The Temptations Share Juneteenth Message & ‘You’ve Got A Friend’ Video

The Temptations, the Emperors of Soul themselves, have shared a brand new performance video, and their own emotional, spontaneous message for Juneteenth. The track is their version of Carole King’s enduring 1971 composition, most closely associated with James Taylor, ‘You’ve Got A Friend.’

‘You’ve Got A Friend’ marks the debut of the group’s new member, Mario Corbino. The live performance is preceded by a heartfelt eulogy by original member Otis Williams about the state of the world and the global uprising of support for the Black Lives Matter campaign, in the wake of the death of George Floyd.

The Temptations are inviting their millions of admirers around the world to join them in tribute to today’s movement for lasting social change. As they raise their voices in remembrance of Juneteenth, Williams also reflects on the group’s own racial struggles during the turbulent times of the Civil Rights struggle and the race riots of the 1960s.

The Motown giants are among the artists to be featured via the recently-announced agreement between UMe and SOFA Entertainment Inc. for the global digital rights to the vast library of the Ed Sullivan Show. Their stunning medley performance of ‘Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue)’/’All I Need’/’My Girl’/'(I Know) I’m Losing You,’ performed on the show on 28 May 1967, is currently featured on the show’s dedicated YouTube channel.

60 years of soul

The Temptations continue to thrill each new generation of soul fans, as they celebrate their 60th anniversary and with founder member Otis Williams still at the core of the group. They formed in Detroit in 1960 as the Elgins, and made their Motown debut the following year with the single ‘Oh Mother Of Mine.’ In 2018, they released the new album All The Time, which was widely hailed as a vibrant addition to their canon.

The Funk and Soul Revue described it as “a fresh combination of original material and covers of contemporary artists,” adding that the harmonies were “stunning throughout…this line-up of the group is simply fantastic.” Soul Express added: “Well worth adding to your collection…welcome back, guys!” uDiscover Music’s own review said that All The Time made “a soulful new mark.”

Listen to the best of the Temptations on Apple Music and Spotify.

Format: UK English