By Heikki (62.71.79.239) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 12:11 pm:

Hi!
I guess, in a way this is a continuation to the Spinners topic earlier, but I just talked to Mr. G.C.Cameron, and now he's officially a member of Otis Williams' Temptations.
This came about only two or three weeks ago, so it had nothing to do with Frank Washington replacing G.C. in January.
He hasn't practised with them yet and the dates for future concerts with him in the line-up are not set yet, but G.C. seemed quite happy.

I'm not sure who left and are there other changes in the line-up. Perhaps somebody can fill us in.

Best regards
Heikki

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 12:20 pm:

I know we don't usually post "rumors", but the rumor for the past few weeks was that Otis had unsuccessfully negotiated with Ali Woodson, and that Barrington was leaving.

By hiram (159.53.32.41) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 03:19 pm:

I'm sad to hear that Barrington might be leaving. But would really love to see Ali return. Overall that lead position has turned out some serious heavies as we all know. G.C. is great in all, but I don't think he's exactly the right guy for the Temps.

By janebse (68.63.4.162) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 03:40 pm:

Why wasn't Ron Tyson's name on the list of Temptations appearing in the United Kingdom? Barrington's wasn't either, but Cameron's was.

By stephanie (64.63.221.174) on Wednesday, April 02, 2003 - 08:08 pm:

Hiram
I have a lot of respect for GC Cameron but i agree with you I dont think he is right for the Temps. Is he not getting along with the Spinners I mean he was there with them from the beginning!!!

I would love to see Ali Woodson return though and I hope Barrington stays. I say since he is well they should get Damon Harris!!!
Stephanie

By JSmith (212.39.231.20) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 01:06 am:

I guess this is another case of Otis Williams wanting to get as many 'old' group members back into the current line-up BUT not wanting to pay the 'going rate' for a guy to re-join the Temptations.

By Common (209.2.55.170) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 09:22 am:

JSmith: Sounds like you hit the nail on the head!

Peace!

By hiram (159.53.238.243) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 11:06 am:

JSmith,

I couldn't comment on the pay thing with in the Temps due to not knowing the details behind it and you may have something there, But having the LEAD vocalist position with the TEMPS would be Quite the honor due to the previous position holders and the overall opportunity to be in that scenario. Every lead vocalist that has come out of that gig has been a Motherf!@#$r of a singer and I'm sure that opportunity lended itself to that accomplishment. I don't know the background on Ali or Barrington previous to the Temps, but after hearing them initially, my 1st question regarding both of them was: Where did they find these guys? Just roaming the street. I'm sure there are heavies out on the street that haven't yet been given the opportunity and could probably burn it up with the Temps, let alone kill for the chance. In fact, can anyone share background on Ali or Barrington pre Temps? I feel they are fueled from the same fire as David and Dennis

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 11:16 am:

Hey Gang:
I spoke to Harry Weinger about what's happening with the Temptations. He put in a call to their manager Shelly Berger. Hopefully, they could set the record straight.
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Scratcher (63.188.32.229) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 11:36 am:

Groups like the O'Jays and the Temptations put new members on probationary periods and pay them salaries before making them full fledge members. I'm sure Ali didn't want to go through probation again.

G. C. Cameron will make an excellent Tempt. In fact, he would make an excellent Dramatic, O'Jay, Four Top or any other group out there. I just wish he wouldn't, I like him as a solo artist. But the Temptations have the bookings and work constantly, while solo work for G. C. was sporadic and low paying, which is why he leaped at the chance to rejoin the Spinners.

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 12:39 pm:

MY HAT IS OFF TO OTIS FOR KEEPING THE TEMPS INTACT FOR 43 YEARS,I MEAN HAS THERE EVER BEEN A GROUP IN SOUL MUSIC HISTORY THAT HAS GONE THROUGH THE TURMOIL AND EGOS THAT HAVE BESET THE TEMPS AND STILL MANAGED TO KEEP A LINEUP TOGETHER AND STILL HAVE HITS!OTIS FAN OR NOT YOU'VE GOT TO GIVE HIM SOME PROPS ON THAT.AND NOT ONLY AM I A BIG TEMPS FAN,BUT AN OTIS FAN AS WELL.

By JoeR (170.148.92.53) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 12:58 pm:

Heck,

I'd leave the Channels and come in on a probationary period. Let Terry Weeks sing Ali and Bo's leads; I can do Paul's and split David's leads with Terry.

OTIS , if you're out there... yeah it's me, hit me up at my email address at curet30@yahoo.com or yajneed@aol.com

JoeR - http://mypages.netopia.com/channels

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 01:10 pm:

I know the perfect person to replace Ron Tyson. He backgrounds for Ali Woodson sometimes. His name is Tony Womack. (Who said anything about replacing Ron!)

By Heikki (62.71.79.239) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 01:57 pm:

Hi Hiram!
Ollie Cregget was born on September 12, 1951, in Detroit. He was named Ali due to his mother's muslim belief. His father's surname was Woodson.

At eight he moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Ali: "While I was in Milwaukee I sang with Harvey Scales and the Seven Sounds. I did a few things with them, when I was like eleven-twelve years old. At that time Harvey had a song out called Glamour Girl (on Cuba Records). I wasn't on any of their recordings."

After the army Ali Ollie returned to Alabama, where his grandparents lived and hooked up Jerry Weaver to form a group Gravey Train Express in 1971. "We did a lot of recordings, but nothing was ever released. We worked with people like Roscoe Robinson and Frederick Knight in Birmingham, Alabama. I played the drum part on Frederick's hit, I've Been Lonely For So Long."

Ali Ollie joined Bill Pinkney & The Drifters in '72 for five years, and after that spent a year in Augusta, Georgia, recording soundalikes of the hits of the day.

He applied for the lead spot of the Temptations, but Louis Price got the job in '77. Ali Ollie instead joined The Blue Notes for two years and recorded with them Disco Explosion for Fantasy in '78.

After he left the group in '79, he went to New York, started writing (wrote those days Treat Her Like A Lady, Touch Me and Magic) and driving Limousines.

Next he left for Atlanta, Georgia, worked there with his own band till 1983, when the Tempts sought him up. Rest, I think, is well-known...
(Soul Express, #4/2001)

Best regards
Heikki

By hiram (159.53.32.41) on Thursday, April 03, 2003 - 02:21 pm:

Heikki,

Thank you for the load of info on Ali. He is right at the top of my heavies list. I was really surprised to hear he was from Detroit. I wouldn't expect anything less. As usual, I'll be watching out for more of Ali. Imagine that, Ali having to drive a limo. It's in our favor that he got to share his blessings with us. Thanks again.

By Heikki (62.71.79.239) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 05:54 am:

Hi Hiram still,
There are also a couple of websites dedicated to Ali Ollie
http://www.Ollywood-inc.com
and a fine Japanese website, in English language
http://Ollywood.jp

Best regards
Heikki

By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 10:32 am:

G.C. Cameron wasn't with the Spinners from the beginning, he joined in '67, after getting out of the Army.

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 10:58 am:

OTIS SAID THAT THE REASON HE DIDN'T HIRE OLLIE INITIALLY WAS BECAUSE HE HAD ORANGE HAIR.

By Bert (205.188.209.38) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 11:19 am:

Ollie should have known better than to go to a job interview with orange hair. I don't blame Otis for not hiring him. I bet he wasn't wearing a tie either.

By stephanie (64.63.221.137) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 05:09 pm:

Scratcher
Why would Ali Woodson have to go through probation again? He has a LOT of fans out there.
My mom didnt even care for the Temps until Ali Woodson came, this man has magical powers when it comes to women. For some reason the women love him. Im sorry I love GC but I dont see him as a Temp. If they bring Ali back they will gain more fans there is something about this man I never saw so much devotion to a Temp since David Ruffin until Ali came...
Stephanie

By Scratcher (65.132.79.180) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 05:42 pm:

He shouldn't Stephanie. And I don't know if he was asked to by Otis, I was merely speculating as to why Otis went with G. C. instead of Ali.

I like Ali too but G. C. is more versatile. G. C. could have replaced Smokey Robinson, he can sound just like Smokey when he wants to. You know the Spinners songs where Bobby starts the song off and Philippe finished them? Well, G. C. could have sang them songs by himself, as he did on "It's a Shame."

Either would be good, but I agree Ali has a history with the Tempts and G. C. with the Spinners. The Temptations must be paying more and have more work than the Spinners for G. C. to leave. Or, maybe G. C. wants to experience the life of a "Tempt" for once in his life.

Personally, I can't wait for the first album G. C. records with the Tempts.

By Nish (66.119.34.39) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 05:48 pm:

I agree, Scratcher. While I love G.C. as a Spinner, I wait in eager anticipation to see how he's going to add to the Temptations' sound. I hope G.C. can infuse a little of that Malaco sensibility of traditional soul into the Tempts slick image.

By Vandelron (24.44.20.172) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 05:51 pm:

Why did GC leave the Spinners? Wasnt GC with Spinners on March PBS show with Mary Wilson?--when was it taped?

By Scratcher (65.132.79.180) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 05:55 pm:

Vandelron that is the answer we're trying to find out: why did GC leave the Spinners? I hear Frank Washington (Futures) has replaced GC in the Spinners.

By Nish (216.148.246.134) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 06:08 pm:

Wow! I feel as though I'm watching a game of musical chairs, except instead of kindergartners playing it, my favorite male vocal group members are!

By janebse (68.63.4.162) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 06:56 pm:

Did GC leave the Spinners, or was he asked to go?

By Eli (68.162.98.150) on Friday, April 04, 2003 - 11:04 pm:

What about Ron Tyson?????

By cherjsc (205.188.209.38) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 12:13 am:

Eli, I don't understand your question.....what exactly is it that you are asking about Mr. Tyson? Everyone loves him and knows that it would be totally out of the question for him to EVER be replaced. A man as talented as he could go solo or anywhere else in the world for that matter but he chooses to remain loyal and stay with the Temptations. Let us all hope and pray that the Lord will guide Mr. Tyson to remain as a faithful. talented, member of this world famous vocal group.

By Heikki (62.71.79.239) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 05:47 am:

Hi!
The Spinners side: "Mr. Cameron left the group again, so I called Ollie Woodson to see, if maybe he could just stand in and he said 'no, there wasn't enough time', because he was doing a play. He gave me Frank Washington's number, so that's how we met Frank. It was the 13th of January, when I called Frank, because we had a gig on the 14th." (Soul Express # 1/03)
The 13th G.C.'s lawyer called the group and said G.C. can't make it, and he also didn't make it to the next gig one week later. The March tv show was shot before that.

G.C.: "I think what happened the Spinners had used up my need for the time that they wanted me. Remember, I came back to replace John Edwards, while he was sick. Apparently it was only for the time that the Spinners needed me..."

G.C. was asked about joining the Temptations only in March, so it seems that leaving the Spinners had nothing to do with it.
You make your own conclusions here...

Best regards
Heikki

By Ms. Marilyn (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 08:11 am:

I am happy to see that G.C. still has it. He is a good friend and I am happy for him no matter what group he performs with. I love You, G.C. and may God continue to take a shinning to you. Love, Marilyn M. from New Jersey. We will talk soon.(smile)

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 10:53 am:

NOT EVERYONE LOVES RON TYSON,HE IS A GOOD SONGWRITER BUT I'VE ALWAYS LIKED GLEN LEONARD BETTER ON STAGE.

By Scratcher (65.132.79.95) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 12:13 pm:

Glen Leonard also had an industrial strength falsetto. His work on "Silent Night" sends shivers up and down your spine. Of all the Eddie Kendricks' replacement he sounded the least like Eddie but was awesome. If you noticed, producers used his lead on many songs. I like Ron, but if you had to rank Kendricks' replacements...

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 01:20 pm:

1.DAMON HARRIS,SOUNDED ALMOST JUST LIKE EDDIE,THE ONLY WAY TO TELL THEM APART IS THAT DAMON HAD A NASAL SOUND IN HIS VOICE.2.GLEN LEONARD WHO HAD A UNIQUE SOUND.3RON TYSON WHO I THINK OF AS A GOOD STUDIO SINGER,I'VE SEEN HIM WITH THE TEMPS AND WAS NOT IMPRESSED.

By janebse (68.63.4.162) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 01:50 pm:

Damon's voice did not have the maturity of Eddie's. He sounded like a child. However, on "Papa Was a Rolling Stone," that child-like high tenor was what worked best. Glen's was awesome on "Silent Night," but on other songs his voice never had the demanding presence that Eddie's voice had on a song. Whenever I listen to "I Can't Get Next To You," it's Eddie's voice that grabs me. Dennis's voice does nothing.

By Eli (151.197.113.62) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 01:57 pm:

Hi all!! I had the great pleasure of working with Damon on the Impact album and when I closed my eyes I swore..well... it was like... you know...!!!


Cherjsc..My question was plain and simple..
Due to the ever changing Tempts lineup, is Ron still in the group.
In this biz of music, anything can happen..even quite unexpectedly!!

By Scratcher (65.132.79.95) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 03:04 pm:

Janebse, I agree with your assessment of Damon's falsetto with the Tempts. But, if you listen to his Impact stuff he sounds more mature and self assured (could be because he was older). He did lack Eddie's fire; and with the Tempts he sounded better on songs he co or shared leads; his solo leads with the Tempts made me yawn.

And while Leonard's falsetto was/is awesome it was less accessible than Eddie's who falsetto was less accessible than David Ruffin's second tenor (check the Pop charts). While Eddie found some pop chart acceptance Glen never could, his voice was too far on the soul side of the ledger. Glen sang like Eddie did in the Temptations early days before they had a big hit. Eddie use to wail then (a la Glenn Leonard) more than he charmed (as he did later).

Ron Tyson is more subtle than Eddie, Damon or Glen. Of the three, he comes the closest to having Eddie's charm, check his lead on "What a Difference a Day Makes." But, he lacks the fire of Eddie and Glen. It may be unfair to judge Tyson like this cause he was older than either Damon or Glen when he joined the Tempts. If you remember, Eddie's voice diminished in his latter years.

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 03:27 pm:

BESIDES THE WEAR AND TEAR FROM YEARS OF RECORDING AND PERFORMING,EDDIE ALSO SMOKED TWO PACKS A DAY FOR THIRTY YEARS.THERE IS AN ALBUM HE DID CALLED[I'VE GOT MY EYES ON YOU}THAT HAS SOME NICE SONGS ON IT,BUT SADLY EDDIE'S VOCALS WERE NOT UP TO PAR,THOSE OF YOU WITH THE ALBUM KNOW WHAT I MEAN.

By Scratcher (65.132.79.95) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 03:46 pm:

I have that album, R&B. It was recorded in Atlanta, GA on Ms. Dixie Records. The SOS Band played on the session. My favorites are "No Long Conversation," "When I'm Close To You," the title track and Eddie's remake of a song he recorded with the Temptations "Born To Love You" with Splendor assisting on vocals. I love the album, it's better overall than many of his latter Motown albums and his Arista albums, which I didn't care for.

Most falsetto singers lose power as they age (except for Eddie Holman). Leroy Burgess who sang falsetto with Black Ivory only sings in his natural tenor now. Billy Brown (Moments) once lost the ability to sing falsetto for months, that's when Sylvia Robinson started using Harry Ray on lead a lot.

By janebse (68.63.4.162) on Saturday, April 05, 2003 - 07:49 pm:

ALong that line, in the latter part of his career, Eddie would sometimes sing part of a song in his natural tenor. Do you think that if he had given up trying to sing falsetto that he would have sounded fine in the later years? Or do you think he did not even try because the audience wanted the high notes?

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 09:12 pm:

Will Barrington Henderson join Dennis Edward's Temptations Review or start his own?

By Scratcher (65.132.78.9) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 09:47 pm:

Who knows what Barrington might do. He's been around. He was the lead voice on "Bullseye" when he sang with Lakeside and was also a member of the Dramatics.

By ..... (207.241.96.10) on Monday, April 07, 2003 - 09:54 pm:

What's the scoop on Barrington, Ali, Dennis, Theo Peoples, Damon Harris and Louis Price?
Did Otis throw them out?
Truth please.
cheers

By Jeraboa (152.163.188.68) on Thursday, April 10, 2003 - 12:23 pm:

I hope that G.C does well with the Temps. He is a good guy. Ollie should be there but I'm sure Shelley Burgler would'nt loosen the purse strings to pay him what he deserves. I have never been impressed with Barrington(a very poor substitute if you ask me)

What's up with Terry's voice? It sounds like he has nodes. He should take a break and get that fixed. I do like Harry as a Temp and Tyson is ok but not by any means Eddie. I'd rather remember them in their glory than to see the bastardized version of today.

By Chan (128.135.163.182) on Friday, April 11, 2003 - 03:56 pm:

I think it's great that G.C. Cameron is now with the Tempts. He is an excellent vocal in my opinion. All the Best to him and the Temptations. All the Best to Bo Henderson in his endeavors. BTW, the question about Mr. Tyson is fair because it's been tried, tested and proven in this BUSINESS you don't know what changes will take place next. Ron Tyson is a good falsetto but live - he's not what I've seen with Eddie Kendrick, Philip Bailey, Teddy from Blue Magic, and also the Brother from Enchantment and as far as I'm concerned Ron Banks is excellent live. I agree, studio wise and on cd/record okay, but for live performances the FIRE is not there. Nonetheless, the best to all of them.

By Kdubya (206.126.224.7) on Sunday, April 13, 2003 - 02:41 pm:

This is my first trip to this site and you guys are fantastic. A friend of mine turned me on to the site because we were discussing The Temptations in another "net" venue. I have learned more in one visit to this site than I have in just cruising the net. I am a long time old school fan of the Temptations and personally wanted to tell you all how much I appreciate the depth and scope of your knowledge as well as your many diverse opinions. Eddie was my favorite tenor, Glen Leonard's tenor was "stratospheric" he could hit notes that none of the other tenors could. Check out "I'm on Fire". Damon always conjured up images of a young Eddie and Ron Tyson has always been suitable but clearly not as talented as the others. I agree that his take on "What a difference a day makes" is flawless. I am not sure about GC Cameron as a Tempt. If he is indeed replacing Bo then so be it. I wish Bo well. I'll talk at you folks later, glad to be in your company.
K-dub (Chicago)

By Marv (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, April 15, 2003 - 11:48 pm:

I saw G.C. Cameron recently on the Rhythm, Soul and Love special for PBS. He was leading the Spinners and attempting to sing John Edwards parts without much success! He looks the same as he did over 20 years ago, but his vocal range is lacking to sing some of the Spinners songs made popular after his departure in 1971. I have no ideal how he will fit into the Tempts. His sound today reminds me a bit of Wilson Pickett's

By David Meikle (213.122.63.254) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 05:45 am:

Hi K-dub from the Windy City.

Thanks for taking time to share your thoughts.

I hope you stick with us because there is much more to come.

David

By 1wicked (24.126.64.120) on Wednesday, April 16, 2003 - 08:05 am:

K-Dub...welcome aboard...but bring your own heavy duty oars 'cause it gets deep in here !! (LOL)

By Kdubya (206.126.224.7) on Thursday, April 17, 2003 - 10:46 am:

Dave and 1wicked, thanks for the welcome and I intend to be around. It appears from the information posted here that GC Cameron is a Temptation indeed. Maybe he will add a certain Motown flavor to these old boys. However ("Marv's)post has me concerned about his vocal abilities, Barrington was no slouch and John Edwrads had a hell of a time trying to recreate some of the Spinners cuts because Mr. Wynnes take on them was so distinctive but........these guys continue to clone themselves and are basicly successful in the process, hope this works for them....."Temptations Forever".

By Aba21 (208.191.122.205) on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 - 05:21 pm:

In reading the opinions of the first tenors in the Temptations I would have to agree with most. May I add that live Glenn was outstanding on songs like Just My Imagination, TWYDTHYD and his own songs like Everready Love and Go For It as well as I'm On Fire and Is There Anybody Else rank him second to Eddie only because he came after Eddie.

Damon was too young to be a Temptation and you are right his Impact stuff is out of sight.By then his voice had matured to a point where he was ready for the job. Of them all Damon sounded most like Eddie and that's where they made their first mistake. Had they taken Glen first, Damon wouldn't have had to suffer the slings and arrows of replacing a legend like Eddie Kendrick. They should have gone the same route they did when they found Dennis, someone totally different from David.

Ron's My Love Is True And Sailaway prove he can handle the job of first tenor very well.I have no problem with the way he performs. He is a 20 year man and a Temptation just as much as anybody who has ever put on the suits.

As far as ALi is concerned, he is the last great lead of the Temps. But the man who had the toughest job of alltime is Dennis Edwards. Not only did he replace a legend at the peak of his game in a group at the top of the charts, but he did it his way and proved he didn't have to be David to be good.

By AngelFire (205.188.209.109) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 03:40 pm:

I agree that Mr. Cameron can sing anything and make it sound good. Have you heard his new solo CD Shadows? I found a site that had a song from it, Foolish. There is another song from a gospel CD -Truth and Reality - by GC that I never heard before. It's at http://www.locusthillpublishing.com/g c cameron.htm. I hope you like it as much as I did.

By ME (68.42.209.170) on Tuesday, April 29, 2003 - 04:05 pm:

http://www.locusthillpublishing.com/g%20c%20cameron.htm

By WaltBaby (152.163.188.68) on Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - 06:16 pm:

I'm glad to hear that such a talented vocalist as G. C. Cameron has landed a gig with the Otis Williams Temptations. I thoroughly enjoyed his one solo album with Motown. I have since lost track of him. I wish him the best. On the topic of lead first tenors with the Temptations, I always felt that Kendrick's voice was the key to the group's harmony, and that was why they always tried to duplicate his voice. Glenn Leonard's voice to me seem a little thin. This ultimately is unfair trying to compare anyone's vocal characteristics with another's. Kind of like comparing oranges, lemons, and grapefruits. There is only one Eddie Kendricks, There is only one Damon Harris etc., etc.
Since Ali Woodson left the Temptations, the only lead singer to show any consistancy in my opinion was Theo Peoples. The Phoenix Rising album and The For Lovers Only album are high water marks of the last ten years. Coincidentally those were the two albums on which Theo's voice existed. Unfortunately it seems that as good as those two albums were and even with Theo's contribution of "This Is My Promise," (which he wrote and sang lead on) Otis and Theo couldn't get together on what both felt was an equitable compensation for Theo's services. This is only speculation. Which leads to the question...If you join an established group, bring along writing skills, and provide some much needed new life and new hits to said group, how do you figure out proper consideration????

By Kdubya (206.126.224.7) on Thursday, May 01, 2003 - 02:01 pm:

WaltBaby I hear you. Theo was never given the props that he deserved and For Lovers Only & Phoneix Rising were indeed some of the best work the Temptations had accomplished in years. I love the Temptations but to me it just seems that Otis will be haunted by the image of David Ruffin forever. Dennis had it, Ali Had it, Theo had it, yet they all had to overcome that DR imagery and try to take it beyond the point that David left it. I saw Theo last year at Taste of Chicago (he was filling in for Levi/Four Tops) and he blew the crowd away with This Is My promise. Most in attendance were unaware that he was the man behind those excellent Tempt albums until he cut loose. Now this is a man who needs a good producer. Peace

By tempt or not to tempt? (205.188.209.109) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 09:01 pm:

is g.c. cameron a temptation or not? on another site, barrington says he is still a temptation. sounds like a ball of confusion.

By Leo (66.72.201.225) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 10:19 pm:

I hope G.C. gets a good lawyer, because he's going to need it in a few years with Otis. Before he signs his name on the dotted line, he might want to call Eldrige, Louis, Billy, Dennis, Glen, Damon, Richard, Ali, Theo, Bo...........not counting the family of David and Eddie!

By RD (63.188.32.8) on Friday, May 02, 2003 - 11:46 pm:

Elbridge passed so G. C. can't call him. Who's Billy?

By Greg C. (209.71.79.222) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 01:22 pm:

GC Cameron had several singles on Mowest and three solo albums on Motown. They were "Love Songs and Other Tragedies-1974","GC Cameron-1976", and "You're What's Missing In My Life-1977."

He also recorded a duet album with Syreeta in the summer of 1977 entitled "Rich Love, Poor Love" which was absolutely stellar! Motown just threw it out there and didn't do a thing with it.

Looking forward to his recording with the Temptations.

Read somewhere that their next Motown release was going to beu pdated versions of their classics. That could be a "make it or break it" project. We'll see...

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 01:48 pm:

HEY GREG,NOBODY LOVES THE TEMPS MORE THAN ME,BUT IF IT'S TRUE ABOUT THEM UPDATING THIER CLASSICS THAT WOULD BE A MISTAKE,THEY'RE CALLED CLASSICS FOR A REASON!

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 03:48 pm:

I dont mean to start a war here but why do I keep hearing that Otis gets into legal trouble with people. Until I came on the Internet I had no idea so many people didnt like Otis Williams and these are the reasons I have been hearing
Otis tries to take control of the group
Otis fires people for no reason at all
Otis was the one who started the problems with
Eddie and David
Otis this and Otis that!!
I dont know Otis but he didnt seem to fall into drugs and drink like everyone else and it seems to me that he is a good businessman and was able to keep the group together!!! I have to give Otis his props in that dept. If David Ruffin was the businessman can you imagine what would have happened with the money!!! I love David dont get me wrong but I think that Otis has done a good job keeping the group together.

I guess Melvin was the peacemaker. Is everyone that is complaining about Otis justified in this?
I dont think he is one of the best singers in the Temps but he seems to know his place in the group I never heard him whining and crying about not singing lead..
Stephanie

By Kenderella (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 04:40 pm:

Really, Stephanie, do you think he would whine and cry about not singing lead? You can't 'lead' where you don't go! Does not drinking and drugging make you a good businessman? He probably drove the others to drink and drugs. While they were drinking and drugging, Otis was securing his position. Strange, that he was not the 'leader' of the Classic Tempts. Only when they left or he ran them away did he become a 'great leader' and 'businessman.'

By ME (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 04:42 pm:

Otis admitted in his book that he did drugs. He said "The first time I did drugs...."

By R&B (138.238.41.118) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 05:12 pm:

OH,OH,NOW I GOTTA GET IN THIS,FIRST OF ALL STEPH IS RIGHT I'VE ALWAYS LET ME REPEAT,ALWAYS BEEN AN OTIS WILLIAMS FAN,I'VE STATED PREVIOUSLY THAT IF OTIS WAS NOT A STRONG LEADER THE TEMPS WOULD HAVE DIED WHEN DAVID LEFT OR SOONER,I DON'T KNOW THE MAN PERSONALLY OR ALL THE FACTS BUT WHAT I DO KNOW IS THAT FOR 43 WONDERFUL YEARS WE HAVE BEEN TREATED TO SOME OF THE GREATEST MUSIC AND PERFORMANCES OF ALL TIME.YES BERRY PUT THEM ON THE ROAD TO FAME AND ALOT OF OTHER PEOPLE HAD A HAND IN AS WELL,BUT WHAT I'M SAYING IS THAT WITHIN THE GROUP I BELIEVE THAT OTIS IS THE GLUE THAT KEEP THE TEMPS TOGETHER WHEN TIMES WERE HARD,NOW OF COURSE THERE ARE OTHERS HERE WHO KNOW ALOT MORE THAN ME ABOUT THE INNER WORKINGS OF THE GROUP,AND KENDERELLA LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING,YOU DON'T KEEP [ANY]BUSINESS GOING FOR 40 YEARS UNLESS YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE DOING,OTIS IS NO ANGEL,BUT OTIS IS SMART.WE'RE ALL ENTITLED TO OUR OPINION AND THIS IS MINE,TEMPTATIONS AND OTIS FOREVER!!

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 05:48 pm:

Hey RandB
The one BEEF I DO have with Otis (but more so Suzanne Depasse and dont get me wrong I know she is a smart woman and good at what she does) ..I understand that in movies that are based on books that sometimes dramatic license is taken to make the story more appealing. BUT when I saw the Temptations movie (and its not like Otis and Suzanne were not there at the time) there were so many inaccuracies in that movie that a mere Temps fan and not rabid Motown fans like us would point out.

I guess what shocked me is the movie looked like a better than average B film on TV..but what shocked me the most is that usually you have to cut stuff out because movies are normally only two hours!!! This TV movie was four!! Im not saying they had time to go through all of the personnel changes but they certainly had time to tell the story the right way. I know Im not the only person who feels this way.
Otis was made to look like a hero in the movie and Melvin was made to look like a yes man
They showed David walking up to Hitsville and finding out with a piece of paper he was fired
The way Tammi Terrell was portrayed (well out of respect for her I wont get into that)
I didnt hear him say this but someone told me they saw Otis on TV even saying the movie wasnt true to the book (now Otis may not have had much say in this I dont know) but dont you think Suzanne Depasse would want to give a more accurate story.
Also they dont know if David Ruffin was dumped out of a car!! Again I give Otis props for keeping the group together and he deserves it but (and Im not a huge Temps fan) although I have a lot of their recordings.

That movie left a lot to be desired now if IM wrong I stand corrected..any thoughts..
Stephanie

By ME (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 05:50 pm:

R&B - You are absolutely correct "Otis is smart."

By ME (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 05:56 pm:

I loved the music.

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 06:07 pm:

Anyman who can keep a group together for 40 some odd years has to have some smarts about him I DO agree...he had to deal with a lot of egos and financial responsibilities and I guess he learned along the way..he has been able to keep the Temps going and keep people employed..Mary Wilson had quite a task but Otis well he had several more when it came to all of his personnel changes and like I said I dont like the movie it was OK but my hat goes off to Otis in the keeping the Temps alive department..
Stephanie

By to tempt or not to tempt (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 06:17 pm:

is g.c. a tempation or not? on another site, barrington says he is still a tempation. sounds like more ball of confusion. btw, it is the classic five that have kept the temptations alive, not one man.

By Pauil Mooney (62.254.64.5) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 06:25 pm:

Hello,

It hasn't yet been confirmed that G.C. Cameron is a member of The Temptations. He expects to find out very soon. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything more.

Regards,

Paul Mooney

By to tempt or not to tempt (64.12.97.7) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 06:29 pm:

thanks paul

By Kernderella (152.163.188.68) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 10:26 pm:

to tempt or not to tempt, ITA with your statement that

"it is the classic five that have kept the temptations alive, not one man."

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 10:34 pm:

Stephanie - Actually, don't you think there are too many egos that Otis says he had to deal with. There is something not quite right there. :o) At some point you have to stop and wonder "what's goin on"

I agree with you in that the movie told too many lies, making Mr. "O" look like the nice guy. That's why I said, "I loved the music."

By stephanie (66.54.1.38) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 10:37 pm:

I get your drift Sis Detroit..
thanks
Stephanie

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, May 03, 2003 - 10:39 pm:

Every one of those Egos could sing their butts off. The group is an organization though. The Otis & Shelly Co.

By Leoscasino (66.72.204.135) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 03:22 pm:

I certainly didn't mean to start a war, but now my gander is up. Otis is the "glue" of the group because Berry gave him the legal rights to retain the name "The Temptations". He's had great training from Mr. Gordy on how to run a business.
As a fan, I know very little of the inner circle doings of the Temps, but I do know
1. There have been far too many lead singers that "leave" the temptations.
2. Almost all of them (David, Eddie, Dennis, Ali and Damon)have been in a legal disputes with Otis.
3. None of them were "allowed" by Otis to even use the term "formerly of the Temptations" when appearing as solo acts. Ali couldn't even use the term "former lead singer...." when he was in plays that he acted in.
4. Any finally, I do know, that when I handed Otis's book to Eddie Kendricks for a signature, he politely declined and said there were far too many inaccuracies. David looked at the book and walked away.
Otis might be a good business man, but, as a fan I am tired of going to their venues and finding a new lead singer younger than my children.
I wish all of the remaining lead singers would just get together, have the Funk Brothers behind them and perform to their loyal fans who have endured these last 40 years. Allan S, work on that! You can perform miracles. Look what you've done with the Funks

Correction on my previous post. Billy was suppose to be Ricky (Owens, who replace Dennis the first time).

By Scratcher (65.132.79.183) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 03:32 pm:

Ricky Owens replaced Eddie Kendricks for a brief period before getting the boot himself and being replaced by Damon Harris.

By Leo (66.72.204.135) on Sunday, May 04, 2003 - 07:58 pm:

You are right Scratcher, AGAIN!

By DELL (12.14.39.66) on Monday, May 05, 2003 - 11:05 am:

To all those giving otis his props, yes it stands to reason that if the group is still going, otis must be doing something.....BUT AT WHAT COST, we have watch the temptations go from one of the greatest groups in history, to the inconsitent state they are in today, was otis the straw that stirred the drink, i don't think so, Shelly Berger, took the group to the next level in the 70's, when no one in the group agreed, including otis. Otis diddn't keep the group going, he kept the NAME OF THE GROUP GOING, all he has done is secure his job.

By BSMG (66.72.203.117) on Monday, May 05, 2003 - 07:21 pm:

Could someone PLEASE send this thread to Otis!

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 02:22 pm:

Hey Gang:
First of all, Stephanie has a point regarding the Temptations movie. In fact, Ms. De Passe & company were sued by the estates of Ruffin, Kendrick, Johnnie Mae Matthews as well as Melvin Franklin's mother. The court case can be found on the following:

http://www.nyls.edu/cmc/uscases/ruffin-steinbackvdepasse.htm

Second of all, as a Tempts fan I feel that Otis has done a decent job in keeping the group's name alive but it doesn't mean he was a great or even a good leader. What makes a great leader is someone who can surround himself (or herself) with talented folks and let them do their thing to make the group look good, which is precisely what each member of the Tempts have done (or tried to do). From David Ruffin's invention of the four-position mic stand (so that everyone can be heard) to Eddie's fashion taste to Paul's dance steps to Melvin's diplomacy. Hell, Ali-Ollie Woodson wrote "Treat Her Like A Lady" which became the group's first #1 R&B single in God knows how long (never mind the tunes Eddie Kendricks wrote for the Tempts during the 1960s). These are things even Otis had to admit in his book that Ms. DePasse left out (I guess this info wasn't "Hollywood" enough).

Maybe someone needs to talk to VH-1 about doing a Legends program about the Tempts which will tell all sides of the story. If they were able to do that for Marvin Gaye, the Tempts' real story needs to be told.

Regards,
Kevin Goins - KevGo

By Kdubya (206.126.224.7) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 06:15 pm:

God I love you guys....I'm sure that as consumers with inquiring minds we all want to know what really happened to The Temptations. Richard Street was writing a book and we never got to engage in the liverly art of conversation about his viewpoint because the book has yet to be published. As an Original Tempt Otis has done a commendable job through the years , hence the Tempts are still here. Whatever the real problems were, whether it be with Otis, Eddie, David, Dennis or Ali, Will we ever really know ? Perhaps, perhaps not. Its the way of the world. There will always be tales of the "Dynasty" that was the Temptations. I happen to love and have supported every single variation of the Temptations because that was my choice. I'll discuss them in this forum and agree to disagree with anyone posting here because it's my choice. Because of what has gone before and the prospect of things to come, I'll love the Temptations forever, in another forum, I once wrote that The Temptations were merely shells of themselves and they had started imitating The Temptations.....I slammed their album "Awesome" especially the song "I Want a Love I can See", I wrote an essay entitled Did The Temptations Kill Rythym and Blues ? As we know all's fair in this game but I'll stand with them forever. I was raised that way.........smile for me now !!

Kdubya

By Nancy (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 09:34 pm:

Kev go I could not agree with you more, recently in the basement magazine interviewed three former temptation lead singer Richard Street, Damon Harris and ollie Woodson, this is an issue that everyone on this thread should check out

By janjan (64.12.97.7) on Tuesday, May 06, 2003 - 11:15 pm:

The Temptations are legendary. The Temptations were the reason a lot of Blackmen had pride and Black women had dreams. I love The Temptations and all the fine Black men who have been a part of The University of The Temptations, Detroit, Michigan. Of course, Eddie, David, Melvin Otis and Paul were the unbelievable Five, but from Ollie Woodson to Richard Street to who ever is with Otis now more power to them bec they just might do something else fantastic like For Lovers Only or Phoenix Rising respectively. yes the movie was fictitious in TOO many respects but it was a m o v i e. The problem is that too many people were hurt by it and children and some adults think it was historical. Please, the movie wasn't even filmed in Detroit. That is another issue. I had planned to take off from work that day to be an extra. Correct me if I m wrong but De Passe was run out of Detoit. I remember seeing her on Channel 7 attempting to explain the move to Pittsburgh. Ha, Ha, Ha.

By Heikki (62.248.232.49) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 01:03 am:

Hi Nancy!
When I did the Ali Ollie interview about a year and a half ago, he spoke quite openly, but then, before we went into print, he asked to remove all his criticism against Otis.
Best regards
Heikki
http://www.soulexpress.net

By R&B (138.238.41.128) on Wednesday, May 07, 2003 - 08:20 am:

I WILL SAY ONE THING ABOUT THE MOVIE,LIKE EVERY TEMP FAN I WAS GLAD TO SEE THEIR STORY ON FILM,THE ACTORS WERE EXCELLENT BUT THERE ARE CERTAIN THINGS YOU CAN DO IN A THEATRICAL FILM THAT YOU CAN'T DO ON TELEVISION,OF COURSE THERE WERE OTHER LITTLE THINGS THAT I CALL POOR RESEARCH BUT I'M NOT GONNA NITPIK,IT JUST WOULD HAVE BEEN NICE TO SEE THE STORYLINE A LITTLE CLOSER TO THE BOOK,CAN YOU IMAGINE THAT MOVIE DONE BY OH LET'SEE...SPIKE LEE!!