Song Clearance Sheet
3 sources citedMy Girl
See all The Temptations in the catalogue →
Soul1960s105BPM
C majKey
More around 110 BPM → · More in C major →
Tempo/key via GetSongBPM →, Deezer →
The verdict
Documented Sampling History
Confirmed songwriters of record (Smokey Robinson & Ronald White), no dispute found — the Temptations’ first #1; Robinson’s decision to give the song to the group (after hearing David Ruffin) parallels Stevie Wonder gifting “Superstition,” also in this catalogue.
Quick Facts
Released1964
AlbumThe Temptations Sing Smokey
GenreSoul, R&B, Motown
LabelGordy / Motown Records
ProducerSmokey Robinson
Recorded atHitsville U.S.A., Detroit
More infoWikipedia → · Discogs →
Who you need to ask
The songwriters of record — Smokey Robinson & Ronald White
Wikipedia → · checked Jul 2026
The current administrator — Not confirmed — Motown/Gordy; needs a Songview/Discogs lookup
Unknown · checked Jul 2026
Has it been reused?
A much-covered pop/soul standard; the Temptations’ first #1, part of the Temptations catalogue in this catalogue.
Do they allow reuse?
No standalone policy found; confirmed songwriters of record and no dispute found.
Related Songs
Same album, answer records, and songs worth knowing about
Same group (this batch)
Same group (already in this catalogue)
A parallel “generous creative gift” story — Wonder gifting “Superstition” (already in this catalogue)
Who Owns It
Licenses explained →The two permissions you need, and who holds them
The song itself (the writing)Smokey Robinson & Ronald White
The recording (current administrator)Not confirmed
Receipts
Every public mention of terms, policy, or past deals we've found
Discovering David Ruffin — a generous creative gift
On the Motortown Revue, Smokey Robinson was struck by David Ruffin’s lead on a cover of “Under the Boardwalk” (earlier Temptations singles featured Kendricks and Williams on lead). Convinced the right song with Ruffin’s voice would be a hit, he gave the group a song he’d planned for the Miracles — a gift similar in spirit to Stevie Wonder handing “Superstition” to Jeff Beck (in this catalogue). Robinson wrote it about his wife, Claudette. No lyrics reproduced.
American Songwriter / Library of Congress · read it →
The Funk Brothers’ famous intro
The famous guitar intro was played by session guitarist Robert White (no relation to co-writer Ronald White), with James Jamerson on bass — both Funk Brothers.
Library of Congress · read it →
Can You Use It for Free?
How to check PD →Is it public domain?No
Sample History
—
Times sampled
The Temptations’ first #1 and signature song
Covers
—
First flip
Who to Contact
MG
Smokey Robinson & Ronald White (Motown)
The confirmed songwriters of record
What they'll chargeNobody's shared numbers yet
Don't Want the Hassle?
Sample something pre-cleared insteadCheck Tracklib →
Find a similar sound that's 100% freeBrowse the catalog →
References
Every source cited on this page — 3 in total
Was this page helpful?
Page history · 2 updates
Jul 2026Page created — full research (Research Queue Batch 17/18)
Jul 2026BPM/Key pending the automated GetSongBPM/Deezer pass