I remember my Mom driving me to elementary each morning and listening to "oldies 94.1." At the time I was probably uninterested with what was on the radio and not looking forward to going to school. As the grade-school years went by, I slowly started to catch on to the Motown classics that would play every morning for the short 5 minute drive to my elementary school. When 6th grade came along, I would be able to sing along with my Mom to the great classics and looked forward to listening to them with her.

Because of listening to this genre of music in the car with my Mom, I grew to love one specific band; The Temptations. The Temptations were one of the poster childs for the Detroit-based Motown Records. The Temptations were known for their 5 man style singing, distinct choreography, flashy on-stage suits, and smooth romantic lyrics. In the 1960's when the band was pieced together, the Temptations created a sound that helped pioneer soul music. In a time when segregation and racism were still a real threat to society, especially in the south, The Temptations sought to bring people together with their music. Not only were they popular among the young African American audience, but started to grow on the young white audience as well. Some parents viewed this type of music and dance as too racy, so they tried to prohibit their children from attending The Temptations' tour. When the band first became recognized nationally with hits such as; "The Way You Do the Things You Do," and "My Girl," they begun to tour in the South, even though they were highly advised not to do so. At first, a rope would be drawn out right down the middle of the crowd, separating blacks and whites. Each groups would enjoy the music but separated by a rope. As the years went by and the band continued its success among both young black and white teens, those ropes were lifted between the two groups. Both would intermingle during the concerts. After time, The Temptations did their small part with their music to help lift the bands of segregation in the south.

Music can move people (no pun intended). Even in our lifetimes we have seen music be at the head of protest, trying to make something change for the better in our world. Many people listen to music to be inspired and motivated, and many musicians write and play music to inspire others. The Temptations are just one example of using music to influence others for a certain purpose. I wonder, how are we influenced by the music we listen to? Does it make us want to be better or do better things? Music is powerful. Not only will it want to make us move and dance, but it will move us to act.

My questions to you are; can you think of an example where music influenced someone (or a group of people) to do something for the better in the world? What influence has music had on your life? What types of music have what kind of effect on you (negative or positive)?