Soulful Temptations return to Yuma on Feb. 15

The soulful sounds of one of Motown's most legendary singing groups are coming to the Yuma area.

The Temptations — famous for such hits as “My Girl,” “Get Ready,” “Just My Imagination” and “Papa Was a Rollin' Man” — will perform for one show only at 8 p.m. Feb. 15 at the Quechan Casino's Pipa Event Center. Tickets for the 21-and-over show can be purchased at Startickets.com, the casino box office or by calling 1-800-585-3737.

“They're legendary,” said Veronica Menta, assistant marketing director for the Quechan Casino Resort. “They definitely put on a good show. Great music, great times and great memories.”

As members of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and named one of the top 50 bands of all time by Rolling Stone magazine, the Temptations have won four Grammy Awards and have 18 No. 1 Billboard singles, 23 top 10 singles and 10 top 10 albums.

The Temptations have been called the embodiment of harmony, dignity and are said to be the most popular male vocal and soul group in the world.

With Yuma being the sixth stop on their 20-stop concert tour this year, Menta said fans of the Temptations can expect to hear the group perform the classic hits that made them famous, as well as music from their latest CD titled “Still Here.”

“Still Here” is a concept album of new songs that chronicles the history of the Temptations from present day to back to the old fan favorites, starting with the contemporary “Change Has Come” into a smooth and sexy urban groove “One of a Kind Lady,” a classic R&B/pop ballad “Still Here with Me,” the socially edgy “Listen Up” to the retro-style hit “Soul Music” and ending with “Going Back Home.”

Performing with a 15-piece band, the Temptations will combine their smooth dance moves with rhythm and blues vocals in a live stage show. Instead of a lead singer, the Temptations focus on a vocal ensemble, with every member of the group singing leads.

Menta says the Temptations have been selling out concerts around the world, all the while constantly attracting new fans, both young and old. She added that she thinks they are so well known that most anybody can name at least one of their songs.

“I grew up on their music. They have a wide variety of fans and always draw crowds.”

The Temptations have been to Yuma before, according to Menta, although she doesn't remember how many years it's been. She said the casino always gets requests for more R&B groups.

While there have been many members of the Temptations over the years, the current lineup features 71-year-old co-founder Otis Williams, the group's only original living member. He is joined by Ron Wilson, Kerry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson.

Formed in 1961, the Temptations have been performing for more than 50 years and are still going strong. The group had its first No. 1 hit, “My Girl,” and tour in 1964. The same year, The Beatles released their hit song “I Want to Hold Your Hand.”

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.