So otis williams and the distants - The Temptations (1998) Discussion

[–] Sparky48 13 years ago

Ironic, isn't it, and a testament to Otis' hypocrisy. You should visit my post board--"Should the name have been changed..."

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[–] wbfanaticeva 12 years ago

well how about Otis founded the group, what did David ever found?? It wasnt Otis WIlliams and the distants because he was the lead singer it was because he wasthe one who formed the group! uge difference

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[–] b-touch 12 years ago

"David Ruffin and the Temptations" was not okay primarily because it was unfair to Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams.

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[–] kittykittymeowmeow19 12 years ago

Otis Williams and the distant was probably because he was young and most groups had names like that. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Popcorn Wylie and the Mohawks...Anyway when he was a bit older and more serious about having a group Johnnie Mae made him group leader to which he states in his book that he didn't think a group had a leader it was a democracy. So I'm guess as he got older that belief stuck which is why know temp was more important

I wish I can go back in time and pinch those chubby little cheeks and tell you nothing will be ok.

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[–] jefgg 9 years ago

You are absolutely right.

The group became enormously successful as The Temptations so it made sense to stay with that name. It is very common for groups to change names. It is less common for it to happen after a group becomes successful.

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[–] jn_0310 9 years ago

Otis Williams and the distant was probably because he was young and most groups had names like that. Smokey Robinson and the Miracles. Popcorn Wylie and the Mohawks...Anyway when he was a bit older and more serious about having a group Johnnie Mae made him group leader to which he states in his book that he didn't think a group had a leader it was a democracy. So I'm guess as he got older that belief stuck which is why know temp was more important

This 100%! People often ask why one was okay with Otis, but the not the other, however they forget (or conveniently ignore) the fact that there was at least quite a few years between when "Otis Williams and The Distants" existed and when the "The Temptations" took off and became a success. Just because he thought the top billing thing was cool, when he was a teenager/in his early twenties, and was just doing local shows, doesn't mean he would have still felt the same way, once he was older, more mature and had way more success and experience in the industry, under his belt. People's views change all the time. Plus, if I remember correctly, Otis said in his book that, contrary to what is portrayed in the movie, David only suggested the name change once, and didn't make a big fuss about it, when the idea was rejected. Don't quote me on that, though. But I believe that is what was said.

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[–] jporter-6 11 years ago

Yeah, it would have been a great tribute to the Temptations to have their name linked to Ruffin's drug and drinking problems, and Ruffin's scandalous death.

Ruffin became confused in his drug-filled life and thought the glory and popularity heaped on the Temptations was because of him.

I don't want to say that he eventually got what he deserved, but you have to put down the syringe and the bottle if you don't want to eventually die that way.

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