By The original Soulaholic yes it is me not the fake one who hi-jacked my name and dissed people (68.41.47.183) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 11:30 am:

Hello All:
An interesting article in the Detroit News today about bands and how they are reinventing themselves.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/entertainment/0308/02/d01-233874.htm

By douglasm (68.113.13.31) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 11:53 am:

Sounds like a hell (edit: heck) of a show. I asked Sue about it on the Iggy thread, and she responded.

doug

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 12:23 pm:

Here is another article regarding the Comerica Park concert.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/entertainment/0308/01/e01-232916.htm

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 12:25 pm:

A very interesting article regarding the concert.

http://www.detnews.com/2003/entertainment/0307/31/d01-231922.htm

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 12:28 pm:

In addition to discussing Mr. Bigg and India Aries, Susan Whitall writes this about Otis of the Temptations.


"You won't find the thug or pimp look on a Temptations album or in their live set. The legendary Motown group will perform on Saturday with their newest Tempt, G.C. Cameron of the Spinners, in tow.

Otis Williams, the sole remaining original Temptation, respects the Isleys but is adamant that his group will never go as far to stay "modern."

"I love Ronnie, but I don't know about some of the things that they're getting over on there," Williams says of the Isley's new album.

As for the argument that the Isleys are just "keeping it real," Williams says he's heard that before.

"I heard one artist saying they're in the 'hood and that's just the way it is," Williams says. "Well, what about all the people before them, where were they born? Most black folks, as well as white folks, there was a 'hood we were born into, but I don't think that necessarily requires you to call women (names). ... Those words, and the m.f. word have been around for eons. It's very reflective of the times we are living in. I think our morality has dropped."

Williams partially faults radio.

"During the '60s and '70s and up to the '80s, you would not get any airplay with cussing on your records," he says. "The FCC wouldn't allow it. I don't understand. The people saying these things, they've got sisters and they've got mamas and aunts and grandmothers."

When they first started, the Temptations' roots were solidly in the doo-wop era, with sweet, gospel-tinged harmonies. Later in the '60s, when they teamed with producer Norman Whitfield, and Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin, the Temptations' music took on a harder edge.

But Williams argues that the "psychedelic Temptations" showed what was going on in the streets without having to bleep anything out.

"With 'Papa Was a Rolling Stone,' most anyone could relate to that," he says. " 'My daddy was something else,' but I don't have to cuss about it. On 'Ball of Confusion,' we were talking about the sign of the times, but we didn't use bad language."

Williams believes that the classic nature of Motown music, and its ability to appeal to such a broad audience were key to its success.

"Who would have thought this little two-story family flat in Detroit would make such an impact on the world. We were trying to heal troubled times. When I looked back, it was destined, meant to be. And I'm so thankful I'm a part of something that will outlive us all."

By janebse (68.63.5.177) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 12:38 pm:

I hope someone reports on the Friday and Saturday night shows. The programs appear to be long, and I'm not sure what effect that will have on the last groups performing.

And there will be a big emotional response if Levi appears on stage with the Tops.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 12:38 pm:

Otis was correct when stating that the FCC would not allow those words. Some of the words still have to be bleeped out.

If Otis was a young singing just recording in these day, he would in fact say those words in his recording. It's not like he wrote those hit songs. The writer was Whitefield. Although I liked the voices and melody on "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" I didn't like the lyrics. That was an insult to our fathers. I had a good father. I also did not like the lyrics to "Cloud Nine" even though it was a classic, because it came out during a time when the young were trying different drugs and becoming substance abusers. I know in an interview, Otis said the words didn't mean drugs (even though he didn't write them), but what else would you think during those times.

By janebse (68.63.5.177) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 01:20 pm:

Otis said that Norman Whitfield did not use drugs either. And there was a time when Cloud Nine had a different meaning, a meaning of perfection.

Perhaps the writer of "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" had such a father. And Whitfield was very much into message songs so perhaps he was telling men to be better fathers. I too had a good father, but the song always reminds me of the importance of being a good parent. It always makes me want to be a better parent.

And so much of Whitfield's message songs were true, true, true. So sad. I always thought about how Smokey wrote basically love songs and Whitfield was so concerned about social issues. But both wanted the Tempts.

By Sue (205.188.209.109) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 01:28 pm:

I don't think one song, about one father, is a generalization or disrespect to all fathers.

It's like saying a novel portraying a female serial killer who happens to be a mom, is anti-mother.

By medusa (66.73.10.37) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 08:46 pm:

Soulaholic,
I checked out the site U made available...BUT I have one question~they showed a photo of the Temps, and I really didn't like the phrase that read "what many call the 'Classic' Temptations, in the early 60's" so..what were they called by the others? They actually were and always will be the "Classic" Temptations. If they weren't,
what else were they called, and by whom?
One must Bvery careful of how they word their thoughts, but thanx 4 the article.

By Soulaholic (68.41.47.183) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 09:25 pm:

Hey Medusa:

That,s a problem. Words convey different meanings to people.

To me all the Temps in any form, where always a pleasure to listen to.

Soulaholic

By Scratcher (65.238.127.101) on Saturday, August 02, 2003 - 10:31 pm:

Barrett Strong wrote the lyrics and most of the music to those songs not Norman Whitfield. Norman put his production touches and embelished the songs far beyond what Strong brought to him, but those songs were basically written by Barrett Strong. For example: Strong wrote "War" and "Stop The War Now" about his brother who was serving in Vietnam...

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 01:46 am:

I know I see Strong's name quite often when there is Whitfield.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 02:18 am:

The Mighty O'JAYS sang all of their hits. They put on a great show. EDDIE has always been my man. He still sings as hard as ever. He had the crowd going with his bumps and grinds. My favorites were the first "Love Train" and the last "Use To Be My Girl." Sure brought back great memories. I'm ready to party again. I've got to learn how to dance.

GC CAMERON - Who said he wasn't tempts material. He is the Temptations. He handled all of the songs as I had expected with upmost professionalism, and with a great voice. He was hitting some high notes. He had better relax with those high notes if he wants to keep his beautiful voice. He sure had me screaming. He threw me a kiss. My favorite was "Losing You."

I didn't see all of the FOUR TOPS, but they sounded great. (((LEVI))) was there but he didn't sing. He looked good. He is still as fine as ever. He is a sweetheart. God bless him.

FRANKIE BEVERLY AND MAZE. FRANKIE BABY!!! WOOO WEEE. Sexy songs sang by a sexy man. Frankie Beverly had the crowd in his hands. He was last on and the stadium was packed. They didn't want to leave. Dancing in the aisles and doing the hussle. What a man. um um um. Fine as wine. :o)

I had a fantastic time although I missed Ali Woodson and the Dramatics who were performing at another venue.

By Sue (64.12.97.7) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 09:44 am:

That reminds me, a reader called to correct me ... in a bossy voice, she said "it's D.C. Cameron, not G.C."

What the ?? Of course we have to be polite to folks like that. They buy papers (sigh).

G.C. was incredible last night. He infuses those songs like "(I Know) I'm Losing You" with the kind of passion I haven't heard in a Tempts voice since Edwards or Ruffin.

Charisma to spare!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 11:14 am:

GC sounded like both of them on their songs. He was great singing "Memories." I was looking somewhere else when he first started "Papa Was A Rolling Stone," I looked up expecting to see Dennis. (LOL) GC Cameron is really working for his money. Being the main leader. Terry did a couple songs which were ok, but I think he tried too hard to be soulful. He reminded me of Carlton on Fresh Prince.

A solo singer came after the Tempts, then came Nelly, the rapper. Even though I couldn't understand what Nelly and his group were saying, the people sang along with him. So, I know I'm way behind times. They had to send police up front because the crowd was about to get out of hand when Nelly was singing. I was up close, so the pictures I took with a one time camera, should come out pretty good on Nelly because he came right up to the gate where I was sitting.

None of the Temptations came off the stage, but I still got some decent shots considering the type of camera I had. The X-man, where I was sitting, was really nice. The X-men are used at most all concerts, and have a reputation for strickness and controlling crowds.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 03:56 pm:

I got a review on the Hart Plaza concert. Gino Washington also performed there. Ali Woodson came on just before the Dramatics (who sang last). A musician told me that Ali tore up the place. "He is bad" they said. Most of his band were musicians from Enchantment Band.

They said the Dramatics were kind of boring after Ali Woodson. And that Ron sounded great. This musician said, as he was looking at the Dramatics bass player, he realized that the bass player was showing out, spinning round, and doing all kinds of riffs (sp). (LOL)

At Comerica Park, the Whispers also sang, but I missed them. The Four Tops were performing when I arrived. You could hear them outside, and it sounded like a Four Tops recording. That's how great it was. As I entered the arena, I saw the wide screens, and Levi was the first one I saw as the camera was on him. My heart pounding (I'm very dramatic), I asked if Levi had sang, and they said "no." At least I got to hear them. As they were going off the stage, the Four Tops were surrounding Levi and waving to the audience. Levi was waving. I JUST LOVE THAT LEVI STUBBS. HIS SINGING HAS BROUGHT ME THROUGH SO MANY HARD DAYS. "THANK YOU SO MUCH LEVI FOR YOUR LOVE."

By John Barry Sheffield (195.92.168.165) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 04:27 pm:

SisDetroit, it is "Truly"! Amazing what a GIFT - OUR LEVI has been to so many of us!

HE is like Family to me, He Means so Much and always will.

Love it on the "Standing in The Shadows of Motown Sound Track" the music track to "BERNADETTE" but only ONE PERSON could ever sing those words like OUR LEVI (Hope You are getting paid LEVI haha)

THANKS LEVI FOR ALL THE JOY YOU BRING!

John

England UK

By David Meikle (62.252.128.6) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 04:27 pm:

Sis

It's good to hear that the Four Tops sounded great.

David

By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 04:57 pm:

Sis and I arrived too late to hear the Tops.

By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 05:18 pm:

The show started earlier than we were promised and it took forever to get in. We did see them show Levi sitting there...flashed it on the Jumbotron.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 05:24 pm:

Sue - The Four Tops were singing as we were going into the Arena. Remember when we were going in, I pointed out that the Four Tops were singing, and I said it sounded like a recording. When we got in to get the pass, you were busy, but I was watching them on the screen. I was all eyes and ears. When we got into the booth, they were still on stage. I asked a reporter if Levi had sang, and he said "no." By then, the Four Tops were waving and standing around Levi, who was also waving. You missed it.

By Sue (63.85.105.20) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 05:25 pm:

We just heard bits of one song, yeah.

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Sunday, August 03, 2003 - 06:45 pm:

All I can say is "I Love Music." :o)

By DEBORAH (63.77.247.130) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 02:48 pm:

Hi everyone,

Hope you all enjoyed the concert (music festival)
on Saturday!!! I thought it was great!!!

For those of you that arrived late or were coming
in when the "Tops" were on, my Dad (Levi) did sing
a little bit of "When She Was My Girl", with the
group. It was very emotional for him, and as a
matter of fact....he started to cry and did not
finish the entire song, but he remained on stage
until the end of the song, then he came back
out at the end just before the "Tops" exited the
stage.

It was a great moment for him and for his fans!!
Please continue to keep him in your prayers!!

Love ya,

Deborah

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 02:52 pm:

Deborah - Thank you so much. Now I know why I got so emotional when seeing Levi. I love that man. I'm sorry I missed him singing. Was that the last song they sang? I know the one I heard sounded was so close to the recording. Give him my love. Tell him he will always be number one in my book.

By Ritchie (62.254.0.32) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 02:57 pm:

That's wonderful. Thank you, Sis, Sue & Deborah. Even all these thousands of miles away, I had tears in my eyes, imagining the scene. I guess I'll now just have to reach for Fourever off the shelf :o)

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 04:47 pm:

Hey Folks:
The Tempts, O'Jays & the Four Tops will be in the Big Apple this friday evening at Radio City Music Hall.

If I'm able to attend I'll let you folks know how the gig went.

SisDetroit:
Nelly was performing at the Tempts concert? What a bill that must've been!

Kevin Goins - KevGo

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 07:34 pm:

KevGo - Yes, Nelly was there. My first seeing a rap group.

Here is a Concert Review done by Susan Whitall for the Detroit News. You will see a photo of Nelly, and Frankie Beverly.
http://www.detnews.com/2003/entertainment/0308/04/f01-234903.htm

By Ralph (209.240.198.62) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 07:51 pm:

Deborah,
Just now reading about your dad on stage with the guys. OUTSTANDING!!!

By SisDetroit (68.42.209.170) on Monday, August 04, 2003 - 08:54 pm:

So, KevGo, the group who sings with Nelly is called "The St. Lunatics?"

By KevGo (64.115.26.80) on Tuesday, August 05, 2003 - 07:10 pm:

Sis:
Yup!
Kevin "It's Getting Hot In Herre!" Goins - KevGo

By Sue (205.188.209.109) on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 12:26 am:

So Kevin,

Are you taking your clothes off?

(Kidding!)

About the Grande Ballroom reunion Aug. 21, Detroiters and Detroit expatriates, check this web page out made by Jem of Third Power, great cartoon/posters on the site about the upcoming gig...the blond guy in the cartoons exhorting them to get the bands back together and rehearse really is the guy putting the show on, Jeff Vail.

Here it is: http://www.diamondjems.com/Dreamtunes_Main_page.asp

By Sue (205.188.209.109) on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 12:27 am:

Of course, Aug. 21 is another important Detroit date -- the Funk Brothers are playing Meadow Brook in Rochester, Mich.

Vonda Shepard is the guest vocalist, joining Carla Benson, Johnnie Ingram and Delbert Nelson.

By JoB (204.42.12.2) on Wednesday, August 06, 2003 - 02:55 am:

SisDetroit...sounds like it was a great concert, I'm glad someone else got to see what I've been raving about since I went to the one in Indy on 7/19 :o)