The Temptations and The Four Tops Play Stamford's Palace Theatre Tonight

Stamford Center for the Arts continues its Stellar season with R&B Legends The Temptations and The Four Tops tonight, February 6, 2013 at 8:00 PM at the Palace Theatre in Stamford. Tickets are on sale now at www.SCAlive.org.

An integral part of the Motown Machine in the 60's, The Temptations and The Four Tops brought that smooth R&B sound into pop music and created some of the most recognizable songs in music history, including "The Way You Do the Things You Do," "My Girl," "Baby I Need Your Lovin'," "I Can't Help Myself" and many more. The 2012-2013 season is made possible through the generosity of SCA's Season Sponsors Seaboard Properties, Inc. and The Whittingham Family.

The Temps began their musical life in Detroit in the early sixties. It wasn't until 1964 that the Smokey Robinson written-and-produced "The Way You Do the things You Do" turned the guys into stars. An avalanche of hits followed - "My Girl," "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Beauty Is Only Skin Deep," and "I Wish It Would Rain."

The classic lineup was Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Paul Williams, Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. Beyond the fabulous singing, The Temps became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. "The Temptations Walk" became a staple of American style. Millions of fans saw The Temptations as cultural heroes.

During the sixties and seventies, The Temps changed their sound to reflect the political turmoil of the era. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way. His Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards who had replaced David Ruffin, burned with intensity, such as "Runaway Child," "Cloud Nine," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", and "Psychedelic Shack."

The current lineup consists of Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson. "The more we change," says veteran Ron Tyson, "the more we stay true to ourselves. We're about singing straight-up soul. It's a style that will live on forever."

The Four Tops' first Motown hit "Baby I Need Your Loving" in 1964 made them stars. Their songs, soulful and bittersweet, were across-the-board successes: "I Can't Help Myself (Sugar Pie, Honey Bunch)," a no. 1 R&B and Pop smash in 1965, is one of Motown's longest-running chart toppers; it was quickly followed by a longtime favorite, "It's The Same Old Song". Their commercial peak was highlighted by a romantic trilogy: "Reach Out I'll Be There," "Standing In The Shadows Of Love" and "Bernadette."