The “Classic Five” lineup, consisting of Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and David Ruffin, is widely regarded as the most successful and influential period for The Temptations.
The Temptations originated in Detroit, Michigan, and were formed in 1960. Initially named “The Elgins,” the group was a merger of two Detroit-based vocal groups, The Primes (which included Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams) and The Distants (which included Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, and Elbridge “Al” Bryant). They eventually signed with Motown Records and changed their name to The Temptations in 1961.
Come in and take a look at your mind
You’d be surprised at what you might find
Psychedelic Shack is the twelfth studio album by The Temptations released on March 6, 1970, for the Gordy (Motown) label. All songs were written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong and produced by Whitfield. Most of the songs stray from the “Motown Sound”, instead delving fully into psychedelia.
