Not too many people that has been lead vocalist, of the Temptations can sing the songs, of David Ruffin, with the same feelings and emotion that he could.Except, one former primary vocalist of the group. That man just happens to have been the late Ali Olle, Wodson. Who impressed many fans more than he probably was aware of with he was within the group?
It was the line up of Richard Street, Melvin Franklin, Otis Willams, Ron Tyson and Ali Woodson that achieved eighties success , with “Treat Her Like A Lady” which was incidently written by Woodson and Williams, of the group. The Truly For You album/disc contained some wonderful arrangement and tunes on the album that showcase a variety of singers.
Ali Woodson bought a writer into the group that you could also states about Tyson. Sre members, ofthe sixties unit wrote songs too. But, these two members took the Temps further as writers. Even, if it wasn’t hs own song like “Lady Soul” that was beautifully sung, by the late singer stands out, as a stample of his leads, as a primary singer.
The Baritone and Falseta seems to reflects of one another in the Temptations unlike any other group of the sixties or seventies. If Eddie Kendricks is closely linked to Ruffin or Damon Harris closely linked Dennis Edwards years in the group. At least the seventies years when they was still turning out Whitfield’s hits.
Then Ali Ollie, Woodson counter part was Ron Tyson. Who sands , as the second longest member, of the Williams verion of the original Temps. Woodson handle “My Girl” probably better then any singer past or present in terms, of Interpretation just by being able to do the ooooh during the intermissional break.
This unit was also the unit that the late Luther Vandross personally co-wrote “Do You Really Love Your Baby” for along with Marcus Miller. Woodson style songs with meaning and feelings that reflected old and modern style romance in his words. On the “To Be Continue” album the song with the same title, of the disc proves what fans understood about Woodson talents. It seems Woodson motivated Wiliams into tackle writing when he was in the Temptations. Because the tune was again written by Williams and Woodson who solo wise wrote “Magic” and co-wrote “Touch Me” that they sung on several variety shows.
Who doesn’t give the man his dues for singing lead on Soul To Soul which came off the “Special” compact disc that contained his lead vocals on the song called Special that rings greatly, as a classic song. Step wise, as a member of a group known for their steps you can only clarify that he could hold any own against thevariety of memberships that been in the group. Afer all you must contain two qualties to be a Temptation.
A voice and the abilities to dance the choregraphy, of the group. Without that you’re going to have a set back. And , he share somehing in common with Ron Tyson, as a Temptations during his year with them. He worked with Norman Whitfield on the Back To Basic recording when he sung on “Stop The World” I Wnt To Get Off” in 1983 when Edwards departed the group id way through recording the album.
One song that never made the Special disc was “My Kind Of Woman” writtn by Johnny Britt that really have Ali Woodson blazing the lyrics with sincerity. Many fans robably never listen to the “Milestone” disc with the wonderful song “We should Be Making Love” that Woodson sings with straight and direct thoughts to his love interest.
On the final album with Woodson, as a member where Tempts tackle classic tunes in similar ways like the Classic Five members done on the “In A Mellow Mood” you hear Woodson driving the lead on “Some Enchanting Evening” beauifuuly enhanced, by the harmony of his fellow group mates to the point it’s hard to believe it’s Ali Woodson.
By, this time Theo People had became a member and they both sung supremely on “That’s Why I Love You So” which is known for two things in general. One is being closely connected to Jackie Wilson. And, secondly being written by Berry Gordy, Tyran Carlo(aka Billy Davis) and Gwen Gordy before she assume her married name years later. They took this one song and placed a modernized style under Richard Perry production
The For Lovers Only compact disc was a hit for them to the point that many people seems not awr of because it doesn’t get mention enough when talking about the Temptations. Ali Ollie Woodson, holds one more significance importance. For close to two years after the Temptations, he toured with Dennis Edwards Temptations Review as a member. Plus, withhis own sanction Emperor Of Soul group for awhile.
Personal expression he could deliver in the same manner of Ruffin or Edwards to make you notice him trying to get you to understand his soul. Or least his heart. I guess the greatest thing about being a Temptation is in the fact that a good majority of the primary vocalists could have a disc containing just tm singing lead.
Who knows? We might see the Temptations featuring lead songs of Ali Woodson. Because betwen them all are many tunes to give them all their personal disc. Even, as a solo artist after the Temptations , Mister Woodson stayed humble and sincere without a bad word against anyone. Talented people don’t write books kicking others. They survive the struggle to stand strong. And, Ali Woodson was that within the Temps and long after leaving the goup.