Photo provided by Jay Gilbert

Motown lovers throughout the entire Midwest region hit the jackpot when The Venue At Horseshoe Casino threw a 60th birthday bash for The Temptations, one of the most iconic and longest-running acts of any genre that ever existed.

The soulful pop, doo-wop and psychedelic rock quintet is currently comprised of sole survivor Otis Williams, alongside Ron Tyson for nearly four decades, Terry Weeks since 1997, plus newer recruits Tony Grant and Willie Green, who was absent without an explanation, other than “even though we’re a man short…the band plays on.”

And that’s exactly what The Temptations did like clockwork, bringing tons of golden oldies and even a new debut from the aptly titled “60” album, sounding and looking superb thanks to tight harmonies, sharp suits and all those signature dance steps.

There was no better place to start than “Get Ready,” which swung and grooved with the help of a five-piece core band and ten additional horn players, who basically picked up where The Motor City’s superstar session musicians The Funk Brothers left off.

The Temptations had tons more along that instantly recognizable route, including 1960s mainstays “Girl (Why You Wanna Make Me Blue),” “The Way You Do The Things You Do” and “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg.”

As the ‘70s came into view, the beats turned funkier and the lyrics leaned towards the social commentaries of “Ball Of Confusion (That’s What The World Is Today)” and “Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone,” though the guys could still make the ladies swoon with ballads such as “Just My Imagination (Running Away With Me).”

Additional durability throughout the subsequent decades came via the R&B gems “Stay” and “Treat Her Like A Lady,” while the recent “Is It Gonna Be Yes Or No,” written by lifelong collaborator Smokey Robinson, is likely to reach similar status sooner than later.

There was no way The Temptations could’ve left without performing their “national anthem,” the immortal “My Girl,” and the fellas didn’t disappoint as everyone joined in, though “(I Know) I’m Losing You” put the icing on the cake of this unforgettable celebration that went directly down in the history books for The Venue.

“Ain’t Too Proud: The Life And Times Of The Temptations” runs from Tuesday, May 24 through Sunday, June 5 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre. For additional details, visit BroadwayInChicago.com.

For additional information on The Temptations, visit TemptationsOfficial.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at The Venue At Horseshoe Casino include Maze featuring Frankie Beverly (May 20-21); Joan Jett & The Blackhearts (May 28); 70’s Soul Jam featuring The Stylistics (Jun. 18); DeRay Davis and Michael Blackson (Jun. 25); War and Commodores (Jul. 1); Jeff Dunham (Jul. 23); George Benson (Aug. 5); Gabriel “Fluffy” Iglesias (Aug. 13); Boyz II Men (Aug. 19); Alice Cooper (Sept. 22); Three Dog Night (Oct. 7) and Tyrese (Nov. 12). For additional details, visit TheVenueChicago.com.

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