The Temptations, 1970. Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Long before there was Take That, East 17, Backstreet Boys – or whatever your favourite flavour of handsome, singing, dancing boy groups may be – we had Motown pioneers, The Temptations. Known for their smooth choreography, distinct harmonies, and sharp dress sense, they were fundamental in the evolution of R&B, Soul and… boy bands! 

This week, in 1965 the Smokey Robinson penned and produced hit single, “My Girl” made The Temptations the first male group on the Motown label to hit No.1 on the US charts. 

The Temptations – “My Girl”

The well-dressed, impeccably groomed young lads look tailor-made for taking home to impress the parents. But - in an era where growing your sideburns a centimetre too long was enough to brand you a bad boy - their effortless swing to the backbeat, low set swagger and a twinkle in the eye was dead set mesmerising for the teenage girls of 1965.

Smokey Robinson wrote this song for his wife and fellow Miracles member, Claudette Rogers Robinson. It was included on the 1965 album The Temptations Sing Smokey, which was largely inspired by Robinson’s love of David Ruffin’s voice. Previously, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams had performed most of the group's lead vocals, but Robinson saw Ruffin as a "sleeping giant" in the group, with a unique voice that was both mellow and gruff that deserved to be at the forefront of their recordings. 

And, while the band may have taken some convincing, it was an undeniably good call on Smokey Robinson’s behalf. "My Girl" climbed to the top of the US pop charts, making it the Temptations' first No.1 hit, their first No.1 hit on the Billboard R&B Singles chart and the Motown label's first No. 1’s in the charts. It also earned The Temptations a place in the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998.

For more smooth soul hits from the '60s and beyond, tune into our Soul Spinners playlist, a sampling of the greatest hits from the '60s and beyond!