Temptations Founder Otis Williams Talks ‘My Girl’ Legacy and Impact of Group’s Version of ‘Silent Night’ | VIDEOs

Otis Williams Celebrates The Temptations' 60th Anniversary Legacy // Otis Williams - Getty
Otis Williams – Getty

*Decades after its formation in 1960, The Temptations remain active and influential in the world of music. With that legacy comes a priceless catalog of hit songs that hold up over the years. Among the group’s classics is its signature hit “My Girl,” celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

Taking note of the milestone, The Temptations founder Otis Williams couldn’t help but be in awe of the relevance of “My Girl,” which has currently amassed more than a billion streams digitally

“Wonders always never cease,” the veteran entertainer told Vibe. “I can’t even put it in a profound way of speaking […] To have something like this done, 1 billion is still going. I’ve always said you could tip me over with a feather because I wouldn’t believe that would happen.”

Released in December 1964, the Smokey Robinson-penned “My Girl” was created for then-Temptations member David Ruffin after The Miracles frontman took in a show the Temps had in Detroit.

“Smokey saw us back in Detroit. He was impressed with the show we were doing, and he pointed his finger at David Ruffin, Williams remembered, ‘Oh, I got a song for you.’ [Robinson] rehearsed us in between shows at the Apollo; [we] came back to Detroit and recorded ‘My Girl,’” Williams said.

YouTube video

By February 1965, months later, “My Girl” was a certified success, with a million records sold and congratulatory telegrams and plaques that still adorn a wall at Williams’ home.

The 60th anniversary of “My Girl” comes amid a partnership between The Temptations and Princess Cruises a.k.a. The Love Boat. Vibe reports the legendary collective will set sail on The Love Boat on Dec. 6, 2025 for Princess Cruises’ two-week trek to the Mexican Riviera in celebration of the achievement.

“As we prepare to celebrate our 60th anniversary, we can’t help but look back at where it all began with one ship sailing to Mexico,” said Gus Antorcha, president of Princess Cruises, in a statement. “This commemorative 60th Anniversary Cruise will not only pay tribute to our rich history but also bring together the joy of cruise travel, music, and unforgettable moments….”

“My Girl” isn’t the only Temptations song music fans can celebrate in 2025. It was 40 years this year since the group premiered its hit 1984 single, “Treat Her Like a Lady,” on The Love Boat.

YouTube video

Williams recognized the full-circle moment as he reminisced about the connection between the tune and Princess Cruises.

“The one thing about us is we’ve always been surrounded by very talented people that keep us on the move,” he said. “40 years ago, we did do Princess [Cruises], and we did ‘Treat Her Like a Lady‘ at the time. So, here we are, once again, and we will go back out again later this year on the Princess Cruise. I mean, wonders never cease.”

Despite it not being an official Temptations classic, Williams couldn’t help but speak the group’s iconic cover of “Silent Night.”

For many, The Temptations’ version goes hand-in-hand with properly celebrating Christmas, a fact Williams is well aware of from fans who shared what the song means to them.

YouTube video

YouTube video

“We’ve been told countless times that if they do not hear our version of ‘Silent Night,’ it is not Christmas and we’ve had some people that get mad at us when we don’t do it,” he confessed. “So we still cherish the moment and we love that, because we never would imagine that the way our flavor became so popular that we would be accepted and loved this many years later.”

Otis Williams Celebrates The Temptations' 60th Anniversary Legacy // The Temptations (2025) - GettyImages for Princess Cruises
The Temptations (2025) – GettyImages for Princess Cruises

MORE NEWS ON EURWEB: The Temptations Celebrate 60th Anniversary of Iconic Hit ‘My Girl’

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