The 20th of February 1972
Official U.K. Singles Chart results from Sunday the 20th to Saturday the 26th of February 1972
Cut-off for sales figures was up to the end of Saturday the 19th of February
Results counted from Sunday the 20th,
announced on Tuesday the 22nd,
and broadcast on B.B.C. Radio 1 on Sunday the 27th of February 1972.
The Temptations
Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)
At No.38, on the the U.K. Top 50 Singles Chart the day I am born, is The Temptations with “Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are)”.
From a cover version of a Motown song at No.39, to the real deal one place higher.
A relatively minor hit in the U.K. for one of the Sixties’ Motown major acts. “Superstar” was starting it’s decent back out of the Top 40 in this, it’s 4th out of 5 weeks in the UK Chart.
The single had entered the chart at No.47, on the 30th of January and began to climb, peaking the week before this one (13th to 19th February) at No.32.
Initially written about one of Norman Whitfield’s former producer friends,..
…by the time of recording, the fingers were firmly pointing instead at former band members David Ruffin and Eddie Kendricks.
Eddie had quit the group not long after David had been fired for his expanding conceitedness, thinking himself more important than the other members of the group, and generally blowing sunshine up his own backside while also snorting copious amounts of cocaine up his nostrils.
Eddie had decided to leave,..
…due to his requests being denied to record a solo album in a rootsier soulful vibe compared to the psychedelic direction the band had been driving towards lately (which Eddie couldn’t stand).
The two outcasts…
…then decided to team up and attack their old group, stating that their success had depended on their talents to survive. Basically telling all who would listen, that their old band were finished without them.
So, to prove them wrong, the new line-up decided to change some words and, without naming anyone, put their former vocalists in the lyrical firing line.
Though not a massive hit in the U.K., it was enough to send a clearly worded message to, not only their ex vocalists, but also their followers, that the group were staying right where they were.
As for the single itself,..
…next week will be its last in this chart, with a drop down to No.46, before leaving altogether after the 4th of March.
The “A” Side
The “B” Side
The Temptations – Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are) (“Soul Train” TV Appearance)
The Temptations – Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are) (Live Performance)
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