Died On This Date (February 27, 2013) Richard Street / The Temptations
themusicsover Richard Street
October 5, 1942 – February 27, 2013
Richard Street is best remembered for his 20-year tenure with legendary Motown group, the Temptations. Born in Detroit, Michigan, the first group of note that Street sang with was the Distants along with future Temptations, Otis Williams, Al Bryant, and Melvin Franklin. After the Distants disbanded, Street joined another Motown singing group, the Monitors who scored a minor hit with “Greetings (This Is Uncle Sam)” in 1966. During the late ’60s, Street was invited to travel with the Temptations and sing for Paul Williams from backstage. Williams was battling health issues at the time and couldn’t quite hit the notes, so he basically lip-synched and danced on stage. Street ultimately replaced Williams in 1971 after Williams and Eddie Kendricks left the group. Street’s lead vocals can be heard on such Temptations classics as “Papa Was A Rolling Stone,” “Hey Girl (I Like Your Style),” and “Superstar (Remember How You Got Where You Are).” After leaving the Temptations in 1993, Street performed and recorded as a solo act. He enjoyed a successful career up until the time of his death. On February 27, 2013, Richard Street died as a result of a pulmonary embolism. He was 70. Fellow Temptation, Damon Harris died just nine days earlier.
Thanks to Henk de Bruin for the assist.
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