Step Back In Time With The Temptations’ Iconic Hit “My Girl”

The Temptations’ iconic hit “My Girl” is a timeless piece of soul music history. Released under Motown’s Gordy label, it became the group’s first No. 1 hit in the U.S., solidifying their place in music history.

Written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles, the song was inspired by Robinson’s wife, Claudette. Featured on their 1965 album The Temptations Sing Smokey, My Girl remains the group’s signature track.

Smokey Robinson co-wrote the song with Ronald White as a tribute to his wife, Claudette. As members of The Miracles, their plan was to record it themselves. But when The Temptations got a chance to hear it, they knew it was something special. They pleaded with Robinson for the song, convinced it was meant for them.

Smokey Robinson had been searching for the perfect song to showcase David Ruffin’s rich, soulful voice—something melodic yet powerful. Up until then, the Temptations’ lead vocals had been shared by Paul Williams and Eddie Kendricks, with Kendricks handling hits like The Way You Do the Things You Do.

But after seeing the group perform live, Robinson saw untapped potential in Ruffin, calling him the band’s “sleeping giant.”

His instincts were spot on. My Girl not only became the Temptations’ first #1 hit, but it also cemented Ruffin as their new frontman. The song became so iconic that audiences refused to let the group leave it out of their setlists, proving its lasting impact on Motown and beyond.