When Legendary Band Heard the Final Mix of This 70s #1 HIT, They FREAKED OUT! | Professor Of Rock
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- Опубліковано 8 вер 2024
- Coming up the story of one of the most elegant and breathtaking #1 hit of the 70s: Just My Imagination (running Away From Me) from the last remaining member of the legendary rock and roll hall of fame group The Temptations. Mr Otis Williams takes us through the song. Though this song was the first of several number one hits for the group in the 70s after dominating the 60s with My Girl and Can’t Get Next To You it would be the last song to be recorded by two key members of the band including one of there lead singers Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams who’s health was failing. …this coming just two years after losing another of their lead singers in David Ruffin. It did’t matter because as this song proves.. it was always about the core not the individuals. The story of one of the most beloveds songs ever is coming up on professor of rock.
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#1970s #pop #vinylstory
Hey music junkies Professor of Rock always her to celebrate the greatest artists and songs of all time if you cherish the first cassette vinyl or Cd you bought you’ll dig this channel make sure to subscribe right now so you don’t miss an episode. Nostalgia all the time. hit the red button and check the bell so you are always in the know about our latest videos and interviews. also check out our latest series on patreon, and go Backstage with the legends at our new live shows.
’m really excited to bring you another episode from our series Revelations- where featured artists reveal rare stories about their biggest songs, along with fascinating insight about their careers. They are the most successful R and B group of all time and one of the cornerstones of motown and today’s featured song is a big reason: The Temptations with their 1971 #1 smash "Just My Imagination (Running Away with Me)” is a song of pure bliss. Elegance defined, written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong. Released on the Gordy (Motown) label, and produced by the great Norman Whitfield, it came from the groups group's 1971 album, Sky’s the Limit It became the Temps third #1 hit after My Girl and Can’t Get Next to You. it notched the number 1 position on the Billboard Hot 100 for two weeks in 1971, from March 27 to April 10.
Would got to #1 on the R & B charts as well for three weeks. . “
I had the amazing opportunity to talk through the song with the last remaining member of the Temptations, founding member Otis Williams and you’ll love this story. It was a bittersweet time in the Temps career as the group overcame hurdle after hurdle… They had parted ways with frequent lead singer David Ruffin just a few years earlier and would part ways with their other frequent lead voice Eddie Kendricks after Just my imagination was recorded due to similar reasons. It would also be Paul Williams last song, as he was forced to step away due to his failing health. I”ll let Otis tell you the rest… As well where as the temptations are now and their album that came out just a few months back celebrating 60 years in the music. We’ll also talk to current lead singer ron tyson who’s been with them wince the early 80s! It all coming up on professor of rock As we go into this interview I want to thank our sponsor Zenni Eyewear.
Poll: What is your pick for the most beautiful song of the 1970s... the music, the voice, the lyrics all blending into a masterpiece of magic?
Rocky Mountain High, John Denver
Dust In the Wind, Kansas
"The Great Gig in the Sky," Pink Floyd. But if you want to stay Soul/Motown, I would pick "Midnight Train to Georgia," Gladys Knight and the Pips.
Mine is by LA Roux, New Orleans Ladies, ever since 1978 its been my favorite.
(Don't Fear) The Reaper
Dream Weaver sounds like beautiful magic to me. Hold You 'Till I Die is heartstring schmaltzy beautiful. And the bridge in Love Will Keep Us Together bursts vibrant beauty.
"Who's gonna question anything Smoky writes " Legends re: a legend....
Smokey’s excellent.
As it should be. He's among the best.
Professor, I cannot tell you what an oasis your channel is for me, in a world that makes little sense these days. I need these brief, but deep, glances back to a simpler time more than you can imagine. Thank you!
Wow, thank you! We'll continue to provide that!
Well said!
Takes me back to a time that I never lived!
i love ball of confusion, it fit society back when it came out and still it fits society even more today than back then
So true.
Phenomenal song. It really does resonate with us today.
Loved the Temptations. Ball of Confusion was the song every kid tried to sing. So true.
@@ProfessorofRock i keep remembering this song, nothing to do with today's songs but, it almost has a rush vocal sound and the only lyric i can remember is, ooh its a mystery, its not mystery from dio its from someone else and for the life of me i can't remember it or who
Another reason why 1971 was the best year ever. There was just a perfect storm of rock, R&B, folk, prog rock and pop. Temptations was a big reason why it was unforgettable.
What a great year for music.
I grew up on AM radio of the 60's and 70's. To this day, the Motown/70's Soul still hooks deep. I have been a working musician since the mid 80's, and while my head is stuck in the hard rock/heavy metal field, playing those old soul tunes just sets me free
Good way of putting it!
I love 70s soul and funk.
Norman Whitfield was in beast mode during the late 60's and early 70's. He eventually left Motown where he later produced and wrote music, with the R&B group "Rose Royce", for the soundtrack to "Car Wash" (1976).
Love Rose Royce! I Wanna Get Next to You is my favorite.
I love that soundtrack! Sunrise and Keep On Keepin' On really show his genius in arrangements
My friend Martin surprised me, on my 21st birthday, back in 1981, with tickets to see the Temptations at Brooklyn College. We had 4th row center seats. But, the most exciting part of the show was seeing the incredibly diverse crowd of white, black, young, and older people on their feet singing to every song. One of the best concerts, and birthday presents that I saw and received...God bless that band, and God bless my buddy Martin for 43 years of friendship.
Awesome! Martin is wonderful!
Truly one of the most influential groups ever.
No kidding. So many great songs from them.
Truly spectacular song both lyrically and instrumentality. Temptations are on of the best ever.
So true.
It’s so classic.
"Just My Imagination" is a bonafide classic-Eddie Kendricks really knocked this out of the park.
They were blessed with so many great voices.
It’s just filled with greatness.
"Just My Imagination" to me is the ultimate Temptations song. It has everything: light horns, strings, timpani, orchestra and great harmonic vocals. To me it's Motown meets Philly! You sat down with John Oates, I'm sure this song is one of his and Daryl Hall favourites.
For sure. For sure.
Such an amazing song.
I love the Temptations. I’ve seen them 5x in concert. Some of the best music ever made.
I have to say, your ability to produce fascinating interviews at a daily pace is impressive and appreciated.
This band was a big part of my childhood and seemed to be part of many milestones in my life ❤
Growing up in Windsor, right across the river from Detroit I got a heapin helpin of sweet Motown. Just love it. Blue Collar rock n roll and Motown define the region for sure.
Great way of putting it!
There is no other like Motown.
My first memory of this song is my dad holding my toddler self dancing with me in the living room. ❤😊
The Temptations and Just my Imagination are true classics! I love the Revelations series for the peek behind the curtain. Thanks Adam for another great show! 💖
Thanks for always watching!!!
Revelations is my favorite series!
I'm really glad that Otis points out that Paul Williams' health is what led him to leaving the band. The Temptations movie made it appear as if his drinking was the reason. While drinking may have been a contributing factor, it was Paul's battle with sickle cell that really led to his departure.
It’s so tragic. Poor Paul.
Thank you for saying this. I spend a lot of time on my Instagram page trying to tell people this very thing
@@paul_williams_fans The movie really misrepresented a lot of things. It was good, but it doesn't tell the whole story. A lot of people mostly know the Temptations just from watching the movie on VH1 so I do wish it would have covered things a little more accurately.
That was nice. It makes his cause of death less scandalous. What I mean, is that some folks may've thought:"Oh, just another celebrity dying because he couldn't control his demons." This gives Paul far more dignity in death.
Every time I hear this song, I literally feel it in my chest. It takes me back to the year I became a teenager...amazing and wonderful memories that I wouldn't change even if I could.
The R&B artists from the 1960's and 70's, more often than not, were the voice of the masses, and expressed differing view points, which had a way to make us all stop and say to ourselves; "hum, I never thought of it that way, I can identify with and understand that myself"
The Temptations are nearly timeless. Their music has a way of being just as relevant today as the day we first heard it.
Something many of us don't realize is that the R&B artists paved the way for much of the music produced right through to today. Folks are still doing covers of stuff The Temptations recorded in the 1960's and 70's. That says a lot, maybe everything that needs to be said.
Great interview Adam. really great. ;-)
These Motown artists were super influential!
This song takes me away. Now I have lost my motivation to work. All I want to do is listen to Temptations the rest of the afternoon. Awesome group with World class talent. Have a good weekend everyone.
The song is so heavenly and dreamy. You're dad was correct, this is real music.
Great interview as always, Professor!
I needed a little Motown motivation on this rainy Friday!
So glad to hear you enjoyed it. Otis is such a class act.
@@ProfessorofRock 💯💯💯
R&B, Funk, and of the like really hits home for me. 70s R&B in particular is truly a gem! Thanks for this history man!
RC32, YESS!! I've always loved R&B, but I didn't get into deep dives with it. As I've gotten older, I'm rediscovering my love of all those songs, particularly the 70's☺ I was genuinely surprised to find that there was a movie starring Harvey Kietel and Earth, Wind & Fire called That's the Way of the World. Worth checking out if you haven't seen it👍 It's not a deep story, but its a good hit of 70's pop drama nostalgia
Thanks for always watching RC32!
Such beautiful music!
70s was the true soul era.
Best 70s song period
There's a video with Ron's first performance as a Temptation on the Dick Clark show and he's still here!
Also, thank you Otis for sharing about Paul. Sickle Cell is an awful, debilitating disease. I cannot imagine the pain he went through.
All the music of the Temptations is magic. They helped define an era of music that may never be repeated or rivaled. With their gorgeous harmonies and delightful choreography, they might be one of the original, and undeniably one of the the best acts that came to be known as boy bands.
Agreed but they are soooo much better than any boy band. They had better harmonies and their music was far deeper in scope and message. Thanks for watching.
@@ProfessorofRock I don't use the term boy band in any way other as a geneological way. Boy band could apply to the 4 Tops, The Miracles, etc.as much as to Boys 2 Men and Backstreet Boys. It's kind of a generic term for a group of boys/young men making vocal music, not playing instruments. And even that is a loose definition. Even the Beatles have been referred to as the original boy band by a number of dj's. BTS is a descendant of the Temps, just like Gaga is descended from Madonna, descended from Cher, from Dusty from Marilyn from Marlena. Just my 2 cents.
They were all wonderful people and it’s sad that most of them died so young.
Talent... individually and as a group...simply wow.
The song is awesome 👌. Three chords and the truth Professor
Legendary music..... smooth as silk.
Thanks as always for the behind the scene view of memories not forgotten....
Smooth as silk is right. I'm going to use that for another hook if you don't mind...!
Even thou their gone they were great and they lived their dream.
This is a great song. Timeless n beautiful
This song came out at just about the same time I realized that girls were more than just pain in the butt sisters. Our local radio station used to put on Friday night dances and whenever "Just My Imagination" would come up, all the guys would RUSH to their favorite girl to get THAT dance. If you got lucky, and she would say yes, it would become the best 5 minutes of the week. Deb, wherever you are, thank you for saying yes. Those 5 minutes still stay with me!
Great memories! Thanks for sharing Michael.
It’s a great song to dance intimately to.
The Dramatics had a similar reaction in 1972 when they heard producer Tony Hester play the finished version of "In the Rain," which became their biggest hit.
Otis looks really good for his age, and is just as articulate as ever.
I ws so in love with motown and the temptations were my faves. Who didn't love smokey??? Still do always will. I was privileged to meet Mr. Gordy. A very kind and gentle man.
The Prince live cover of this song at an aftershow in 1988 is incredible.
I love that too. Good call!
I saw that in 2016 on the day that he died!
Pocket symphony - That is a perfect description of this song! I love the orchestration!!
What a classic song that is impossible to get tired listening to.
Great song, and the instrumental bridge before the last verse is one of the best in pop music, IMO. One of the first few times I heard it, I was 11 or 12, sick in bed and this song came on the radio. I remember the music was so soothing.
I never got to see the original line up but I did see the mid 80's Temptations twice and they were damn good !!!
My favorite Temptations song. Reminds me of my childhood singing along and dancing to the Temptations movie. I remember one time my Dad came to pick me up from my aunt’s place. I had fallen asleep with the Temps movie on and soon as they woke me to leave with my dad I hop straight up singing along to movie. Right out of my sleep. Can’t even begin to explain how much The Temptations mean to me. I love them and their music dearly
Great interview. Thanks all.
What a thrill it must have been to talk with these absolute legends. Another great interview.
You’re one of the best hosts and voices on air. Informative, important, entertaining and relaxing. Thanks 😊
I love their music and that song. Great as always.
Thanks Mark!
Me too.
The Temptations, what an amazing group of voices and a great song. 3 number ones doesn't seem enough.
If I couldn't have 80's music as my favourite, it would be this style of music. Motown, soul and RnB (Rhythm and blues, not bass) had so much quality and talent in it. It takes you there.
I agree. One of my favorite genres... even though it's not a genre, it's a record label... Ha ha. But it feels like a genre into itself.
@@ProfessorofRock I was just thinking that as I typed it, is it a genre or a label? Happy to see you think the same.
Motown is just amazing. So many great songs. Love the Temptations!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 I knew and liked some songs before but it was really The Commitments movie that got me into liking this genre of music. Did you ever see that? It's a great and very funny Irish movie that features a young Andrea Corr from before The Corrs became famous.
@@Elwaves2925 No, I have never seen that before. I will check that one out.
Excellent interview and loved the last bit about the new song... Power To All The People All The Time!
One of the first songs I remember, always imagined a wheat field glowing in the sun when this one got spun! Definitely in the handful of the greatest compositions created by Humans!
The Temptations going 60, still relevant and influencial as ever.
I still feel my parents often when I play this music until this morning!
I applaud you for your channel. You bring life to heroes of yesteryear and give them a chance to tell or relive their success. I enjoy their stories and listen how they performed their magic. Thank you.
I love your humility. When you said "one of your best episodes", because each episode I watch is amazing! You are truly a great interviewer! Your passion for music is unmistakable.
YES! What an episode! Otis Williams is a terrific interview tipping his hat to Paul Williams vocals right before his health failed and the beautiful strings arrangement by Jerry Long. Growing up in the Detroit area these were magical times for the Motown sound and Just My Imagination was definitely a The Temptations masterpiece. Put on the headphones close your eyes and let this song take you to a higher plain. I'm always glad when you get the Motown artists interviews they shaped popular music forever. Keep giving us the Otis interview love every minute
More to come my friend!
@@ProfessorofRock can't wait!
Just My Imagination is a true classic, for sure. And I’d love to hang out with Otis any time! He seems like such a fun personality!
@@xxlilly_playsxxkiz9980 it is sad that those making hits in the 60s are getting older so I am glad when the professor gets the interviews he does
@@MyName-pl7zn Otis Williams is my grandma’s age and he’s still alive and kicking, so at least I’m happy to see that.
It's amazing,Otis talks about everything Except for Eddie Kendricks Vocals on just my imagination. It's his voice that made the song what it is.
I grew up just outside of Detroit in the 60's, Motown was hoping. WCHB was our a.m. channel of choice. Our elementary school was 50% white, 50% black. We had the best of both worlds as far as music, and culture between us. I learned how to dance the "four corners" and the boogaloo. We watched "Soul Train" and "Where the Action is", (way before "M-TV). We had all of Motown, plus groups like "The MC 5", and "The Rationals", and "The Grand Funk Tailroad". A lot of these bands we watched on TV were coming out of Ann Arbor, MI. But Motown will always be #1 in my book. The artists at Motown were plentiful, smooth, elegant, and great, and everyone wanted to be them. Too bad we have lost so many of these great artists. They can never be replaced in my heart.
Great video professor. Always loved the Temptations. Their music was always on the radio back in the 70's when I was growing up on the "oldies" stations. I've watched some of the movies about the temps but it's nice hearing from them in person.
Thank you for this interview. It's always great to hear stories from Otis Williams
From that same Era - the Soul Wrenching version of "People Get Ready" by the Chambers Brothers ❤
Don't forget about The Stylistics' "People Make the World Go Round". Or The Four Tops' "Still Water".
These three are super chill. Great interview.
Love your channel. Renews my passion of music. Thank you.
Thank you for commenting.!
This is crazy ProRo 😳 I just turned off my Temptations greatest hits. This has got to be 25 x we had a 7 show streak.
"Just My 'Magination" it's definitely one of those Temptations classics that I grew up with. What broke my heart is how the recording of the song was depicted on screen and that made for TV special about the group from 1998 and what a red letter moment it was for when Eddie ended up making his exit. The dramatization was, he quit The Temptations because Paul was not in a fit state to perform live and Eddie did not want to do anything without Paul.
It is so surreal to think about how notice is the last remaining original member. It's also funny to think about how it's been nearly 30 years since Melvin Franklin passed away. Otis has almost been in the game as the last remaining founding Temptation longer than had elapsed since David joined the lineup and they recorded "The Way You Do the Things You Do".
Great interview and loved all of the inside information Otis shared about some of the other guys. Great job!!
These guys just pulled out some good music and kept it coming.
"Just My Imagination" is my favorite Temptations song of all time! And for me, it is forever wedded to the Chilites "Have You Seen Her" - I rarely listened to one without the other. In fact, I had to go and listen to "Just My Imagination" in its entirety right after this segment and UA-cam immediately suggested "Have You Seen Her" as the next song! Maybe I'm not the only one 😇
THE TEMPTATIONS!!! TY TY TY TY TY!!!!!
Have you been to Hitsville yet? It is a must see/must visit place. Wonderful/magical.
I've had a greatest hits Temptations CD in my car for weeks.
I've been listening to them all my life
Takes me back to my youth. Back when dad was stationed at Chanute AFB. What great memories!
I just heard that song on the radio ! what are the odds !
As a kid I thought My Girl was actually Magic and remember singing, Magic, Magic, Magic, talking about Magic... Magic!
THE music that brought America together. the words everyone could relate to about love and heartbreak and later society . "girl why you wanna make me blue" is one of my favorites but I can't pick a favorite , so many greats!
This was always my favorite Temptations song, beautiful song.
It's such a breath taking composition.
It’s a wonderful song.
My memories? I never remember a time when I _didn't_ know Just My Imagination 😂 I must have heard it for the first time at some point when I was a kid in the mid - seventies I'm sure.
My best friend was a little kid who's mother was the sweetest woman and, she was always playing Motown music when I'd go over to their apartment. They turned me on to the Jackson 5, The Supremes and, just about anything that was smooth and soulful r&b type stuff. I couldn't have been more than 6 or 7 but, you couldn't help getting excited about that stuff. Broadened my horizons .
I didn't know it was a different "genre" than I was accustomed to, I remember thinking about how my mom (who played Sinatra, Dinah Washington, Bing Crosby) didn't play in our house.
She'd later get turned on to MJ because I went nuts over the Thriller album a few years later. My mom was a true fan of music, from Sinatra to Nirvana and Sabbath. Everything in between.
Born in 1930 and she could pick out Ozzy's voice from the radio in her 80s and, she'd "Shush!" me if I started to comment about a song. "Tell me after, I wanna' listen" 😂
Great bunch of guys the Temps, even their speaking voices are pleasant to listen to. I enjoyed this one Professor. Nice guys huh?✌️♥️🙏🎸🎶
So glad you highlighted this song, Professor! One of my all time faves, of any genre.
Quintessential!
Gorgeous tune from R&B royalty. The strings really make it special. What a treat! Thx Adam!
Thanks Robster! I'll be getting home for good a week from this Sunday and hope to get that book out to you. Hopefully Kenny's manager has sent it by then too!
It is R&B royalty indeed!
@@ProfessorofRock Thx Adam!
This song has been one of my mainstays all summer and the fact your chose to cover it today is crazy good timing. Thank you!
Thank You!
Nice work man. Really did your research on this one. I think you made a life time friend that day.
I remember after my eldest daughters mother was killed by a drunk driver. I was outside singing this song 🎵. And it started to rain! 🌧 I have often sang outside then it would rain 🌧 That's probably another reason why I love I wish it would Rain. 🌧 Maybe that's what Las Vegas needs is my heartfelt pain and anguish sung in a song? 🎵 Now I feel like Simple Jack! 😌 If Y'all know you know!+
Awesome 👍
i'll be honest there were a couple of these i didnt know were even temps songs , WOW but i wasnt born till 68 so they were a wee bit ahead of my time. But i agree some of there music is sooo so good
Man Adam. Good timing i was just listening to lost motown artist Tammi Terrill. An amazing vocalist. She dueted w Marvin Gaye. In the late 60s
I've liked Hall % Oates from the 80s, and listened to most of their earlier tracks but not this one
I've heard the Tavares version, but didn't know it was written by these song gods.
Great interview!!!
i luv what the stones did with this song👌🏼could of been released as a single and probably been a world wide top 10 hit ,showed class by keeping it an album track☝🏻
Awesome interview!
YOU'RE in the middle of summer. Half the planet is in winter LOL
that is an absolutely beautiful song! (i haveta say "papa was a rolling stone" will ALWAYS be my favorite temptations song though) ...such a classy & talented group of gentlemen, really enjoyed that one professor, thank u sir!
I hope most people, my age (old), immediately knew it was the Temptations, based upon your description.
The Temptations is a real good movie. It's a real good story and it's got great music.
My roommate at college was a huge fan of the Temps. I wasn't before we roomed together. So, over time I became familiar with all their songs. And, yes, I came to appreciate R&B. Also, the ladies liked it.
It's really a magical song. It just takes you away.
My grandma loved the Temptations and also the Delfonics (William Hart just passed away).
Just my favourite Temptations song
It's such a beautiful song.
One of my favorites from them. I have so many.
Anyone that would say anything bad about this song needs to find the yellow brick road to find a HEART!
You have good writers, but who can tell? You're very natural. 👍✌
Always love your channel. I play a game where I try to guess what group or artist you are discussing in your intro. Got this one correct. 😁
That's awesome!
Me too!
Motown !!!
Thank you Adam
You're so welcome!
Great video. I do love the Stones cover of this song. Always like when somebody does a cover and makes it their own. No point in doing a note for note copy.