On November 19th 1967, a special Ed Sullivan Show took place featuring two of Motown’s biggest acts – The Supremes and The Temptations. Once again, Ed Sullivan and Berry Gordy had worked together to put on a great show that would include a special treat for everyone watching that evening. 

Diana Ross & The Supremes opened the show with a polished version of their hit song “In & Out of Love.”  Later, The Temptations came on stage to perform a refreshing variation of the standard “Hello Young Lovers” followed by the soulful rendition of “Don’t Look Back.” Then, following an appearance by actor George Hamilton, the audience was treated to one of the most memorable medleys ever performed on The Ed Sullivan Show.  Unexpectedly, The Supremes and The Temptations took to a funky bright pink stage together and performed each other’s hits. The two Motown groups took turns with The Supremes singing The Temptations’ “Get Ready” and “I’m Losing You,” while The Temptations performed The Supremes’ “Stop! In The Name of Love” and “Baby Love.”  It was great to see Diana Ross, David Ruffin, Mary Wilson, Eddie Kendricks and the rest of the group members all on stage together.  Here is a clip of Diana Ross putting on a rousing performance of The Temptations’ “I’m Losing You”:

This was one of the all-time great performances on The Ed Sullivan Show and the success of this musical pairing actually inspired NBC to have the two groups put on a couple of primetime specials together.  For more performances by these two legendary Motown groups be sure to check out Ed Sullivan’s Rock n’ Roll Classics- Boxed Set which includes a DVD dedicated solely to The Supremes & The Temptations.