The Temptations are an influential American vocal group. Formed in the early 1960s in Detroit, Michigan, as The Elgins, the group consisted of five male vocalists, including Otis Williams, Elbridge Bryant, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, and Paul Williams, though Bryant was replaced by David Ruffin as their lead vocalist.

The group made a successful audition for Motown and was signed to its imprint Miracle Records. There, the group rebranded themselves as The Temptations and began working on their first two singles before being moved to a newer imprint, Gordy Records. By 1964, the group had been gaining steam in the public thanks to their first album Meet the Temptations.

The group won audiences over with their sound and iconic choreography, becoming the first Motown group to win a Grammy Award for their 1969 song “Cloud Nine.” Over the course of their career, the Temptations’ popularity continued to climb despite its roster changing. Billboard and Rolling Stone consider the group to be one of the most influential music artists of all time.