Temptations showcase classic hits at Buskirk

The enthusiastic audience at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater had the chance to re-live classic sounds of the Temptations on Thursday night.

The all-male group became popular in the 1960s through their catchy, hip-swinging tunes.

Current members of the Grammy-winning group are Otis Williams – who is the only remaining original member – along with Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson. The group was formed in Detroit, Mich. and became a staple name in the Motown era and beyond.

The IU Soul Revue opened for the group, singing a variety of songs including “Got To Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn.

Soul Revue’s President and senior Terrilyn Dennie said she was “down” before the performance, but once she got on stage, she planned on getting “high.”

“I don’t like to get extra excited,” Dennie said. “I try to be mellow so I don’t get nervous.”

Sophomore Adam Brown, part of Soul Revue’s band, said it was the chance of a lifetime to able to perform before The Temptations.

“I can’t believe this is happening,” Brown said.

Although four of the original Temptations have died, the signature soulful singing and dance moves still prevailed during the concert. The members were dressed in matching purple suits and the singers immediately addressed the audience once the group was on stage.

“We’re going to sing some old-time favorites for you.”

The Temptations sang their hit classics, including the 1969 No. 1 single “I Can’t Get Next To You,” from the “Puzzle People” album,  “Papa was a Rolling Stone” from the 1972 “All Directions” album and “I Wish It Would Rain,” from the 1968  album “The Temptations Wish It Would Rain.”

The crowd, a mix of all ages, sang with the group during most of the songs, but the singing was most audible during the performance of the group’s hit “Just My Imagination.” 

After the Temptations performed for about 30 minutes, the group took a minute to slow things down as the band played in the background.

“Are you tired yet?” Williamson asked.

“No!” the audience shouted.

“Good. We’re just getting started,” Williamson said.

Fellow Temptation Williams later took the stage, out of breath.

“Does anybody have any oxygen?” he asked. He then told the audience he wasn’t actually that tired. “I’ve been doing this for 48 years.”

Bloomington resident and audience member Morris Hickman, 67, said when he saw the ad for the Temptations’ show in the paper, he thought to himself, “Well, I get to see some of my time.”

He said the Temptations take him “back to the day.”

“It’s feel-good music,” Hickman said. “I feel relaxed when I hear it.”