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The 1960s were full of smash hits, including “My Girl,” “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” and “Get Ready.” Over 40 years later, these are some of the many tracks that still grace the radio station airwaves across the globe. What do those tracks all have in common? Musical masterminds and hit-making machines, the Temptations, created them. They stop by the Arcadia Performing Arts Center this Saturday, June 7.

The smooth-stepping style of the hit Motown group has been enormously popular over the last four decades. As the last original member of the Temptations, Otis Williams has seen many group members come and go. While the band’s lineup has changed, their sound and style has remained the same.

“The one thing that’s constant in life is change,” says Williams. “I’m just glad to be around that; it’s a very important thing about life. I’ve been able to weather all kinds of different songs. We’ve survived the disco era; we’ve survived the rap era, all kinds of different trends. I think that’s the thing we pride ourselves on the most – the fact that we have survived many things.”

While the music scene has continuously transformed, the Temptations have not let any distractions get in the way of their true roots as a musical group.

“We don’t get caught up in trying to be rappers – we aren’t that. We are singing and dancing guys who stay true to our roots. You’ll never see us going on stage grabbing the crotches of our pants or showing our butt cracks and cussing. It’s not entertaining, as far as I’m concerned,” he says. “That’s probably others’ strong suits, but mine is coming out, singing and being a professional.”

Time flew quickly, as well as the popularity of the Motown hit group. The Temptations never lost sight of their creative direction or original passion for the music scene.

“When you stop and think about this Earth that’s constantly turning, with millions and millions of people living on Earth, there’s only a few percent who truly love what they’re doing. I’m in that percentile,” he shares. “We love what we do. We bring enjoyment and happiness to people, and it keeps us going. I’m very blessed that God has allowed me to do this for this long.”

Can you imagine what this world would be like if it didn’t have music in it?

As a band that has seen and traveled the world, the Temptations have experienced many positive performances. Decades ago they stopped in Los Angeles for the night and weren’t aware of what they were in store for.

“When the Forum, back in the ’60s and ’70s, had the biggest acts playing, we sold it out. Over 20,000 people came, and we took the stage right in the center of the Forum. When we came out, people were going crazy,” Williams recalls. “When we finished and were ready to call it a night, all of the ladies said, ‘To hell with our seats,’ and came to the stage. I always think, ‘wow, man, we had a heck of a time at the Forum.’”

He had no idea how their music was affecting people, in their own right as a group and as a part of the Motown genre and culture.

“I didn’t think Motown would become that impactful. I looked around and realized we are doing it – the Temptations are doing it,” says Williams, humbly. “The ’60s were the most tumultuous decades in the last century. I would see riots, campus arrests, women’s rights – Motown was like a troubling soul. There’s a special reason why it came around. It wasn’t just something that happened. It came around at that point and time, and here it is being loved more than 50 years later.”

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What: The Temptations

Where: Arcadia Performing Arts Center, 188 Campus Drive, Arcadia 91007

When: Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 8 p.m.

Tickets: $59.50-$99.50

Contact: (626) 821-1781 or arcadiapaf.org

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