"Get Ready" (Smokey Robinson) - The Temptations; Gordy label, # 29 Billboard Hot 100, # 1 Billboard R&B - 1966.
“Get Ready” was the last song written and produced for the Temptations by Smokey Robinson. Motown’s Quality Control group selected it to be the group’s first single of 1966 over “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg,” produced by Norman Whitfield.
Because Whitfield was unhappy with the decision, Berry Gordy made a deal with him that if “Get Ready” was not a major hit, Whitfield’s song would be the group’s next single.
Although “Get Ready” reached # 1 on Billboard R&B chart, the up-tempo dance floor number, featuring Eddie Kendrick’s lead vocal, fell below expectations when it peaked at only # 29 on the all-important Billboard Hot 100. “Get Ready” did eventually became a Top Ten hit on the Hot 100, however, after it was covered by Rare Earth in 1970.
As promised, “Ain’t Too Proud To Beg” was released as the Temptations’ next single and, after it became a big hit, Gordy selected Whitfield to replace Robinson as the group’s producer.
