“My Girl” is a classic soul song by The Temptations, released in December 1964. Written and produced by Smokey Robinson and Ronald White of The Miracles, it became The Temptations’ first U.S. number-one single and is considered their signature song.
My Girl
The inspiration for “My Girl” came from Smokey Robinson’s wife, Claudette Rogers Robinson. Impressed by David Ruffin’s performance during a Motortown Revue tour, Robinson decided to write a song that would showcase Ruffin’s unique voice. The recording features the iconic guitar riff played by Robert White of The Funk Brothers, setting the tone for the song’s heartfelt lyrics.
Chart Performance and Legacy:
Upon its release, “My Girl” achieved significant success:
It reached number one on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1965.
The song became The Temptations’ first number-one hit and solidified their place in music history.
Over the years, “My Girl” has been covered by numerous artists, including Otis Redding, The Rolling Stones, and Dolly Parton, attesting to its enduring appeal.
