Sixty years ago, a timeless melody graced the airwaves, solidifying its place as one of history's most cherished love songs. "My Girl," penned and produced by the iconic duo of Smokey Robinson and Ronald White, propelled The Temptations to their first No. 1 hit and secured its position in the National Recording Registry. Otis Williams, the last surviving founding member of the group, recently shared his memories and reflections on the song's enduring impact with Fox News Digital.

Williams vividly recalls the moment "My Girl" first came to life in the studio. He recounted his initial reaction to Robinson, expressing uncertainty about the song's potential while acknowledging the outpouring of support from prominent figures like The Beatles, Berry Gordy, The Supremes, and Jules Podell, owner of the Copacabana. Williams treasures the telegrams received from these icons, tangible reminders of the early recognition The Temptations received.

The origin of the song's inspiration remains a playful mystery, with Williams directing inquiries about the identity of the "girl" to Robinson himself. Williams shared an anecdote about Robinson and his then-wife Claudette witnessing The Temptations' dynamic performance at a Detroit nightclub. Impressed by their talent, Robinson offered the group a song, a gesture met with the youthful confidence of the burgeoning stars.

Interestingly, "My Girl" followed another Robinson creation, Mary Wells' "My Guy," which also celebrates its 60th anniversary this year. Williams attributes the enduring appeal of "My Girl" to its universal theme of love, resonating with various relationships and life events, from fathers walking their daughters down the aisle to the blossoming affection between young couples. This broad applicability, combined with its simple yet powerful lyrics and unforgettable melody, has cemented its timeless quality.

Williams contrasts the lyrical content of "My Girl" with some of the music prevalent today, expressing concern over the use of profanity and degrading language. While acknowledging freedom of speech, he advocates for more thoughtful and respectful lyrics, reminiscent of Motown's focus on creating "Songs for America." He believes that the prevalence of explicit content reflects a broader societal shift and emphasizes the importance of positive and universally appealing messages, particularly for young listeners.

Even at 83, Williams remains committed to performing, driven by a desire to uplift and inspire audiences. He stresses the importance of respect and dignity in performance, contrasting The Temptations' approach with more provocative contemporary acts. He emphasizes the power of music to offer hope and positivity, principles deeply ingrained in The Temptations' ethos.

With "My Girl" surpassing 1 billion streams on Spotify, Williams marvels at the song's continued relevance and its discovery by younger generations through social media. He reflects on the enduring power of music, its ability to transcend generations and connect people through shared emotions. The continued success of "My Girl" stands as a testament to its timeless appeal and the enduring legacy of The Temptations.