The Temptations

Formed 1961, Detroit · Motown/Gordy · 1970 lineup: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Dennis Edwards, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams

Motown’s flagship male group, formed in Detroit in 1961 and famous for close harmony and drilled choreography. By the end of the 1960s producer Norman Whitfield had steered them out of ballads and into psychedelic soul, and Psychedelic Shack ↗ in March 1970 was that turn at full stretch. Their “War” sits on side two of that album, with Paul Williams and Dennis Edwards on lead and Melvin Franklin anchoring the chants. It was never released as their single.

Who recorded it

Songs involving The Temptations

Papa Was a Rollin' Stone

Cover — originally recorded by The Undisputed Truth

War

Recorded it first — now often credited to Edwin Starr

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