Another book about the Temptations

[citystars]

Hi All,

I see Amazon is advertising a new book about the Temptations titled "Ain't Too Proud to Beg: The Troubled Lives and Enduring Soul of the Temptations" by Mark Ribowosky that is scheduled for release in September.

I think he is the same author who released a book last year about the Supremes. I tried to read that book, but quickly lost interest. How many times can people keep recycling the same stories, rumors etc.?

Since Otis Williams already wrote his version of events, the only people I think are qualified and will ever be qualified to intelligently discuss the authentic Temptations story are David Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks, Paul Williams, Melvin Franklin and Dennis Edwards. Unfortunately, 4 of the 5 names I mentioned are dead, so that leaves Dennis. I would love to read his story. I truly hope that one day he decides to write his memoirs. I think it would be very interesting.

I personally have absolutely no interest in hearing anyone on the "outside" convey, interpret and/or dissect the Temptations story especially if in involves the usual David Ruffin bashing without also discussing crucial details of his professional battle with a certain record company.

[Common]

Hey citystars,

I'm leery as well since we know that DR is the favorite 'demon child' in the Tempts story. I don't think Dennis would tell the whole story either as he seems to be a nice guy and doesn't want to hurt anyone's feelings. The only story, IMO, that came close to telling the Tempts' story was Tony's book. As much as people bash Tony and accuse him betraying his friendship with David & Eddie, I thought he made them, especially David, human. Then they throw in the David/Tammi saga into the mix and then David really becomes the monster. I agree that very much has been made of DR's professional life and I would love to hear more about that part that hardly gets talked about.

In short, this latest Tempts' book is going to be the usual fare of ego, money, bad boys and death.

[Common]

Here's the link:

www.amazon.com/dp/047026117X/ref=pe_606_16571790_pe_ar_t1

[Duchess]

I know this is DR's board and so most of yall are mainly interested in DR's stories & info in this new book coming out, but I checked out the link and read quite a few excerpts about Paul because anyone who knows me knows that Paul is my favorite Temptation...so there lol. Anyway, I was surprised to find out that Paul's people called him "Smut" (not "Poopie") and that he was quite the doting father to all of his 9 (yeah, I said NINE) children (and the author said that in contrast to David pretty much being a deadbeat...don't jump on me I didn't say it, the author did). Not sure if the author is counting Mary's 2 kids that she had with another man before she got with Paul (a lot of people make the mistake of thinking Paul is the bio dad of Kenneth & Sarita), but I found it kind of shocking that Paul allegedly took responsibility for all his "oopsie" children and really loved them all...see, that's why he's my baby . Supposedly, the author got most of his Paul info from one of Paul's younger brothers (Joe "Scrooney" Williams). Joe supposedly got a hold of Paul's official autopsy 30 years after his death, and a retired detective named Al Brooks also thought Paul didn't kill himself either. The book excerpt cut off right when the coroner's report was about to be discussed so, dammit, I went ahead and ordered a copy of this freakin' book! I still don't know what to think...did he or didn't he kill himself??? I really don't have a concrete opinion either way.

I also read a short excerpt where Otis claimed that Tammi confided in him that DR hit her in the head with a lamp and actually told Otis to feel the lump in her head where DR had supposedly hit her (page 169). Sounds like Otis is just regurgitating all his old holier-than-thou bullsh*t from his book with some little updated twists to make DR look even more like a psychopath...don't know what to think about this lamp situation either. Cocaine is a helluva drug, so DR really could have went upside Tammi's head with a lamp. We should all get a copy of this book and have a book club type discussion here after we all read it (that should liven things up around here, huh, Common ;D).

P.S. I didn't forget about the 17th, yall, I just put my tribute to Paul on my Facebook page instead of here...my bad!

Later

[citystars]

Hi Duchess,

Thanks for the info. Paul's story sounds really interesting. But, my problem with these David Ruffin's story is they tend to be one-sided and so negative.

Marvin Gaye had a drug history and he allegedly abused woman too, yet the general perception and the accepted story is that he was a musical genius without all the 'buts'. His personal demons and his abusive relationships tend to be overlooked . However, when people talk about David, to me, his story is generally depicted in the following way: "he was a great singer, but he did drugs, he abused woman, he had an ego or his was a tortured soul".

Why the double standard? Ruffin was just as much of a musical genius as Marvin Gaye, after all he was the lead singer of one of the most dominant and successful groups of the 1960s. That’s a major accomplishment and should never be overlooked and I don’t care how many drugs he did or how many failed relationships he had. The man’s talent is legendary and needs to be respected.

Perhaps the author of this book shall shed light on the positive side of DR, but based on the Introduction I read and what he chose to say about David, I am not so sure.

I really wish David, Eddie and Paul were here to tell their own because I think that would be a book worth reading.

By the way, I love Marvin's talent too. I was just using him as an example to illustrate my point about the application of a double standard.

[Queenie]

oh, I did not know there is a new book on the horizon to trash DR?

CityStars, I understand what you are saying but, the only way this book is going to leave the net is to trash DR. I hate to say this other than hearing about Paul's death, EJK's bad behavior, belittling David is the thing to do... btw, I am not interesting reading Otis's thoughts about his team mates ---- everyone knows he was born to stretch the true!

What happen inside the group will never be expose because the "Voices" are no longer with us.

Duchess - I am thinking about buying this book just to hear the coroner's report. I hope the report disclosed information that we have not heard. I would hate for the author rehashed information that has been told in the Detroit Barber Shops and on street corners.

[Common]

Citystars, ITA with your comments. I have said the same thing about the unfairness of it but part of that maybe because of the temperament of both men. Marvin was said to be sweet, shy and reserved while Ruffin was considered wild, uncontrollable and abrasive. Granted, Ruffin probably wasn’t that way before the fame but I also think there was some resentment because David wouldn’t stay in his place. I remember Marvin mentioning in David Ritz’s bio that he would stir up all kinds of stuff about being slaves to BG’s system but then somewhere he’d up falling in line like everybody else. I tend to think that David was one of those who didn’t ‘fall in line’ and refused to back down. I think that was partly David’s undoing at the company.

Duchess, how you be? I’m very interested to read what stated about Paul’s death. David didn’t believe Paul killed himself and I don’t think Eddie said either way. Did O mentioned in his book about Tammi ‘confiding’ in him about DR? Also, I’m wondering if anyone from Eddie’s family talked to this author? I saw Eddie’s wife, Pat, mentioned in the index of the book. Don’t know if she said anything about Eddie, which would shock me. Eddie was extremely private so I’d be really surprised if there was any new ground covered on him except to read about O’s ‘thoughts’ about him.

Queenie, I called it about this book. If you check out the index of the book, guess who’s so-called book is mentioned? Also, read the introduction of this book. Now, I did see Ms. Sandra’s name as well as Cheryl, Nedra and Kim’s name mentioned in the index. The question is did they talk to the author? If he’s relying on information about DR from baby mama drama, then you know the book’s creditability is questionable. I’m not going to address the O factor because like you said, he miraculously seems to ‘remember’ other bad things that DR did. This is the same author that stated that O & Florence Ballard were cousins (). This author claims that he doesn’t ‘spare’ O but that having O “share” his memories was out of honor and respect. Okay!

[Common]

Just a rant for second….

I notice there is some kind of ‘fascination’ about David’s relationship with Tammi Terrell. Granted, their relationship was volatile but it seems like that relationship encompasses every other relationship he had (except his ex-wife Sandra, maybe?). I mean, when I was reading the liner notes of the Ruffin Brothers CD, his relationship with Tammi is mentioned. On his unreleased, ‘David’ CD, her name is mentioned there as well. I’m like, okay, we understand because they were out in the public eye, their relationship would get mentioned but damn, it gives the idea that other women in his life (particularly the ones he married), weren’t important. I get the distinct impression that TT gets thrown in there for effect. In Tammi’s sister’s book, the impression that’s given there is that David wasn’t as ‘significant’ in her life (honestly, I don’t believe that but that’s just me) but she seems to dominate his. After all, she wasn’t the only one he mistreated so other than her celebrity, why does she seem to get all the hype? I would hate for my name to be attached to someone solely because of the way they treated me.

*end of rant*

[Queenie]

Aug 22, 2010 20:43:04 GMT -5 Common said:

Just a rant for second….

I notice there is some kind of ‘fascination’ about David’s relationship with Tammi Terrell. Granted, their relationship was volatile but it seems like that relationship encompasses every other relationship he had (except his ex-wife Sandra, maybe?). I mean, when I was reading the liner notes of the Ruffin Brothers CD, his relationship with Tammi is mentioned. On his unreleased, ‘David’ CD, her name is mentioned there as well. I’m like, okay, we understand because they were out in the public eye, their relationship would get mentioned but damn, it gives the idea that other women in his life (particularly the ones he married), weren’t important. I get the distinct impression that TT gets thrown in there for effect. In Tammi’s sister’s book, the impression that’s given there is that David wasn’t as ‘significant’ in her life (honestly, I don’t believe that but that’s just me) but she seems to dominate his. After all, she wasn’t the only one he mistreated so other than her celebrity, why does she seem to get all the hype? I would hate for my name to be attached to someone solely because of the way they treated me.

*end of rant*

Common, I totally agree with you... However, when someone wants to sell books about David or David's music the bad stuff have to be mentioned. Case in point O's book, who in the hell wants to hear about a background singer? No one! - throw Paul's, Eddie's, and David's behavior in the book - now you have best selling book!

[citystars]

Common - I totally agree with your 'rant'. People talk about David's & Tammi's relationship like they were there and watched it unfold. 40 years later and people still talk about it like it was yesterday. I just don't get that, but perhaps that is because I am not really interested in knowing about his private life. I'd much rather talk about his electrifying performances and the wonderful music he created.

Queenie - I agree with what you said too. It's so sad that David's, Eddie's and Paul's story seems to be told in such a sordid way that their personal shortcomings appear to always overshadow their profound and significant contributions to American music.

[BeesNVMe]

It seems I'm gonna have to get my hands on these books and decipher this bull for myself. A group read would be very interesting. ;D

[molly]

Hey Palace A group book discussion would be great!
(((Common))) I think the reason Ruffin and Tammi's relationship is often referred to is because of their celebrity.

I get the distinct impression that TT gets thrown in there for effect. In Tammi’s sister’s book, the impression that’s given there is that David wasn’t as ‘significant’ in her life (honestly, I don’t believe that but that’s just me) but she seems to dominate his.

Ludie's book down played David and Tammi's relationship. Maybe she didn't want the book to center on them. But truth be told Ruffin was very significant in Tammi's life.
I can't say that Tammi did not confide in O,but I think it unlikely,since she wasn't all that fond of him. Eddie or Paul, she loved. I think she would go to either or both of them. O sure wasn't the one to confront Ruffin on any subject. Eddie and Paul,he may have listened to,but O...forget about it!
But Tammi and Ruffin would vent to anybody that would listen,when they were upset with each other...lol..so who know's?
I never heard the lamp story.

[molly]

Sept 7, 2010 18:42:42 GMT -5 BeesNVMe said:

It seems I'm gonna have to get my hands on these books and decipher this bull for myself. A group read would be very interesting. ;D

LOL...me too!!! I'm ordering it too!

[Common]

Sept 15, 2010 13:07:16 GMT -5 molly said:

Hey Palace A group book discussion would be great!
(((Common))) I think the reason Ruffin and Tammi's relationship is often referred to is because of their celebrity.

I get the distinct impression that TT gets thrown in there for effect. In Tammi’s sister’s book, the impression that’s given there is that David wasn’t as ‘significant’ in her life (honestly, I don’t believe that but that’s just me) but she seems to dominate his.

Ludie's book down played David and Tammi's relationship. Maybe she didn't want the book to center on them. But truth be told Ruffin was very significant in Tammi's life.
I can't say that Tammi did not confide in O,but I think it unlikely,since she wasn't all that fond of him. Eddie or Paul, she loved. I think she would go to either or both of them. O sure wasn't the one to confront Ruffin on any subject. Eddie and Paul,he may have listened to,but O...forget about it!
But Tammi and Ruffin would vent to anybody that would listen,when they were upset with each other...lol..so who know's?
I never heard the lamp story.

Good Golly Miss Molly! Where you been?

I don't know understand why Ludie would 'downplay' it. Besides dispelling the 'hammer' rumor, there had to be much more than just violence between them. I never really understood why or how Tammi was attracted to David or vice versa in Ludie's book. I wish the book touched on that. It's obvious to me that if these liner notes are constantly referring to their 'relationship', then chances are there had to be moments where they had some good times together. There are some Tammi fans who are hell bent on focusing on the negatives of this relationship (which by no means I'm dismissing) and not understanding that there is always something positive that draws people together. Besides Tammi, it would be nice to know what attracted these women to Ruffin in the first place, like his ex-wives.

I totally agree with you about Ruffin not listening to O. I also can't see Tammi confiding him either. If O & David barely hanged out together, surely, he would have no influence or say about his relationship with Tammi. I find it interesting that O seems to know alot about other's people's business. I wonder if the author asked about his screwing around on Jospehine while he was married to her?

[Common]

Sept 6, 2010 7:20:37 GMT -5 citystars said:

Common - I totally agree with your 'rant'. People talk about David's & Tammi's relationship like they were there and watched it unfold. 40 years later and people still talk about it like it was yesterday. I just don't get that, but perhaps that is because I am not really interested in knowing about his private life. I'd much rather talk about his electrifying performances and the wonderful music he created.

Queenie - I agree with what you said too. It's so sad that David's, Eddie's and Paul's story seems to be told in such a sordid way that their personal shortcomings appear to always overshadow their profound and significant contributions to American music.

Citystars, I'm interested in both the private and the professional simply because I truly believe in most instances, a person's art is connected to their personal lives on a certain level(s). There is something motivates a person to strive to become the best in their field. There's something personal in that, whether its enjoyment or tragedy. On Ruffin, it would be more interesting to read more critical or indepth insights as to who he really was as a person as opposed to the 'bad boy David' image that Motown, O and that ilk seem content in wallowing in. The more they say that Ruffin was 'bad', the more intriguing they make they make him. I read an old article about Ruff while he was alive and how he was living in dire straits. It was one of the few articles where he came off sympathetic and showed him to be a benevolent and loyal person to his friends. That's something O wouldn't talk about because, frankly, I don't think he actually knew Ruff.