The Greatest American Rock Band Bracket!
First Round, Funk/R&B/Blues Division
The Staple Singers (8) vs. The Temptations (9)
The first family of R&B versus the smoothest Motown vocalists
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The Staple Singers:
"One of the most powerful vocal groups of the '60s and '70s, the Staple Singers embraced an impressive stylistic diversity while always staying true to their roots in gospel harmonies. Led by Roebuck "Pops" Staples, the quartet first rose to stardom in the gospel music community before detouring into folk and a socially conscious gospel and R&B hybrid, then enjoying their greatest success with a handful of soul music hits for Stax Records in the '70s. Throughout their evolution, the constants in their work were the rich blend of their vocals, delivered with a churchy mix of joy and restraint, Roebuck's subtle but emphatic guitar textures, and in the Stax era, the glorious lead vocals of Mavis Staples." --AllMusic.com Popularity
Influence:
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The Temptations:
Thanks to their impeccable harmonies, a parade of hits, and fine-tuned choreography, the Temptations became the definitive vocal group of the 1960s. One of Motown's most elastic acts, they tackled both lush pop and politically charged funk with equal flair, and over time have weathered a steady stream of changes in personnel and consumer tastes with rare dignity and grace. Among their many achievements are 15 Top Ten pop hits, Grammy awards for Best R&B Performance, and taccolades from the Recording Academy into the 2010s, including a Lifetime Achievement Award. Nineteen of the Temptations' albums and compilations have gone either gold or platinum." --AllMusic.com Popularity
Influence:
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