THE TEMPTATIONS ROCK HOURCK CROWD

Graduates of "the Temptations university" got a refresher course in soulful harmonies, synchronized dance and the group's signature walk during a performance Saturday at Houck Stadium.

"Those boys can sing!" said Willie Mae McFerren as she stood on tiptoe to get a better look at the performing group. "Back in my day, (the Temptations) were the singers. That's why I'm here."

McFerren's feelings were shared by many attending the performance, which was held as part of Family Weekend activities at Southeast Missouri State University.

The show opened with film clips of the five charter members performing songs and moves that made the group a success during the early '60s. Baritone Otis Williams, who still performs with the group, is the only surviving member of the original quintet.

Most people said they had grown up listening to the Temptations, and they wanted to hear if the new members could carry on the group's legacy.

"I wanted my boys to see an important part of our pop heritage, our pop culture," said Delilah Taylor, who attended the concert with sons Malachi, 7, and Ezekiel, 9. "Anything that taps into a kind of collective memory is important."

Fans young and old shouted their approval and sang along as the group performed past hit songs such as "My Girl" and "Papa Was a Rolling Stone."

Quite a few people also knew the lyrics to the group's newest release, "Stay."

"I love the newest song. It sounds just like the old Motown sound," said Sheilah Johnson, who attended the concert with her husband, Mark. "They can just sing."

The Johnsons said they were true Temptations fans and had followed the group since its beginning. Mark Johnson said his dream always has been to perform with the group on stage.

"I'm ready," said Johnson, who sat through a football game he didn't really want to see in order to have good seats for the concert. "All they have to do is tell me their bass is sick, and I'm ready to step up on stage."

Avis and Strauther Bell said they regularly attend Southeast football games because they have two nephews on the team. However, they said they stayed for the concert because black performers are a rarity in Cape Girardeau.

"I've seen the original ones, and I'm going to stay for this one," said Avis Bell. "It's not too many black (performers) that get here, and since they came I'm going to stay to see them."