First Time Hearing The Temptations - “Papa Was A Rolling Stone” Reaction | Asia and BJ

[@davidschecter5247]

Not every song is meant to be danced to. This is one of the best "soul songs" ever written and produced. The genius behind is is writer/producer Norman Whitfield.

[@BrandonRobinson8321]

Co-written with Barrett Strong.

[@erickthefantabulous1]

I was gonna school them on the producer, but you took care of that 1 of the best producers who really hit his stride in the late sixty's early seventies with psychedelic soul Also did some rolls- Royce.The car wash movie soundtrack & another song , I love that was similar to Papa /rolling was masterpiece an epic 13 minute song

[@JPMadden]

In the studio and live performance "music video" that's online, I find it impressive that some people could dance to this song.

[@NeptuneLady1957]

We danced great to the this..

[@harrychristian4291]

@@JPMadden I can't NOT dance to it.

[@brucevidito4923]

The 60's and 70's had some of the greatest soul and funk ever recorded. Detroit was the king of Motown.

[@jawbone78]

Detroit literally was Motown, so that statement doesn't really make sense.

[@brucevidito4923]

@jawbone78 , It meant that it was their kingdom. Berry Gordy was the king. No need to trivialize on the wording.

[@dianel222]

3 words - “The Funk Brothers” 💜💜💜

[@hobbypassion]

This is one of the most epic songs by the Temptations.

[@15cedw]

Yes, it's an epic song period!

[@happymethehappyone8300]

They DEFINITELY DON'T make music like this anymore!!! 🔥❤🔥

[@lordgrimsdalefaltintine2232]

The guys playing the instruments (sessions players) were known as The Funk Brothers. World class musicians from the Detroit area who played on all the Motown hits from 1959 till 1972. Motown moved to LA and that was pretty much the end of Motown records.

[@kylesuperbaby9616]

Is there a documentary?

[@robbob5302]

I think they moved to Nashville first. Then to LA.

[@pamelawertz498]

I think when Marvin Gaye did his What's Goin' On album and Stevie Wonder blew up, The Temptations realized they had to move into the 70's and they really did up their game.

[@skinheadjon901]

They upped their game long before then - listen to their psychedelic stuff from the late 60's - Ball of Confusion,Cloud 9 etc 🌞🎶🤔😎🙌👍

[@mattjohn4731]

​@@skinheadjon901Oh yeah! There's a cool cover of Ball Of Confusion by Love And Rockets

[@maskedavenger2578]

The Temptations started upping their game several years before , when they jibbed David Ruffin ,& replaced him with Denis Edwards & released “ cloud nine “ .

[@christophernichols1379]

The Zenith of Urban music.

[@BadgerBJJ]

And Cloud Nine

[@maskedavenger2578]

This track isn’t supposed to be about dancing , it’s about making a musical social comment. The Temps started making these types of psychedelic or progressive soul tracks ,around 1968 when Dennis Edwards replaced David Ruffin, & released “cloud nine ‘ Album & single . By 1972 when Norman Whitfield suggested the Temps record “Poppa was a rolling stone “ Dennis & the rest of the Temps didn’t want to record any more psychedelic soul tracks , but Norman convinced them it would be a hit , so they begrudgingly went ahead & recorded it . The rest is History it won a Grammy .

[@rogerdodger6025]

Pretty sure producer/writer Norman Whitfield won a Grammy for his arrangement on this song, deservedly so. It was groundbreaking at the time.

[@johnnyd5285]

Musically, some say it’s the best song the Temptations ever did. Whoever composed it was great.

[@beriandavies2111]

This song, 52 years old and the lyrics, is still relevant today. As are so many other songs from that era. That intro, a masterpiece.

[@gafre2757]

One of the best intros you will ever hear, just sit back , listen and enjoy the song.

[@jwes869]

Agreed! ❤

[@timr5490]

The production on this song is amazing.

[@RonColeArt]

This was another time, when music spoke to real feelings and the words meant something. The difference between the sadness of the words and the groove of the music symbolizes how people find a way to survive adversity through the strength, faith and the resilience of their soul. You could dance to it and you could cry to it, it meant everything on all levels fearlessly. Most of the greatest songs and stories of all time speak about being beaten down, struggling, rising up, overcoming and surviving. It was deep, it was personal and it was real.

[@mikeg.4211]

When this first came out, people were impressed with the reality of the lyrics with the great music included.

[@carlataliaferro4326]

Ball of Confusion was another psychedelic 'REAL' song.

[@Martin.Wilson]

Best mixed and produced song ever....bar none.

[@1939lb]

This was a smash.. Grammy award winning.. it was the truth. It hit home for a lot of people. I was ten..I knew a lot of Rolling Stones in my life.. a Fathers Day classic 😂

[@v.j.3029]

BJ’s dancing will never stop giving me life.🥰

[@jaycorby]

Having lived as a young man when this song came out, I can tell you that it was played in ALL the clubs ( gay, straight, black, white, mixed ), and people danced their butts off to it! I'm almost 79 now, and it still makes me want to groove when I hear the opening bars. BJ was feelin' it, and I do believe he has the right take on it: It's a 'reality' song, but still sends out a vibe that gets people up on their feet. The Temptations are hands down the best of the genre, and will never be equalled.

[@satinalilly752]

Also y'all it was the sign of the times 😔 God's continuous blessings to you and your family 🥰

[@warrenfoil6851]

A masterpiece. 🎉 This was from a brief period where the traditional "soul groups" had to change gears a little to keep up with the psychedelic trend, including longer songs. It couldn't have been done better.

[@jamesrawlins735]

This was also the time when Motown would have these elaborate instrumental accompaniments to their songs.

[@politicaltroll8920]

Psychedelic Shack is a great album as well, they leaned all the way inti psychedelia on that one

[@robertgarcia7643]

So true and a great song!

[@pamelawertz498]

When they played this on Soul Train, they were definitely dancing.

[@ignatzmuskrat3000]

A rolling stone rolls down hill and never stays put, always dislodged and tumbling until it reaches the bottom.

[@miltonslocum8957]

Asia, you cracked me up when you thought this was an instrumental😂 This song is a Masterpiece. The whole arrangement was excellent! And BJ, you're absolutely right about how people could relate to it. I was 24 when this was released in 72. A lot of families had relatives who were Rolling Stones. I sure did growing up in the inner city.😅 Enjoyed your reaction guys!

[@2119Barry]

Seriously

[@miltonslocum8957]

@@2119Barry Yes indeed!

[@mattjohn4731]

Yeah and BJ mentioned a pusher song. I'm Your Pusher by Curtis Mayfield? His song lyrics were often so heavy🎤🔥

[@miltonslocum8957]

@@mattjohn4731 Totally agree! Curtis Mayfield's lyrics were heavy and spoke truth. The songs Pusher Man and Freddie's Dead are from the album Super Fly. A studio album for the film Super Fly back in 73. I've always enjoyed Curtis' music.

[@827dusty]

Talk about a great, nostalgic, gone-bye era. The Four Tops, The Temptations, Smokey, Marvin, Diana and all of the rest of the greats. Glad I was there in real time. You made an old man happy. Thanks you guys

[@timdaly5831]

Agreed!! What a great era that was!!

[@susanelkins3068]

When Otis of The Temptations first heard this he said -"this song is funkier than an unwashed armpit"

[@focused4841]

Lol what

[@susanelkins3068]

@@focused4841 that's funky!!! Lol

[@randieandjodistrom854]

FWIW, I'm an old white guy. I bought this '45 (I hope y'all know what that is) back in 1972 as soon as it came out when I was in high school and it's been in my playlist ever since. This is just pure genius in terms of music, lyrics, and performance.

[@SquirminHermanthe1eyedGerman]

This has been my jam for 60 years, never met my "sperm donor" but heard lots of things about his drinking, bar hoppin, womanizing ways, married 6 times & had 6 other kids besides me & when he died {alcoholism at 57} all he left us was alone ✌💖☮

[@robbob5302]

Guy told me a story recently. He was young, working as a cashier in a Tractor Supply or something similar. A customer handed him his credit card. He looked at the name. It was his father he had never met. (Though he always paid his child support.) He said “You don’t even know who I am, do you?” Well they wound up talking for like thirty minutes. Became good friends. I thought was cool story.

[@michaelasay8587]

Squier....I want to talk to you....life is so crazy today! Please tell me he not voting for Kamala....😢

[@yankeeladee02]

Damn… At first I thought we were related 🤣 I too had a sperm donor that I never met! He was a PLAYA rollin from one lady to the next. SMDH! As far as I know he only had one other kid that I know of and we only met a year ago! She’s in her 60’s and I’m in my 50’s. Back then the men could just disappear… 🫥 Well, cheers to us 🥂

[@andrewdavid9412]

R&B from the 70's was the pinnacle of music.

[@intergalacticnutcracker5884]

Sometimes music even when it has a difficult message still can keep the day going and spirits high

[@royhampton776]

This is one of the most emotive songs to come out of the early seventies. Temptations such a force at that time.. Brilliant song

[@gagecarty4290]

Songs in the 70's were about reality, speaking the truth 😮

[@RoyGibboney-xw3gw]

My hats off to the Temptations this song is about the reality of life

[@im-gi2pg]

There’s another wonderful reactor who totally broke down sobbing at this song. His dad was just like that and this song hit him hard.😢😢😢

[@TangoEliott]

This is one of the greatest songs of its era. You need to feel it from the first note. It is real. Deep. Powerful.

[@rogerdodger6025]

Yes, this song really did tap into the vibe of the early 70's. This was the time of the "Superfly" type movies and this song has that vibe.

[@ONielElder]

My birthday is Sept 3rd…that’s why this song always resonates with me when I hear…then I just start grooovin’

[@BlowinFree]

Cool 😎💃💋

[@ronjm945]

The song predated disco music, it was a masterwork by the Temptations. I remember hearing the extended version for the first time, it blew my eleven year old self away in 1972….

[@Lakeshore14]

The Motown sound came from the fantastic musicians who backed the Motown artists, the Funk Brothers. There is a great documentary on YT that tells the story of the Funk Brothers. It’s called Standing In The Shadows of Motown. It’s well worth the watch.

[@rickpetersen1745]

The Temptations, Four Tops , The Drifters, Little Anthony and the Imperials, Frankie Limon and the Teenagers, and The Platers. Are all groups I grew up with and gained my love for their music.

[@RavensTheNextDynasty]

This is a classic, 1 of my favorite temptations song. Another great 1 is can’t get next to you

[@marymccabe3378]

Hope you can watch the live version! Choreography is off the chart! Love your reactions.

[@rhondaatkins1776]

Was thinking the same!

[@robertarrington4907]

I remember when this song was released. It simply blew me away. An absolute masterpiece.

[@MarshaBonForte]

An incredible song and performance. The Funk Brothers behind the Temptations.

[@MichaelAndrews-uy1gl]

This is a masterpiece...it would be nice if we could return to this kind of music. Fabulous song.

[@ChristinaFromFlint]

THIS. ALL DAY, ERRY DAY, FOREVERMORE, THISSSSS! ❤

[@SIXX2772]

Even the Wah pedal said "pops was a rolling stone! lol...Instrumental??.lol...yall gonna learn today Miss Asia! haha...This song 100% represents my relationship with my so called pops.

[@RD-zj6vc]

Songs used to be long like this because the music would develop for a little while, and that took time.

[@harpergras]

One of their all-time great hits.

[@bobblethreadgill4463]

you're right asia, the arrangement is superb with the driving bass and percussion, trumpet and strings crying in back ground sounding soft as a whimper. and we danced to it like there was no tomorrow.... Hell Yeah Y'all

[@guillermojimenezcastelblan8456]

Coming from 1972, the mixing, horns, string section, the bass lines, the wah effect guitar, even the basic but damn effective bass drum-hi hat pattern, all spells Motown, The Temptation`s for me, may be their best song ever, what a jam, of course, don`t forget the claps in the song`s developing, the story from the song. Stunning and killer as well.

[@edwardbardlett6943]

My mother's brothers were 12, 10, and 7 years older than me. It was through them that I was introduced to this music. This song was a major JAM!!! The lyrical content was relavernt for a lot of urban--and not so urban--kids. But keep in mind that the black community as a whole was trying to emerge from the Jim Crow era and was embracing the ' say it loud, "I'm black and I'm proud" mentality.' Songs like this by black artist were a source of pride, no matter what the subject matter of the lyrics. I thoroughly, enjoy your reactions!

[@1calvinfunny1]

‘Psychedelic Shack,‘Cloud Nine’, Ball of Confusion, and I Can’t Get Next To You are 4 more great Temptations songs...

[@elijahablaze]

This is, likely, the best soul song ever written. So good. The extensive instrumentals were insisted on by the record company so this song would get played in discos

[@Lakeshore14]

Raised on Motown so I know this one well and remember the first time I heard it. It quickly went to #1 on the charts. So much great Motown music and we can never forget the fabulous Motown house band, the Funk Brothers. The Temptations had so many great hits. The 60s and 70s had the best music. Thank you for your great reaction. 👏👏🥰

[@AuntieNina68]

I always immediately see them doing this on Soul Train. The soundtrack of my life🥰

[@Lakeshore14]

@@AuntieNina68 Mine too. 👍

[@lucky4724]

While Deployed Overseas during the 70's, me and the fella's had the Temps & Motown in full effect in our barracks.brought calmness to us during hectic times, sippin🍾 & groovin 🎼!! Ahhh the memories!! Shoutout to the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing🇺🇲💪hoooah🗣️ #MilitaryLife💥

[@yankeeladee02]

🫡 thank YOU and you brothers in arms. 🇺🇸 🦅

[@bettymoody7422]

I'm so glad this generation is waking up to real music. NO AUTOTUNE. Just real talent and real voices. Temptations had it going on. This was my era. I'm 74 and still love them

[@jawbone78]

Go yell at more clouds granny.

[@mpemberton7760]

One of the best long intro jams ever! The single clocks in at just under 7 minutes, but the album cut rolls on for 12.

[@garyseven5791]

Loved this song since 1972! Thank you, friends. May your path always rise up to greet you!

[@ghogsten]

Whoever those moms of the world, who had to live the hard life for the kids. You deserve it all the good things that come your way. Hard life. That mom lying to those kids, to protect them, what a great song.

[@bigbow62]

Papa didn't leave you alone.... He left you with a big busload of step brothers & sisters ! 🤔 This is a true classic, and the best part is that everyone gets their turn on the mic. 🎙 ❤

[@littlegiantproductionsandr3091]

The line doesn't say "you", it says "us".

[@bigbow62]

@littlegiantproductionsandr3091 Thank you for the correction... ✌️😎

[@richardmaguire9536]

Perfect. Beautiful and as powerful as any piece of music ever made. Motown at it's creative height.

[@nealeger8154]

Long before this song, long before the magazine, long before the band, there was an old expression that explains it all, "A rolling stone gathers no moss".

[@pirateylass]

The Temptations are one of my favorite groups in that era of music. The Four Tops’ “Reach Out I’ll Be There” is THE song that always gets to me though lol😊

[@Jude_196]

OMG - that THUMPIN' BASS and the VOCALS in THIS SONG!!! SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GOOD!!!!

[@miked2445]

Asia believed she was a complete person until today. Now all the pieces are back in the box.

[@brucedillinger9448]

😂

[@DaDavis1954]

Actually, most of the intro was trimmed down for the 45 RPM single in order to get that needed airplay. That was 60's/70's radio. Unless you had the album back then, you probably were unaware that the album version was so different.

[@ramcarred]

You love this song if your Papa as a Rolling Stone! Been there Done That!

[@s.scottsdale1839]

One killer mother of a groove is what it is. How do you get 'depressed' when a song is this much of a rhythmic beat masterpiece? Always gonna be some slackers and Jodies out there.

[@michellelaguerre8760]

The groove is fantastic and this why it takes away the pain from-the song but when you sit and listen to the lyrics it is very sad

[@phillipdycaico5949]

I miss this kind of music. I was a teenager when it came out. It was both a great jam and a great story of a father that wasn’t there.

[@sharonstark1014]

So many great songs by this group. I remember watching them on the Ed Sullivan show when I was about 12 years old. Check out "My Girl", "Just my Imagination", "Can't get next to You", "Ball of Confusion" and "Get Ready." Get Ready" was also done by the group Rare Earth. Both are great versions.

[@randywatson5263]

I was young at the time but i remember this song being a big hit. It was on heavy rotation on the radio. Most people just jammed to the music. But a few people had a problem with the lyrics.

[@gregleblanc9357]

Undeniable classic masterpiece.

[@triumphantfaithiwc6711]

When this song came out it was a BIG HIT!… HUGE HIT! But you’re right, the message is extremely painful.

[@mc0334]

It's such a masterpiece. I love the temptations since i was a child and i am old roday

[@mc0334]

I am old today...

[@christophernichols1379]

Isac Hayes, and Shaft, Changed everything. You two are great. Thanks for sharing. Peace.

[@veadairavani5692]

When the line comes "All he left us was alone.." I replace it with " All he left us was a loan." This song is deep because, how many of us REALLY know our parents? Not that they are low down, but, they did what that had to do to survive.

[@tec52]

The Temptations didn't play instruments, they were singers. They would in no way do an instrumental, LOL. I love ya Asia!

[@brucedillinger9448]

😂

[@kevinmarker-cz3bx]

Give it up fo momma being the rock. And I know fo show big momma was there too..true that. Great choice..much respect and success 🙌

[@kjchicago1]

Song Released in September 1972 on Motown's Gordy Records Label as Gordy 7121 written by Norman Whitfield & Barrett Strong and is from the 1972 Gordy Records LP "All Directions" and also featured in the "Motown Original Artist Karaoke" karaoke CD made by the Singing Machine and Motown Records

[@N.A5131]

love their warm eye contact ..true black love right there

[@lisasart7150]

Hi Ms. Asia and Mr. BJ, The Temptations was My Mom's Favorite R&B Motown Groups My Mom got Me into their Music when I'm was younger until now By Watching The Temptations Movie. Thank You for Listening and Enjoying Good Oldies Music Of Motown.

[@vickihirsch8340]

This is some great Soul Train music right here!! Every Saturday morning ❤

[@matthewgoodA1206]

The instrumentation and musical arrangements are incredibly good. And the song has hardly any drum beat. This was what fire was for that era of music.

[@PapaEli-pz8ff]

I was an adult when this song was first released. It was a hit and I don't recall anyone having issues with the story line. Folks were so busy dancing to the music. Parts of this song remind me of my late maternal grandfather who had eleven children at home.. and who knows how many "outside" children. Country folks had their rolling stones, too. Imagine running into one of your outside siblings whom you did know and felt a strong attraction to..

[@jessesaffold1165]

Papa…lived his life to fullest To the best way he new how But he was good in his skin Then he died.

[@samuelflorez1461]

Asia it's like you said , when you first heard the song , you just listen to the guitar , violin, and Bass , didn't take time to listen to the words , It's a story about life in the early days when Papa was around , Mama was thinking , I guess Now is a good time to tell you what really happened to Papa . Take time to listen to the words and you'll understand ,

[@Nomad-vv1gk]

"Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" is a song originally performed by Gordy Records recording act the Undisputed Truth in 1972, though it became much better known after a Grammy-award winning cover by the Temptations was issued later the same year. This latter version of the song became a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100. "Papa Was a Rollin' Stone" was written by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong in 1971. Whitfield produced the original Undisputed Truth version, which was released as a single in May 1972. This version of the song peaked at number 63 on the Pop Charts and number 24 on the R&B Charts. The song was included on the Undisputed Truth's album Law of the Land (1973). Later in 1972, Whitfield cut a different version of the song, turning it into a 12-minute track for the Temptations. This version was included on their 1972 album All Directions. The edited 7-inch single release of this Temptations track was issued in September 1972, and this version was a number-one hit on the Billboard Hot 100 and won three Grammy Awards in 1973. Vocal duties are performed in a true ensemble style: Temptations singers Dennis Edwards, Melvin Franklin, Richard Street (who was a frequent fill-in for Paul Williams and his eventual replacement) and Damon Harris (who had replaced Eddie Kendricks as the group's falsetto singer the previous year) alternate vocal lines.

[@johnlong9534]

Best intro ever, it could have been a hit all by itself. This was a transitional period for the Temptations, David Ruffin had already left the group and their new music producer thought this would be good for them. Dennis Edwards became their new lead singer and this song won a Grammy.

[@angelalambert6069]

I love you two ! You made me laugh so much how puzzled you were at long intro 😅 thank you fir the music ❤ x

[@sandyanimalrescueholt2976]

Everyone NEEDS to watch the documentary, Standing In The Shadows of Motown. I've watched it so many times. It's heartbreaking knowing so many of those great legends are no longer with us. It's an excellent documentary with other legends like Gerald Levert singing a couple of Motown songs with The Funk Band. PLEASE watch it!!!

[@davidbentley145]

This is a golden "oldie"...I heared this a Long, Long Time ago in another age! Long,Long before you born!...Nice to see you chillun enjoyin yerself wid dis one!Papa was a part to no time father!Thank you 🤣🤣

[@robertj2444]

I was a little kid when this song was on the radio all of the time. I still remember the words by heart. An all time classic.

[@robertj2444]

Another great song is What You See is What You Get. It's not depressing. ✌️

[@Dhodin2]

Along with the theme from "Shaft" this is one of the most recognizable iconic intros to a song ever!

[@lavenderbluemama953]

Love the song, love your reaction. 😂 The part I was always amazed about was that every one else in town was talkin' bad about Papa, but Mama managed to keep her cool & summarize the man who did her & her kids wrong with a one-liner. Like he wasn't even worth her time tellin' tales about, but she's gonna tell you one thing about him & that's that. 😂

[@RobertJohnson-hq6jq]

“Copacabana” by Barry Manilow is a song with upbeat music with dark lyrics.

[@shlomiB.R.]

My favorite band of all time, the Temptations with the winning lineup: Otis Williams, Melvin Franklin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, and Dennis Edwards Dennis, knew how to bring out the powerful voice and the amazing songs that this band released in the spirit of the late 60's and early 70's which I think are amazing, The 70's was the biggest success of soul, funk and disco music. Such songs are no longer written and certainly not performed by singers with unique voices and with amazing music played by real musicians whose sound was fully transmitted to those who listened to them. Full bass, full treble and half a mid that gave the sound of the legendary Motown. I always listen to songs from that time and in this style because there you can hear songs and not like today, shouting. And by the way, Masterpiece is the name of the album of this successful group and also one of the songs on this album with the amazing songs: plastic man, ma, Psychedelic Shack, law of the land.

[@htbald1]

THIS SONG WAS CONSIDERED A NORMAN WHITFIELD " MASTERPIECE", ALONG WITH "BALL OF CONFUSION", AND "WAR", THE REAL WORLD IN REAL TIME AND MOTOWN WENT THERE! MARVIN GAYE'S " WHAT'S GOING ON" , " INNER CITY BLUES/ MAKE ME WANNA HOLLER, CURTIS MAYFIELD'S "PUSHERMAN", AND MANY OTHERS., WERE ALL SONGS ABOUT ENLIGHTENING PEOPLE TO WHAT WAS ACTUALLY GOING ON IN THE INNER CITIES AND HOW PEOPLE ACTUALLY FELT ABOUT IT! PROTEST MUSIC WAS ON HIGH AFTER THE VIETNAM WAR, ETC.

[@maggynewtown3500]

That bassline is so simple yet perfect.

[@robspore5046]

This came out my senior year of high school. We listened to this all the time.