah wah guitars. Some have interpreted drug references but Whitfield denied that. Cloud Nine reached #2 on the R & B charts and #6 on the pop charts and won The Temptations a Best Rhythm & Blues Group Grammy. Similar songs like Psychedelic Shack and Ball Of Confusion soon followed and kept The Temptations at the top of the charts through 1970. This budget comp is one of two Temptations comps released by Universal in 2000 as part of The Millenium Collection series. Here are The Temptations performing Cloud Nine on The Ed Sullivan Show 1969.