While time travel may not be possible (give us some proof, Doc and Marty!), more than a thousand people, ranging from kids to older adults, were able to go back to the 60s and 70s Friday night with the Temptations and the Four Tops at Strathmore.
Though Otis Williams is the only remaining original member of the Temptations, at 73, and Abdul “Duke” Fakir is the only remaining original member of the Four Tops, at 78, both groups brought the soul and smooth dance moves that made them such a hit in the 60s.
December 21 marks the 50th anniversary of the release of the Temptations’ popular hit, “My Girl,” which ascended to number 1 on the Billboard R&B Singles chart, as well as being named number 88 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.
In the half-century since its release, the tune hasn’t lost any of its magic (and is even sung by the Guy Poms when they make their rounds), and neither have the Temptations.
Williams had the moves down and even sang a song solo—something that he didn’t usually do back in the day, he said.
The setlist for the Temptations, who performed first, included hits “Papa Was a Rolling Stone,” “Get Ready,” and “Can’t Get Next to You.”
Though the audience sat for the beginning half of the performance, for “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “My Girl,” everyone was up on their feet and ready to do the mashed potato.
The band came out for a quick encore of “Silent Night” before saying goodnight for the evening.
After a brief intermission, The Four Tops came out and brought the energy back, jamming to hits like “Same Old Song” and “Baby I Need Your Lovin’.”