by bassist James Jamerson:] 'Bah bum-bum, bah bum-bum, bah bum-bum.'" The signature guitar riff heard during the introduction and under the verses was played by Robert White of the Funk Brothers. This part can be heard without vocals on the 2004 deluxe edition of the soundtrack from the 2002 documentary Standing in the Shadows of Motown. "My Girl" was later sampled for "Stay", a single from the Temptations' 1998 album Phoenix Rising. The single was re-released in 1992, following the November 1991 release of the film of the same name, which featured the song. It did not reach the Billboard charts, but did reach number 2 in the UK Singles Chart. Reception "My Girl" climbed to the top of the U.S. pop charts on January 16, 1965, after its Christmas time 1964 release, making it the Temptations' first number 1 hit. The single was also the first number 1 hit on the reinstated Billboard R&B Singles chart, which had gone on a fifteen-month hiatus from 1963 to 1965. The single also gave the Gordy label its first number 1 on the Hot 100. Over time, "My Girl", with its signature introduction and unrestrained expression of joy, would become one of Motown's best-known and most successful singles. "My Girl" was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1998. Cash Box described the single as "a pulsating, shuffle-wobble ballad" performed "in very tempting style" and with a "striking arrangement." In 2004, "My Girl" was ranked number 88 on Rolling Stones list of "The 500 Greatest Songs of All Time". Personnel David Ruffin – lead vocals Eddie Kendricks – backing vocals Melvin Franklin – backing vocals Paul Williams – backing vocals Otis Williams – backing vocals The Funk Brothers and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra – instrumentation Robert White – guitar Earl Van Dyke – piano James Jamerson – bass Benny Benjamin – drums Paul Riser – horn and string arrangements Charts Weekly charts Year-end charts Certifications Otis Redding version In 1965, Otis Redding recorded the song for his album Otis Blue. Released as a single, it was the first version to be successful in the United Kingdom, reaching No.11 in the UK Singles Chart. See also List of Billboard Hot 100 number-one singles of 1965 List of number-one R&B singles of 1965 (U.S.) References External links 1964 singles 1965 singles 1992 singles The Temptations songs Motown singles Otis Redding songs Atco Records