A MOTOWN SNAPSHOT FLASHBACK: THE ‘TEMPTS,’ ’72! THE TEMPTATIONS w/lead frontman Dennis Edwards (right; bottom) circa 1972 THE TEMPTATIONS late-1972 Gordy LP release, ‘All Directions,’ featured the Motown group’s newest single release, ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone.’ The song title was written and produced by Norman Whitfield and Barrett Strong, with Paul Riser producing the musical arrangements behind the rhythm and blues number one record hit.