African-American five piece singing group The Temptations have been described as being as influential to soul as The Beatles were to rock and pop. The Motown group sold an estimated 22 million records between 1960 (their formation) and 1982.

One of the most successful black groups in history, The Temptations' never out of step choreography, perfect harmonies and stylish suits have become their trademarks. Their music has encompassed doo-wop, soul, psychedelic, funk, disco and R&B sounds.

The band was created by various members of two groups called the Primes (who even had a sister group created for them, called the Primettes, who later became Diana Rossand the Supremes) and the Distants.

But since its formation, the group's line-up has not remained static. Throughout the years, The Temptations have undergone frequent line-up changes. The original group was formed by Otis Williams (who sang baritone), Elbridge "Al" Bryant (first tenor), Melvin Franklin (bass), Eddie Kendricks (falsetto) and Paul Williams (second tenor). Among the others who joined the band over the years, notable future Temptations stars included David Ruffin and Dennis Edwards (who both enjoyed successful solo singing careers after leaving the band).

The Temptations have an impressive chart record, having scored 14 number one hit singles and four which topped the pop charts. Their influential music has also won them many awards including three prestigious Grammies.

The group had a shaky start to begin with; all seven of their singles released between 1961 and 1963 failed to make an impact on the American pop charts, with only one of them 1962's "Dream Come True" scraping a number 22 position on the R&B chart. In early 1964, the band scored their first top 20 hit, "The Way You Do the Things You Do" and in March the following year, their signature song “My Girl” became their first number one hit.

This marked their most successful period, when David Ruffin was their lead singer, and their most famous and memorable songs were released. This period is now referred to as their "Classic 5" era. In this time, The Temptations' three follow-up singles: "It's Growing", "Since I Lost My Baby" and "My Baby", all entered the chart top 20 in 1965 and made them international stars.

But this success started to drive the group a part, with Ruffin believing he was the only reason for the band's popularity; demanding special treatment and that the band named "David Ruffin & the Temptations". The rest of the group decided that Ruffin, who started missing numerous concerts and taking cocaine, should be kicked out the band and replaced. Dennis Edwards, formerly of The Contours, joined the group as its new lead singer. But Ruffin wasn't happy and turned up at the band's shows and jumped onstage in an attempt to steal the spotlight - much to the delight of audiences.

In the late 1960s, The Temptations collaborated with Diana Ross& The Supremes on a tour and two studio albums. Together they recorded the number two hit single "I'm Gonna Make You Love Me".

Around the same time The Temptations' style began to change, which distanced them from the smooth ballad sound they had with Ruffin. They adopted a funkier, hard psychedelic-based sound for their landmark “Cloud Nine” album. Their single of the same name won the group a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Group Performance in 1969. The group's experiment with a psychedelic-sound, lead them to pioneer a new sub-genre called psychedelic-soul.

The band's success continued, but not without personal problems, throughout the following years. In 1982, a reunion tour took place and an album was recorded – they featured Eddie Kendricks and David Ruffin. But by the 1980-1990s, the group only occasionally made the charts with their records.

The band's influence can still be heard in today's charts through modern R&B and soul artists like Boyz II Men.