Motown’s Tempting Temptations bring us today’s classic song of the day, “You’re My Everything.” Released as a single in June of 1967, this one went all the way to #6 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #3 on Billboard’s R&B chart.
“You’re My Everything” was written by Norman Whitfield, Cornelius Grant, and Rodger Penzabene, and produced by Mr. Whitfield. Mr. Whitfield, of course, was a superstar writer and producer for the Temptations and other Motown acts. Mr. Grant was the guitarist and music director for the Temptations’ live shows. And Mr. Penzabene wrote lyrics for several other Temptations hits, including “I Wish It Would Rain” and “I Could Never Love Another (After Loving You).” It’s said that Mr. Penzabene’s lyrics on these songs were driven by the breakup of his marriage, which ultimately drove him to suicide in December of 1967; he was just 22 years old.
Instrumental backing on “You’re My Everything” was provided by the Funk Brothers, as one would expect. Eddie Kendricks took the lead on this one, save for the bridge and the outro, which feature David Ruffin.
And here’s your daily bonus video of the day, Eddie Kendricks and the Temptations lip synching “You’re My Everything” on the syndicated Upbeat television program in December of 1967. They were Motown’s best.
