The Temptations - PAUL WILLIAMS leads. 5 lead vocals by the hidden gem of the Tempts.

One of the greatest singers in The Temptations long history, sadly only occasionally featured as lead vocalist. Due to ill health and personal problems he left The Tempts in 1971. To give him support the group kept him on the payroll as an advisor and choreographer. He died at the tragically young age of 34 in August 1973.
0:00 Don't Look Back [Swingin' Time, 1965]
2:48 My Girl (with Bing Crosby) [Hollywood Palace, 1968]
4:47 I've Gotta Be Me [The Temptations Show, TV special 1969]
7:24 The Best Things In Life Are Free [The Temptations Show, TV special 1969]
9:28 For Once In My Life [TCB, TV special 1968]
Details of 1,000's of other classic performances at - www.lightscamerabackbeat.com

[@dwaynejordan6750]

I will Post this Comment for the Last time...The Temptations were The Best Male group of All Time 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@nitahiltner3348]

AMEN.

[@Moon_Rise100]

He sang this beautifully while suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia. Wow! Happy Birthday Paul! 7-2-2022! Rest in heaven!🙏

[@AGrace-ff3cu]

Yeah I can see he is in pain… same with T-Boz from TLC. I was watching her performance and I told my family she looks like she is in pain and sure enough after that performance she went to the ER with complications of sickle cell

[@vanessajefferson8636]

​​@@AGrace-ff3cu I always thought T-Boz had Sickle Cell Anemia and Left Eye was the one that had Lupus

[@AGrace-ff3cu]

@@vanessajefferson8636 you are correct.

[@annabellademus9719]

I READ HE HAD KIDNEY DISEASE.

[@youthfulvajayjay4498]

You can hear the richness in his voice and a deep sadness...... Beautiful, bold and hella handsome!!!

[@chere2113]

The best group of all time. RIHP Paul.

[@deborahpatterson7692]

The BEST TEMPTATION LINE UP! Often imitated but NEVER DUPLICATED. Tall,Tempting, TALENTED and easy on the eyes. LEGENDS and the yardstick which future groups would be measured by.

[@michellekirkendall818]

Paul, though, was great. And he had pure warmth. There was a heartfelt soulfulness. He had that gospel quality. He must have been amazing in church.

[@brightmaphumulo8602]

This "for once in my life" rendition is the best...Done by a talented Paul Williams.Rest easy Paul!!

[@Thethirdeyewitch_3]

He sung the mess out of that last song I got chills. This is god gift talent

[@celestinepinkney-lloyd2608]

AMEN...AMEN...AND AME

[@paul_williams_fans]

No one can top Paul Williams in my book. He was the total package 😍

[@kamscott4201]

My favorite temptation

[@beatricebarfield6005]

OnePACKAGE...I LOVE HIM

[@ampmri2434]

Same. What a voice!

[@gblock74section29]

No sir David then paul

[@tinahobson1386]

You ain’t never lied

[@shirleyross1622]

PAUL WAS THE CROONER HIS VOICE UNMATCHED ALONG WITH EDDIE ABSOLUTELY THE BEST TEMPTATIONS FOREVER MY FAVORITE GROUP OF ALL TIME.

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

I totally agree 💯💯💯

[@evonza4858]

Eddie is My favorite 🥰👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾💛💚❤️💜💙but l love them ALL 🥰

[@kathyhayden2499]

Eddie is my favourite temp of all time,but as a group they are the best ❤

[@leroyepps1146]

The Original Temptations and the O'jay's my favorite groups

[@dugoodsspotlights428]

Paul was one that showed his soul...in his movements, his expression, and his love for his craft ❤😢

[@Ashley-gl9yx]

OMG Paul singing my girl was phenomenal! His voice has so much soul and passion in it. Could listen to him all day.

[@axtaxt8372]

Saaaaaannnnggg Paul..totally underrated! ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@lamontbradford4630]

Too bad Bing Crosby ruined it

[@OnYourMark0831]

He should still be at it.

[@brandonbeverly2972]

@@lamontbradford4630exactly 😂😅

[@gwarren6386]

@@lamontbradford4630Amen !

[@chuckdawson1824]

love the tone of Paul Williams voice...The Temps should have let him sing more lead vocals.........

[@reginaldbrown8885]

Great singing by The Greatest Group of All Time

[@rcthomas6925]

No problem the writers wrote for certain artists. In the beginning it was Paul and Eddie the later Eddie and Melvin. Later David. Then Richard and Dennis.

[@user-sv8zu4kj1l]

Yes exactly💯..He was THE GREATEST..Vocal, Choreography..Best Dancer..He Was My ❤️LOVE

[@kourtneydouthard-becker1501]

I absolutely LOVE him and David Ruffins voice so much, that raspy, strong, voice with So much emotion in it 😩🔥🔥🔥

[@DalyTheThird]

Amen.

[@OnYourMark0831]

I bet he would've love meeting a beautiful girl👈🎉🌹💐🥀

[@kevcart3789]

He had a beautiful WIFE and Children, if you saw the true-to-life MOVIE!....​@@OnYourMark0831

[@BlackMamba92233]

That last performance gives you chills

[@StunningShay]

Me toooooo

[@BlackMamba92233]

@@StunningShay you got good taste in music . That last performance is something that you no longer hear from artists today . Todays musicians all use electronics, computers, and auto tunes, not enough attitudes, attitude reflects on passion

[@darkmatter-thinktank6262]

YES😭

[@floydbrice2205]

Have mercy, I pray.

[@aintnothingliketheoldskool]

​@@BlackMamba92233 true

[@bustabass9025]

Paul, the original showman in The Classic Five. His singing and dancing made him the first black male soul group front man. His voice distinctive, his moves seamless to the beat, and well blended with the lyrics. Rest in peace. You left us way too soon, but your voice, style, and choreography will last forever. 🎤🎩👞

[@taylafreeman5920]

I love Paul he is a good dancer and he can sang good rip paul

[@jeannemabrey9111]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@georgettejonah2580]

His moves were slik and smooth

[@cdubz265]

Paul was the most soulful in my opinion.

[@rcthomas6925]

Yes but he could be broadway too.

[@grandchamp7783]

I always thought Paul had the best voice out of all the Temps!!

[@bernadettehudson3346]

He did have the best voice. He was a real show man.

[@michellekirkendall818]

@@bernadettehudson3346 He was The Temptations early lead; he and Eddie Kendricks hailed from Birmingham, Alabama. "Meet The Temptations" (1963) features Paul Williams on lead. He also was the group's first choreographer. When they acquired David Ruffin in 1964, he and Eddie Kendricks were doing leads and co-leads. Paul got lucky with the "B" side of "My Baby" . "Don't Look Back" became a hit. However, David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks voices were more marketable, in the end.

[@doncooper384]

@@michellekirkendall818David Ruffins put the Group on the Map Eddie And Paul was Good to

[@user-sv8zu4kj1l]

Z Give Paul his due...He was The Greatest❤

[@bigredd6684]

Well that's a matter of opinion. We all have them.

[@tytownsend8219]

Paul was TOO SMOOTH...

[@terrychawa7847]

The greatest group ever assembled. Rip to you greats ❤

[@joywithjanahkakake5367]

I loved Paul William's with that Baritone Voice. The group was brilliant. Paul put the steps together.

[@idkyoustill8228]

Paul Williams and Bing Crosby, priceless.

[@frankie1454]

Paul & Eddie are my favorites

[@temptin_temptations]

Paul is soo underrated man and dude had such a beautiful voice that rich baritone and smooth dance moves he's my favorite member of The Temptations Rip Paul Williams

[@judygedmistergaines7578]

❤❤❤💯💯💯👑

[@ronaldwilson6569]

Paul Williams Sr had that kind of voice that would touch your soul !

[@debcarty3079]

I also think Paul was the best! His voice is amazing ❤ Their dancing wow!

[@katherinehernandez7468]

The last song surpassed all the rest that Paul sang God Bless his soul.

[@CadillacL]

Wow! Paul is awesome on “My Girl”

[@xeon222]

I'm embarrassed to say that I didn't know Paul sang lead to some of the Temps songs, but what a wonderful discovery to find such a hidden gem.(I assumed it was David Ruffin singing lead on "don't look back" ).😂

[@gregorybush3224]

Paul was the original lead singer. Eldridge Bryant was fired and David Ruffin was hired.

[@kevcart3789]

Paul led a few songs before David Ruffin even JOINED the group!!....

[@kevcart3789]

@@gregorybush3224 -CORRECT!....

[@TheGreatest-4Eva]

Hard to sing a ruffin song but Paul made my girl his with that Paul Williams style 💯💪🏾👑

[@rcthomas6925]

Paul was a master of singing in the right key. Never imitating always creating and interpretating. David sang My Girl in a higher key.

[@jacobsalt5127]

He ain’t no David Ruffin

[@OhTiidal]

@@rcthomas6925nah man it was the same key, both C major. Paul is that good

[@OhTiidal]

@@rcthomas6925nah man it was the same key, both C major. Paul is that good

[@qthemusicdj]

Thank you. He could have gone down in history with a long career of greatness. His strong voice and passion would have gone into the 70s & 80s just like Teddy Pendergast

[@ilenejackson8579]

That’s Music right there.

[@Iroq-lt9go]

Master Baritone, Choreographer, and such a kind hearted and humble man. The G.O.A.T.!!!🔥🔥🔥❤️❤️❤️

[@cliffclark6372]

PAUL WILLIAMS WAS THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE TEMPS..... ...

[@lydiaraymond2700]

G.O.A.T Paul as the lead singer in "Dont Look Back", Wow and the harmony puts a smile on your face.

[@therealjacobtv]

Paul was my boy😂🔥 powerful voice

[@shakkamusa2366]

I have watched that last performance countless times and each time, cry a lot of tears. Paul had a unique ability to connect with every song he sang and in turn, connect with his listeners. May he rest in power. I'm so grateful for his gift.

[@toomuch5488]

So sincere and tormented. May his soul continue to rest.

[@Iroq-lt9go]

Sickle Cell Disease torments a body.

[@artpop301]

@@Iroq-lt9gook.

[@davidervin-yb9qb]

He was underrated that man was my favorite

[@wizzardofpaws2420]

Mr. Magic Voice. I love Paul to this day.

[@landrewilkinson7993]

This is priceless Kudos to the late great Paul Williams 👏

[@DalyTheThird]

He’s standing on a cupcake. I love this.

[@justpde]

I used to get Paul and David mixed up on some records. They actually sound similar at times. However Paul has a deeper, raspier and soulful voice. I love this guy.

[@jamelfrye2133]

Paul was the reason why we have the temptations, his voice and Eddie and Melvin. According to the movie Paul and Eddie did the lead singing

[@kevcart3789]

Yes the group got the contract with Motown because of Paul & Eddie's audition WITH The TEMPTATIONS!-

[@states-nz4lz]

❤ **The Dynamic Paul Williams..untouchable vocals (gosh I love his singing Priceless Range)** 🎼 🎶 🎤 'Paul' 🎤 🎶 💋

[@maxinelee3439]

Of the Temp's < Paul > Don't look back,is the greatest

[@rcthomas6925]

Check out Don't look back on the Temptations Live at the rooster tail in Detroit

[@barbarathomas1768]

Paul Williams was the best singer of the Temptations group, I listen to his songs all the time..❤🎉😮😊

[@sharontates3532]

The group was and still is the best Group ever .It hurts to know how each passed away .The only one still keeping the group alive is the one starting the group Williams I feel this was his purpose .I had no idea there were so many Temptations. The only ones I claim is this group and after seeing them and finally at their reunion I got my 💋 from Eddie. (David Ruffin)also in original they had so much going for them ❤❤

[@tiyahisrael]

Had the pleasure of meeting Otis William,last surviving Temps,at the “Ain’t To Proud” broadway stage play.Extremely gracious and humble man..He’s 82 years old,doesn’t look it at all.As I look at this video all the temps singing on stage have passed away except for Otis.According to the play based on his book,he didn’t indulge in drugs and alcohol as the others did..Maybe that’s why he’s still alive..The play was awesome btw.

[@susieperpall6356]

The late great Temp. Love always

[@2talljones863]

Paul is the reason I sing today❤ and Melvin , Eddie, the whole group I absolutely ❤ forever❤

[@kuraudo9700]

Rest in Peace to all the deceased members of the Temptations! 👍🏾👌🏾🙏🏾

[@robertdabney4621]

Paul had a great voice similar to Jerry Butler. A jazzy smooth soulful sound.

[@bettyhughes654]

❤❤Goodness!!! Can u say handsome 😍 😌 Paul Williams was MY GUY!!!❤❤

[@golden7146]

That was an Incredible performance by Paul Williams!👏🏽👏🏽🥰

[@dianefiske-foy4717]

I’m so glad I grew up during this wonderful era of music 👩🏻‍🏫👵🏻👏🏻🥰❣️

[@Native5]

4 Alabama boys. This was the baddest male group ever assembled.

[@essiejames9492]

My first time seeing this video thank you u tube Paul's voice was memorizing gone but not forgotten RIP Paul Williams ❤❤❤🎉🎉

[@janehyden1652]

he was the best im a long time motown girl. MOTOWN FOREVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@beatricebarfield6005]

My Teenaged Idol...if He ONLY KNEW..🥰🥰❤️

[@tinahobson1386]

Paul Williams will always be my favorite singer

[@morrisjenkins226]

Dang that was great. Paul was something else.

[@bettysteed3377]

Paul Williams was my heart ❤

[@superkat460]

PAUL IS MY FAVORITE SINGER AND THE SONGS HE LED ARE ICONIC. WISH HE LIVED LONGER WITH GREATER SUCCESS

[@almavazquez6397]

LOVE THE TEMPTATIONS 🌹 LOVE,LOVE,LOVE PAUL WILLIAMS... I KNOW YOU ARE REALLY HAPPY IN HEAVEN🎶🎵🎼 CAN'T WAIT TO MEET YOU THERE 💘😥😘😎📖👑🙏🏿

[@vinnybell5075]

Great baritone! The best dancer in the group! When Paul passed away it broke my heart.And I was a kid @ the time.

[@Baci302]

"I Want A Love" was also sung by Paul Williams. RIP sir.

[@aliceyoung4513]

Sing Paul,He had a unique voice,❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@anthonykearney7320]

He also had the song: I want a love I can see. It didn't chart well, was featured in the movie thought Unfortunately alot of the commercially popular songs won out in Motown over songs like this.The I mentioned above is popular with my children so that tells you that music transcends generations.I wish Paul would have had the opportunity to showcase his talent more and he may not have resorted to things that caused his downfall.What a great talent!

[@cantstop-wontstop2138]

@anthonykearney7320 You said something right there- A Love I Can See is probably one of the MOST UNDERRATED SONGS EVER.

[@mongoslade277]

Good point. Since I Lost My Baby is my favorite Temptations song. It charted high but wasn't even played in the movie

[@browns1ism]

Man what a voice. His voice so moving.

[@JoyFullDecorbyDenise1958]

This man can sing, had a tragic end with alcohol, beautiful voice, all the temptations could sing an lead a song all of the members were stars

[@emanuelsingleton]

Actually it wasn't alcohol he has sickle cell anemia

[@Buckzz-.-]

@@emanuelsingleton frl… the movie fool a lot of people, he tried to drank the pain away

[@mongoslade277]

The miniseries was from Otis Williams book. You can't take him for his word. Paul suffered from Sickle Cell. They didn't even mention that in the movie. Blue didn't die in his Mama kitchen. His immune system was messed up from taking all those cortisone shots. He died in the hospital. Ruffin & his death was fabricated as well

[@jaydonaldson8791]

He was out of control when I met him in 1971 at the Civic Arena Pittsburgh PA. I was security up front an back stage. They were trying to manage him but not very effective I was amazed and shocked as a yout.

[@caroleroseburgh1344]

I Love The Temptations Period ‼️💋❤️👊🏽👍🏽💯✝️🙏🏽💗🥰.

[@jaiyabyrd4177]

Thank you Thank you For posting Paul Williams whose magnificent voice is so underrated. Absolutely Beautiful Paul Williams

[@PatriciaGrady-tl5qh]

Paul Williams was so smoith and could sing his A off . I love watching all those stars videos . Grew up listening to them with my parents, grandparents , aunts , cousins , and neighbors . Their music will live on forever . ❤

[@BuffaloBeatle]

Goosebumps. RIP Paul Williams a true talent

[@rayyrayy7830]

The best tempt

[@noraparker4137]

Profiles in Pittsburgh I love this song by Paul Williams. It now is reminds me of Otis Williams. Because he looks back and he knows for once in his life that someone in The Temptations bands needs him. Because he kept the group together and we are so very proud of him. Because he loves Paul Williams Junior so much. Nora Parker forever❤

[@june8395]

Liked Paul Williams’ voice the best. . . .❤❤

[@trungvo4812]

Still my favorite lead singer rip Paul 🙏

[@wisemansifiso3382]

He was top class,❤❤❤❤❤

[@automatic_systematic]

Paul Williams and Fred Astaire singing "My Girl" is absolutely priceless

[@jeffcash1850]

That was Bing Crosby

[@mongoslade277]

Fred Astaire was the great dancer. He couldn't sing. He was lip syncing in his movies

[@rcthomas6925]

Bing Crosby..ba ba boom. Bing and Paul were Baritone singers.

[@reneegordon506]

One of a kind group! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@TheOriginalGaPeach]

The Temptations are way before my time but I ❤ LOVE THE GROUP! Paul Williams is my favorite Temptation! He had a BEAUTIFUL VOICE and he was the BEST DANCER 🕺🏾 in the group! REST IN HEAVENLY PEACE Paul!!

[@samoramachel55]

Of all the Temptations, Paul was the one singer who inspired me to sing. What a great soul - this group is sorely missed. I am blessed to have seen them (Motown Review) at the original Regal Theater in Chicago on South Park in the 60s when I was fourteen. Man I loved this music - thanks for sharing this

[@danielleward5692]

Whew! Paul! I’m tearing up 🥹 on that last song!

[@malotonga4957]

paul william in my opinion is the only singer that emotion is always shown no matter what song many have one or two but paul always brought soul n emotion told the story he is totally underrated

[@justinsingleton2113]

Last song is heart breaking

[@brendathompson2378]

Still sounds Great - 2024💯

[@user-rm2zk8jj9r]

This making me cry happy tears watching them bring back memories im from Detroit and all the motor city songs that came from there im not in Detroit anymore in in Arizona 😢I left when my mommy died just allll the memories it's not the same anymore

[@jaylene.turner6524]

A great singer and dancer. The heart and soul of the Temptations. R.I.P. Paul Williams (July 2nd,1939- August 17th,1973)

[@ernestinetodd7744]

Real music you can understand the m ever ❤❤❤

[@claudebraddock9925]

One of the greatest.

[@miketheshanmanmangan]

Tall Tanned & Terrific THE TEMPTATIONS with the great PAUL WILLIAMS

[@MsBlack888]

My favorite temptation singer.

[@jamievasquez8078]

And they act like David was the only one that could sing. Paul was an amazing singer also and so much more.

[@dianewilliams1414]

My favorite Temptation!! So sad he died so young.

[@priscilladouthit9651]

Omg Paul was so smooth. But I love them all

[@tonybrooks1508]

Paul seems to be going through a lot of pain and hurt and it shows on his face, he seems to be crying at the end

[@ddlee202257]

TRUE FACT: Mr. Paul Williams was suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia.

[@joywithjanahkakake5367]

This song by Paul was song like no other I was in tears Rest In Peace!

[@triplehumorous3280]

I was just moved to tears by that last song, I'm a sucker for those. I've only heard a bit of it in the tv special.

[@tinawebster1461]

Paul was one of my favorites.