The Temptations' unique 1980 interpretation of "Silent Night" stands as a quintessential holiday cover however during another holiday season 60 years prior Motown Records released a defining classic: "My Girl". The song remains highly influential and one of the best examples of its genre.
Motown Legends Robinson and White Create "My Girl" For The Temptations
Smokey Robinson and Ronnie White founding members of the Miracles wrote and produced "My Girl" with release occurring through Gordy a Motown subsidiary on December 21 1964. The song surged to the top of Billboard’s pop and R&B charts by March 1965 marking The Temptations' first number one hit. "My Girl" introduced David Ruffin as the main singer replacing original member Elbridge “Al” Bryant establishing the classic lineup with Melvin Franklin Eddie Kendricks Otis Williams and Paul Williams.
Otis Williams Celebrates 60th Anniversary Of Mega-Hit "My Girl" With Global Recogniton
The Temptations original member Otis Williams currently celebrating 60th anniversary of mega-hit "My Girl" which recently passed the one billion streams milestone on Spotify. Otis Williams during the run that kicked off on December 16 a performance of "My Girl" on The Today show included appearances on The View December 17 Sherri and ABC News’ Nightline December 18 as well. The Temptations performed “My Girl” back in October for the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets where Francisco Lindor a Mets shortstop made this song his walkup anthem that caused stadium wide singalong at Citi Field.
The Temptations' Must-Play: How "My Girl" Transcends Generations With Soulful Notes
The Temptations feel "My Girl" is a staple song for the band. Otis Williams mentions an incident where his band failed to perform "My Girl" prompting backlash that showed its impact stating "that's one song we can never ever take out of our lineup" and during its present day shows he also said audiences give it “the national anthem” style reaction. The distinctive opening bass and highly romantic verses written with great emotion sung with incredible vocals by Ruffin’s with Temptations' smooth harmony remain central themes that have kept the song at the top throughout the years.
“My Girl’s” Inspiration from Robinson Reflects The Unique Vocals of David Ruffin and Sweet Harmonies
“My Girl” was the sequel to Mary Wells' "My Guy" also from 1964. Smokey Robinson shared that he designed “My Girl” to fit David Ruffin’s vocals who was well known to make ladies feel like loving him due to his unique vocal qualities that swoon hearts all across the world.. David Ruffin’s unique abilities became known to Smokey and Smokey created “My Girl” specifically for his abilities also using the other members as support to the main melody. Motown poet laureate also declared the timeless relevance of the track during a SiriusXM radio episode.
"My Girl" Inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame and National Recording Registry and NBC Television Holiday Special
"My Girl” secured inclusion within the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998 along with being honored by Library of Congress in 2017. The library called the song "culturally historically or aesthetically significant" showcasing its role in broader American popular music. The Temptations including current lineup Ron Tyson Terry Weeks Tony Grant and Jawan M. Jackson played three songs at NBC's holiday program A Motown Christmas on December 11 playing “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” “Get Ready” and “My Girl”.
The Temptations’ Legacy with “My Girl” As a Testament To Motown's Everlasting Influence
Otis Williams recalled having early positive opinions for song after its completion of vocals as being ‘a record’ for which he was proven right saying ‘this is going to be a record’ when discussing song after the final production. He has also said he can't believe some 60 years later they still are relevant adding that 'God's timing' made Motown become relevant to cultural discourse that is going to be long lasting. Otis Williams received honorary doctorate from Stillman College in recognition to his immense talent and service to arts culture through the ages showing his value and influence of the art.