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The Temptations’ 1980 rendition of “Silent Night” showcases soulful sounds that are known and admired across globe but another important release that took place earlier in 1964 would become one of Motown’s signature songs titled “My Girl”. Motown Records released “My Girl” on December 21st 1964 a song which many claim set a standard for the group’s successful trajectory and career showcasing creative team’s ability to craft timeless tracks. The group has created an unmatched sound known world wide as a testament of Motown’s musical influences that are celebrated to this very day with over one billion Spotify streams on their song “My Girl”.
Smokey Robinson and Ronnie White both Miracles founding members were crucial to The Temptations' rise as these prolific musicians co-wrote and produced “My Girl” that released through Motown’s Gordy record subsidiary label in December of 1964. The song “My Girl” ascended to the top position within both the pop and R&B Billboard charts by March 1965 granting The Temptations a first number one hit to add to their catalogue of successes and is still enjoyed and praised to this day . The track served as a major landmark being the debut single with lead vocalist David Ruffin. Former member Elbridge "Al" Bryant was replaced by Ruffin solidifying a historic lineup with Melvin Franklin Eddie Kendricks Otis Williams and Paul Williams all playing pivotal roles.
Otis Williams who co-founded and remains as the final original member is presently celebrating “My Girl’s” 60th anniversary since the songs creation and recording. “My Girl” officially surpassed one billion streams mark on Spotify showing a vast reach for the classic Motown track. The anniversary celebrations began with performance of “My Girl” on The Today Show in New York on Monday December 16 with future television engagements scheduled with appearances on The View Tuesday December 17 and Sherri plus ABC News’ Nightline Wednesday December 18 with multiple live television performances . The Temptations performed their legendary classic during the National League Championship Series during the game between Los Angeles Dodgers versus New York Mets at Citi Field which became the official walk-up music for New York shortstop Francisco Lindor and ended in a fan sing along that is often the norm with live shows of "My Girl".
Otis Williams recalled a concert experience many years prior where The Temptations chose to not perform “My Girl” with angry fans berating the band almost beyond the level of civil respect showing the important role that “My Girl” plays in live shows. Otis Williams famously added they should “never take out of our lineup” noting how audiences rise as if “it's the national anthem” highlighting importance for their overall stage presence. The Temptations recognize their legacy by still performing and representing the legacy of “My Girl” through live performances worldwide despite having multiple hits in their musical catalog.
The unique and immediately identifiable bass intro for “My Girl” along with romantic lyrics have sustained its impact and connection with listeners after six decades of musical listening . Ruffin’s smooth lead vocals alongside The Temptations sweet background harmonies have made the love song an essential addition for music collections that value true artistry. Lyrics within “My Girl” include ”I don't need no money fortune or fame” demonstrates timeless messaging which is what many see as key to its longevity and legacy through various generations.
“My Girl” was made as the follow-up to another chart topping hit written and produced by Smokey Robinson “My Guy” by Mary Wells celebrating its own 60th anniversary. Smokey Robinson spoke about his experience while hosting his Sirius XM show noting The Temptations inspired his work on this single. David Ruffin with that great voice had inspired him to "write something sweet" as he said "David had that great voice and demanded the girls love him with his come-on-baby kind of voice". Smokey wanted "girls could just swoon over" hence “My Girl” was made explicitly for The Temptations with an intention that "has stood the test of time" which Robinson believes should be aim for when making any musical track.
“My Girl” obtained a Grammy Hall of Fame induction in 1998 demonstrating its cultural reach. The Library of Congress chose this record for its National Recording Registry collection in 2017 highlighting its significance from a “cultural historical or aesthetically significant” perspective proving it stands out as musical milestone among many music releases. The inclusion of “My Girl” into these iconic registries is a further testament to its lasting artistic, and societal influences across all groups that consume pop and r&b music.
During NBC’s holiday special A Motown Christmas show which aired on December 11 The Temptations which included Ron Tyson Terry Weeks Tony Grant plus Jawan M. Jackson presented their three-song set. “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” “Get Ready” and also “My Girl” were chosen for performance on the show highlighting long lasting career of musicians and musical reach from the band through different generations. This televised performance highlighted The Temptations continued relevance within music along with a special television format.
Otis Williams recalls saying “Man I don't know how big a record this is going to be but this is going to be a record” right after vocals for “My Girl” finished in recording. This is in reference to a conversation with Smokey Robinson during post production stage with Williams expressing that some 60 years later his musical group was “still going strong”. Otis also mentions that not many bands receive this “kind of break” as it was indeed "God’s timing for Motown to start when it did”. Otis stated that through this they’re “part of something that will outlive us all” noting how his personal achievements including an honorary doctorate from Stillman College in Alabama compare to the larger cultural influences of “My Girl” as timeless cultural touch point in American music.