Recorded - September 25, and November 10 and 17, 1964
Released - December 21, 1964
#1 for week of March 6, 1965.
Question - How do you take the pop craftsman formula: Having outside writers compose a hit for a strictly vocal group, and make it into a work of art? Answer - You have Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles write the song, give it to The Tempations, have one of their underused singers take lead vocals, and use one of the most premier session groups in the world (The Funk Brothers). "My Girl", a song that is well-loved by all groups of people and artists, due to its near-universal appeal.
The Temptations actually have quite a complicated and often tragic history. The classic five members of the group were, from highest to lowest singing voice: Eddie Kendricks, David Ruffin, Otis Williams, Paul Williams, and Melvin Franklin. Of those five, only Otis Williams is alive today. The Temptations spent 1961-1963 releasing numerous singles, almost all of which flopped miserably. Then, in early 1964, they released "The Way You Do The Things You Do" which got to #11 on the pop charts and #1 on the R&B charts.
Much of the group's singles released in 1964 featured Eddie Kendricks on lead vocals. This all changed in late 1964 when Smokey Robinson gave The Tempations "My Girl" specifically for David Ruffin to sing. Although David had sung a couple of then-unreleased tracks, this was his first true moment to shine. The single sped up to #1 on both the R&B and pop charts in 1965, no doubt due in part to David's trademark smokey lead vocals. What makes "My Girl" such a masterpiece is the fact that it has both a strong music track and an equally strong vocal track.
For the music, you have James Jamerson's heartbeat-like bass opening which causes most people to instantly recognize the tune before the guitar even comes in. That guitar riff, performed by Robert White is equally memorable. When the chorus of the song comes in, we have brass and a swelling string arrangement which from this point on, add a finer dimension of sound to the music.
Vocally, David Ruffin gives us such a powerful delivery that even to this day, it sends chills down my spine. Combine this great vocal with the four part harmonies of the other four Temptations, and you have something really special. My personal favorite part of the song has always been the solo and final verse section where the key changes, and David's vocals become even more magnificent than before.
Due to the massive success of "My Girl", It's easy to see why for The Temptations next few singles, David Ruffin became the primary lead vocalist. Unfortunately, perhaps due to this fame going to his head, he started developing an ego and a drug problem, which gradually got out of hand. By spring of 1968, Otis Williams, the defacto leader of the group, had no choice but to fire David from The Temptations. Thus, the group's sound would never be the same again.
Final Verdict - "My Girl" remains my favorite Temptations song. It is that winning combination of a fantastic instrumental track with the soulful and emotional vocals of one of Motown's finest groups. A solid A+ that rightfully belongs in your record collection.
Coming Up Next - "Eight Days A Week" by The Beatles.
Until Next Time - I'm Dr. Rock and I've got sunshine on a cloudy day.
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