North Central College welcomes The Temptations, the original Motown machine, at 8 p.m. Friday, April 1, in the College's Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. For more than 50 years, The Temptations have prospered, propelling popular music with a series of smash hits and sold-out performances throughout the world. The history of The Temptations is that of contemporary American pop. An essential component of the original Motown machine, that amazing engine invented by Berry Gordy, The Temptations began their musical life in Detroit in the early '60s. It wasn't until 1964, however, that Smokey Robinson wrote and produced "The Way You Do the Things You Do" that turned the guys into stars. An avalanche of hits followed, including "My Girl," that attained immortality. "It's Growing," "Since I Lost My Baby," "Get Ready," "Ain't Too Proud to Beg," "Beauty Is only Skin Deep" and "I Wish It Would Rain" were some of the hits that kept on coming. Beyond the fabulous singing, The Temptations became known for smooth stepping and flawless presentations. When the '60s and '70s turned political, The Temptations got serious. They changed their tone, dress and music. Producer Norman Whitfield led the way with his Temptations hits, many featuring Dennis Edwards, who had replaced David Ruffin, burned with intensity. "Runaway Child," "Cloud Nine," "I Can't Get Next to You," "Papa Was a Rolling Stone" and "Psychedelic Shack" still smolder. Other stellar singers joined, adding their luster to the group's growing fame. No matter the change in personnel, The Temptations remained true to their tradition. They survived the whims of fashion, whether disco or techno, and stuck to their guns. In the '80s, The Temps prevailed with smashes like the Otis Williams' "Treat Her Like A Lady." Then in the '90s, another Temptation explosion with a series of acclaimed records: "For Lovers Only," a collection of love standards, termed an instant classic by critics, remains among the most cherished of all Temptations recordings. "Phoenix Rising" went through the roof, a platinum-plus mega-hit featuring "Stay," the Narada Michael Walden-produced song that topped the charts. "Ear Resistible" nailed a Grammy and a legion of new fans. "Awesome," released in 2001, is The Temptations at their freshest, strongest and most appealing. "Reflections" was released in 2005, was nominated for a Grammy and brought to the world The Temptations versions of some of Motown's greatest songs. The Temptations are Otis Williams, Ron Tyson, Terry Weeks, Joe Herndon and Bruce Williamson.