Featuring a lineup of Motown stalwarts like guitarist Robert White and bassist James Jamerson, the basic track was cut at Motown’s headquarters in Detroit - in the legendary basement studio dubbed the “Snakepit” - on September 25, 1964. With typical Motown efficiency, “My Girl” came together fast. “Us being young and cocky, we were like, ‘Bring it on’.” “He was marveling at our show and he looked at David and said, ‘I have a song for you,’” Williams says. Williams himself recalls Robinson visiting the group backstage when the Temptations were performing at the 20 Grand club in Detroit in 1964. Many people have asked me: Do I wish I had kept ‘My Girl’ for myself? And no, I didn’t, because I loved being a part of my brothers’ and sisters’ careers - and especially if I could do something to better their careers.” “David had a very rough baritone tenor voice that I felt was a demanding voice: He demanded the girls love him. “I wanted to write something sweet for David Ruffin to sing,” he said. “We’re in countries where the basic language’s not even English and as soon as they hear ‘Bum-bum, bum, bum, bum, bum,’ they’re cheering! They don’t speak English, but they know the words to ‘My Girl.’”ĭespite long-standing stories that Robinson intended the song for his own group, the Miracles, Robinson insists he always wrote “My Girl” with Ruffin in mind. “As a songwriter, ‘My Girl’ has become my international anthem,” he told RS in 2014.
Smokey Robinson, who penned the song, shares that viewpoint. “We’ve been doing it over 55 years, and people love it and appreciate it and sing along as if it was released today.”
“My Girl” has since become one the most enduring and beloved songs of the post-war pop era, ranking 88 on RS’ list of “ The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time.” “It’s a well-written and produced song and universally loved,” says Otis Williams, the lone surviving Temptation, who continues to tour with a new version of the group.
The song entered the pop chart the following month and made its way to Number One in March of 1965. That legacy will turn 55 years old on Saturday: Motown Records released the original single of “My Girl” on December 21, 1964.
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