When the Boy band concept didn’t even exist, they were already singing on stages in the United States, supported by the success achieved by the immortal My Girl, one of those songs that seems to have no father or mother because it’s so listened to. We are talking about The Temptations, the historic group created in Detroit in 1961, which throughout its history has sold tens of millions of records, giving shine to the legendary Motown Records label. This Saturday they will perform at the Girona Auditorium (8 pm) as part of the Black Music Festival program
In its six decades of history, The Temptations have undergone all kinds of mutations, disappeared, reappeared, and in recent years have diversified, with the appearance of a new formation, Temptations Review, around Glenn Leonard. Lead tenor of the group between 1975 and 1983, Leonard recorded 10 albums, including the first version of the Christmas Silent night, another of the group’s classics, which will perform on March 25 in Girona. We spoke with him to find out what his performance will be like, which is included in the Blak Music Festival
-When was the last time you performed in Spain?
I hadn’t performed in Spain with Glenn Leonard’s Temptations Review, but I remember being with The Temptations, probably in the late 1970s. The people were very happy and festive. The crowd was wonderful and the food was fantastic!
What songs will he bring to Girona?
We’ll be performing most of the legendary hits we grew up with, like Papa Was A Rolling Stone, My Girl, or Just My Imagination. We’ll also be playing later Temptations material, and even a song we did in the 1980s with the Temptations Reunion, which is rarely heard in concert these days. We have added a couple of songs to this setlist only for the public of Girona.
Does the repertoire vary depending on the country where they perform?
The set list can change for various reasons, sometimes we change just to keep the show hot and tight. When it comes to universal acts like the Temps, Supremes, etc., the appeal of the music is universal.
What differences do you find between the American and European audiences?
The European public is a bit more conservative and relaxed. They may not be jumping in their seats, but they are listening and singing. And we love that! If you know the lyrics, sing with us!
In the US there is a great relationship between music and religion. How do you explain this deep symbiosis?
In any type of communication, education or advertising, music is vital. The way most of us started learning the alphabet or how to count was by singing nursery rhymes. Music transforms the way you think and how you feel in any situation or any topic. The impact is triple, it impacts your spirit, your soul and your body. The words impact your spirit, the melody impacts your soul and the rhythm impacts your body.
There are very few tickets left for your concert on March 25. What do the songs of The Temptations have to continue pleasing the public with the passing of the years and the new musical styles?
Temps’ music has always been very personal to the public because it reflects their lives, their circumstances, conditions, situations and aspirations. Great music has no expiration date, I have kids come to my shows who weren’t even born when the classic quintet, the original Temps, were in their prime recording all the classic hits they are now enjoying. The songwriters deserve a lot of credit, and we try to present the songs in a powerful and fun way.
The Temptations Review have been on the road for over two decades. Have you thought about recording new material with them?
We have definitely been considering recording new material, and have been approached about this possibility. Look for some surprises in 2023!
What music do you listen to?
I listen to all kinds of music to keep up, R
How do you take care of your voice?
I take care of my throat by doing various things, I take certain teas and lozenges, and I do vocal exercises and scales. The most important thing I do on the day of the show is to keep my mouth shut and speak very little until showtime.
There is another line up of The Temptations on tour at the moment. Are they in contact?
I know most of the other Tempts and most of the previous Temptations have worked or will work with me on other projects at some point. Otis Williams, who is the only original member of the band, is still touring with The Temptations, he is the glue that has held it all together. Otis and I talk often, we say we’re friends for life. We are the last two from the Motown era still performing, and the last two from the world famous Temptations Reunion still alive. We are part of a unique fraternity, forever connected in the music archives, for eternity.
