What Becomes a Legend Most?

How do we define “cool?” That pompadour your grandfather wore? The same ‘do your Dad wore in the ’80s? The one you rocked in the ’90s? Today’s hipster is tomorrow’s laughingstock. That’s just the nature of time.

There are a only a few things that stand up to time’s runaway train—a great suit, a perfect watch, a fine opera, a classic car, and even fewer things musically. Beethoven and the Beatles will entertain future generations and their future generations. So will Mozart. And Chuck Berry. And the Temptations.

There have been The Temptations in the world for 54 years now. Longer than you’ve been alive.

Founding and last original member Otis Williams led  the current edition of the group as they brought a full band, their best gold lamé jackets, and a sharp horn section to a packed house at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center Saturday night, June 7. Oh, and they brought a satchel full of hits along as well.

Opening with their 1967 hit “Get Ready,” the line-up of Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon, Otis Williams and Bruce Williamson delivered hit after dance after memory,  for 90 minutes.

Though they are all mature gentlemen, they hit every cue and every dance mark, moving, spinning, gesturing, swerving and swaying, with a precision the original band would have smiled at.

Though various members, including Wiilliams, took turns leading the group through a series of hits, tenor Bruce Williamson hit the high water mark of the evening with his fiery and emotional rendition of “I Wish it Would Rain.” Standing out at the lip of the stage, he drew out every nuance of the tune, and had we been outside, I’d have been eyeing the clouds nervously.

So, there was dancing in the seats, a few jokes, tons of memories, and there was “My Girl.” In the blaze of those 90 minutes, love was rekindled and the legend was regenerated.

On to the next summer night.