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This is a bond that cannot be broken. The older we each get, the more we realize how special that time was and how special we are. If any of the artists were going out to lunch, it was the norm to ask the receptionist and the switchboard what they wanted to eat. You would have David Ruffin, Smokey, Eddie Kendricks, or whoever bringing your lunch back because it was so much like family. When you look at that picture now you wonder why we were not going out to get the artists’ lunches. It was ordinary and surreal at the same time.

Pat Cosby, Motown employee, quoted in Motown from the Background: The Authorized Biography of the Andantes by Vickie Wright

Posting just because the idea of David Ruffin or Eddie Kendricks bringing me takeout makes me want to faint, not gonna lie.

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David Ruffin, 1968

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The Temptations and I’m not sure who the other people in the pic are. (Ca. 60′s)

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Rare pic of David onstage with his brother Jimmy Ruffin, 1968

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David Ruffin and Diana Ross on the set of The Ed Sullivan Show, 1967

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David Ruffin performing with his group The Fellas, a group he formed after he left The Temptations, 1968

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David Ruffin

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Eddie Kendricks, 1966

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Eddie Kendricks with Dionne Warwick

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The Temptations (no Paul) with Ted Kennedy, Joe Kennedy, Berry Gordy Sr and Bertha Gordy (Berry Gordy's parents). 

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On this day in music history: December 24, 1966 - “(I Know) I’m Losing You” by The Temptations hits #1 on the Billboard R&B singles chart for 2 weeks, also peaking at #8 on the Hot 100 on December 31, 1966. Written by Norman Whitfield, Eddie Holland and Cornelius Grant, it is the fifth chart topping single for the superstar Motown vocal quintet. The song’s signature riff is created by Grant who is the touring guitarist for The Tempts. Grant will also play it on the recording, joining in with members of The Funk Brothers who provide instrumental support when the track is cut at Motown’s Studio A in Detroit on September 12, 1966. The Temptations will overdub their vocals on the finished track on September 16, 1966. Songwriter Eddie Holland will also play an important role in the song’s creation, writing most of the lyrics. Released on November 9, 1966, it will quickly become another hit for The Tempts, ascending the R&B and pop singles charts simultaneously. The single will be The Temptations fourth consecutive R&B chart topper with them holding down the top spot for sixteen weeks during 1966. “Losing You” will be covered several artists including by Motown label mates Rare Earth whose version will peak at #7 on the Hot 100 in 1970. Rod Stewart will also record his own version that appears on his 1971 breakthrough album “Every Picture Tells A Story”. “(I Know) I’m Losing You” is certified Gold in the US by the RIAA.

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The Temptations, 1960s