Book description
The first and only definitive biography of legendary Motown group,
the Temptations
The Temptations are an incomparable soul group, with dozens of
chart-topping hits such as My Girl and Papa Was a Rollin
Stone. From the sharp suits, stylish choreography, and distinctive
vocals that epitomized their onstage triumphs to the personal failings
and psycho-dramas that played out behind the scenes, Ain't Too
Proud to Beg tells the complete story of this most popular-and
tragic-of all Motown super groups.
Based on in-depth research and interviews with founding Temptations
member Otis Williams and many others, the book reveals the highly
individual, even mutually antagonistic, nature of the group's members.
Venturing beyond the money and the fame, it shares the compelling tale
of these sometime allies, sometime rivals and reveals the unique
dynamic of push and pull and give and take that resulted in musical genius.
- The first book to tell the whole story of Motown's greatest
group, with all-new interviews and previously undiscovered sources
and photographs
- Gives the last word on enduring Motown mysteries, including the
deaths of Paul Williams and David Ruffin and the truth behind
Ruffin's tumultuous romance with Tammi Terrell
- Reveals the secret "can't miss" formula behind the
Temptations' thirty-seven chart hits
- Draws on more than one hundred interviews with the group's
associates, industry figures, family members, and most
importantly, founding Temptation Otis Williams
Ain't Too Proud to Beg takes a cohesive and penetrating look at
the life and enduring legacy of one of the greatest groups in popular
music. It is essential reading for fans of the Temptations, music
lovers, and anyone interested in the history of American popular
culture over the last fifty years.
Mark Ribowsky is the New York Times Notable
Book author of The Supremes: A Saga of Motown Dreams, Success, and
Betrayal, He's a Rebel: Phil Spector-Rock and Roll's Legendary
Producer, Don't Look Back: Stachel Paige in the Shadows of
Baseball, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Soulful Journey of
Stevie Wonder. He has written for SPORT magazine and
Inside Sports, was a staff writer for TV Guide, and
has been a semi-regular contributor to Playboy and
Penthouse. Mr. Ribowsky has been a guest on Dateline NBC,
Primetime Live (ABC), Connie Chung, Geraldo Rivera, The Tavis
Smiley Show, and many other network and cable TV shows. He lives
in New York.
