The Temptations Best Of Series: Richard Street

Richard Street - Temptations Tenure: 1971 - 1992
Track List (In Order as Heard):
1. Come On (Recorded as Otis Williams and The Distants, 1959)
2. The End Of Our Road (Solid Rock, 1972)
3. Papa Was A Rollin' Stone (All Directions, 1972)
4. Hey Girl (I Like Your Style) (Masterpiece, 1973)
5. Heavenly (1990, 1973)
6. Firefly (A Song For You, 1975)
7. Aiming At Your Heart (The Temptations, 1981)
8. Isn't The Night Fantastic (Power, 1980; Back To Basics, 1983)
9. Oh, What A Night (The Temptations, 1981)
10. I'll Keep My Light In My Window (Truly For You, 1984)
11. I'm Fascinated (Touch Me, 1985)
12. Put Us Together Again (To Be Continued..., 1986)
13. Every Time I Close My Eyes (Together Again, 1987)

[@earlgoodlett7593]

richard is a great singer

[@DetroitLives313]

He was so underrated and under appreciated. Richard Street!!!

[@barbararackley1064]

+DetroitLives313 =Yes 22 years with the Tempts. Every grammy had Richards voice.........The man was a great singer and such a range to his voice. Check out We come to the end of our road.

[@DetroitLives313]

barbara rackley Will do and thank you Barbara.

[@barbararackley1064]

+DetroitLives313 You are welcome. You know had to be good to sing 6months behind the curtain 6years for Paul Williams. Richard just didn't pop up he had a long history in Quality Control at Motown. He also was one of the original Tempts. When the group went to audition for Berry Gordon, it was Richard who sang the lead in the song.

[@DetroitLives313]

barbara rackley He is also the cousin of a friend I went to high school with.

[@barbararackley1064]

+DetroitLives313 that's good to know

[@teddyj.3198]

The Temptations often referred to Richard Street as the “all-around utility man”. Richard’s exquisitely-toned, highly versatile tenor allowed him to sing damn near anything, from a power-filled punchy song in the style of Dennis Edwards, or sweet and smooth ballads. Richard Street was a legend, and easily the most underrated yet most deserving member of the Temptations

[@tommyjohnson3148]

I loved Richard in the group. Great smile, voice and rhythm.

[@essiejames9492]

Richard Street had to be a very humble man to be in a group where one man always had a altitude that no one man is bigger than the group but if i need you it's alright for the group RIP Mr. Street ❤❤ ❤

[@jameswilliams2085]

Reign In Power to one of the Greatest Temptations, Mr. Richard Street!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@terranesha5784]

Wow! Can anyone else notice he's floating in 2 to 3 different notes in one song? Much respect to you brother you was something special.

[@jaylene.turner6524]

He had a wide range in his voice. He operated in the baritone range, but he also could sing first and second tenor.

[@bredmon]

Which one?

[@needahandle]

Good looking with a great voice

[@deangarretson8235]

Richard Street need to be recognize for his great talent from the start from the Distants to the Monitors to the Temptations, its too bad he never did a solo album. sadly.

[@SuperGARYJACKSON]

SO RIGHT ON THAT...

[@user-kn3vr2qu2m]

TNR-VINTAGE, RICHARD A GREAT LEAD SINGER.

[@beatricebarfield4622]

Richard Street Voice soft and gentle! He helped Paul out tremendously, and I’m Sure Paul Williams Sr was ever SOO GREATFUL and THANKFUL!! 🌹🌹🌹

[@debiowens3310]

Absolutely

[@oneilmackey1155]

Often underrated and never appreciated! Richard had a smooth voice and was a dynamic showman! I hope whatever problems he had with Otis and/or anybody else in the Temptations camp came to a close before he transitioned. R.I.P. Temptations Forever.

[@memeexclusive]

Not only was Richard a true talent and soul legend, he was also an original Temp, that says it all. RIP, brother.

[@williamrodney8791]

No need to make stuff to make a point! It's quite a stretch to make him an original Temptation just because he sang with some jive Otis Wms group prior to the birth of the Temptations! IJS IMHO.

[@barbararackley1064]

+William Rodney - memexclusive you are absolutely correct. People don't do their research before they make statements. Otis, Melvin and Otis went to the same high school together. Richard was the lead singer for the Distants, and was also with the tempts when they did their initial audition for Berry and Richard sang lead on the song. So yes, he is an original Tempt. The only reason he did not go the road with them right away was because his girlfriend at the time told him she was pregnant. Later he discovered she had only told him that because she didn't want him to travel. But, in the meantime Berry Gordon hired Richard in the Quality Control Dept. of Motown. Now you know Berry and Smokey didn't not deal with anyone unless they were outstanding. Richard was an excellent singer with different ranges to his voice, from baritone to 2nd tenor. Now, you know he had to be good to travel with the Tempts 6 months singing behind the curtains doing Paul's lyrics when Paul became to ill to perform perfectly. Now why would someone slight OTIS WILLIAMS? Otis co-wrote a lot of the songs song by the Tempts.He had a great ear for music and picked only the best to sing in the group. He had great managerial skills (he is still managing the group today) some 55 years later. And the topper is that Otis has a very nice singing voice. He sings from baritone to 2nd tenor also. If you listen to the songs you can hear Otis' voice bopping and weaving the melody, holding down the background . Keep doing your thing Otis!

[@barbararackley1064]

+memeexclusive Did you read my comment below about Richard's history with the Tempts. It is actually in rebuttal to the comment made by William Rodney.

[@normaj.3305]

So glad to see someone who has a knowledge of The Temptations expressing his views. I have seen so many people knocking Otis and keep on comparing him with the other members overlooking the fact that this is a group and everyone pays an integral part in it's presentation. You never hear anyone singling out anyone for criticism in any other group.

[@angelabreland3916]

I know we're talking about Richard, however Ali Woodson, Richard Street and Ron Tyson were all very good lead singers and very under recognized as such.

[@rollerchickable]

RIP RICHARD STREET TEMPTATIONS FOREVER.

[@sweetyellable]

I read his book. It was very enlightening, if you want to no the real truth, buy the book. Love Richard Street

[@deborahpatterson7692]

Rest in HEAVEN Richard Street. Thank you for all the great music.

[@juanitagardenhire8779]

I looooooove heavenly that song just does it for me! He and my father Adolph went to high school in Detroit. He also could sing his tail off.... Rest in peace fellas

[@empresserica]

Me Too- !

[@wymellwilliams1543]

Do you my brother attended Northwestern High School together also

[@Brickcitygirl]

sing Richard. u were truly an underrated great singer

[@terranesha5784]

What a dreamy voice 💜 Paul's voice will get you out of your seat and his will put you in it.

[@theawalker1803]

Mr Richard Street so underrated!!! He was a force to deal with on his own👍🏾This brother could sing his ass off⭐️❤️👍🏾💋Hell yea😍Got to give him PROPS😅💕💕😍

[@ameciawilliams7118]

Like a lot of comments written, I did not know that Richard contribute to a lot of temptation music. I do remember firefly and yes he was definitely underrated. His sound is the temptation. Rest in heavenly peace with David, Eddie and Melvin the original temps

[@ameciawilliams7118]

Also Paul. I know you replaced Paul when he became.

[@ck610]

Truly Unsung!!! RIP Richard.

[@deborahpatterson7692]

Another great voice that picked up the mic and kept on walking into greatness as a TEMPTATION. May he REST IN PARADISE!

[@user-kn3vr2qu2m]

TNR-vintage Richard A powerful lead singer. One of the best.

[@arlenerogerswilhite2236]

I think that Otis, Dennis, and Melvin, Damon and Richard....made a great group blend. Yes Otis probably was not THEE talent in the group but he had vision that the others didn't that is a great Talent..God even says His people die for Lack of vision... David proved that... and others in the business. Talented voices does not get it alone you have to have a vision, and determination both of which Mr. Williams had PLUS Yes he could sing and Dance...He was a manager....who happens to like to get involved...I am grateful for Otis. For all of them.. for Gordy signing them....their music... all of the Tempts ever... helped me make it through the night...and days and years.....Thanks for this post and comments.

[@julesmonroe864]

Well Said... Thanks !!!

[@defblinders9585]

arlene rogers wilhite A lot of people dump on Otis because of that movie, but they don't realize that if Otis couldn't sing or had no talent, Berry Gordy would've never signed him in the first place. He just preferred to let the others sing lead, and when he DID take lead, he sounded great. It's really sad that Otis is the last surviving founding member.

[@arlenerogerswilhite2236]

And there it is there Happy Holidays. For real.

[@harriglnola7655]

I am just viewing this video and reading your comment. AMEN!!! You are one trillion percent correct! Very well stated. I absolutely love the Temptations. Stay blessed, sister.

[@jeed2924]

+arlene rogers wilhite, the success of a group is based on the voice of the worse singer, and considering the success of The Temptation, then it's safe to say that Otis had a good voice and could sing. He had no egotistical problem with allowing the others to take lead, which proves he was a good leader who wanted to see the group enjoying it's success. It's a pity that David could not share in the vision. His ego led to the downfall of the group and himself

[@daultontansil3618]

Richard was very underrated, but had a fantastic voice. I really liked Hey Girl, I like your style, Heavenly, and Firefly.

[@bonitacorbett3278]

Heavenly was my favorite!

[@JamieShogun1973]

Hey Girl I like your style is my favourite Temps song

[@wymellwilliams1543]

@@JamieShogun1973 Firefly

[@beatricebarfield4622]

Hey 👧 GIRL!!! 🌹🌹🌹

[@ferdinandfrancis9673]

@@wymellwilliams1543 Heavenly and aiming at your heart, my favorites.

[@eugenemiller265]

Thanks for this segment about "RICHARD STREET" I've learned a lot about Richard and the songs he led,I loved his voice on HEY GIRL & HEAVENLY, didn't know he sang with the Distans so he was a TEMPTATION before the TEMPTATION WAS THE TEMPTATION 🙃I REMEMBER WHEN HE TOOK PAUL'S 🗣️🎤. PLACE IN THE TEMPTATION 🎶

[@bronzemen34]

Saw him LIVE with his TEAM of The Temptations when they came to the Gold Coast - Queensland - Australia - I had been learning all the MOVES since I watched them as a boy and virtually knew all their dances - every-time someone stuffed up - man - Richard would give them a snarl and in front of his Audience would say "I will see you backstage" lol.....memories - got to meet the LEGEND after the concert than he tried to HIT on my mates WIFE classic - he got nowhere hahaha nemind bro :P - what a HONOR :) R.I.Paradise..

[@munimathbypeterfelton6251]

Richard Street should have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame alongside David, Eddie, Otis, Melvin, Dennis, and Paul posthumously. Richard was with the group periodically from the very beginning, and although he was not an original member of the group when they started getting hits (neither was Dennis), he served them well as a stabilizing force and took over spur-of-the-moment when Paul Williams was ailing onstage. Plus, he was still a member of The Temptations in 1989 when they were inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame that year. He didn't leave the group until 1993 when tensions brewed between him and Otis after Otis expressed frustration at Richard being unable to make that one gig that year due to his (Richard's) emergency kidney stone removal and him (Richard) therefore being unable to inform Otis ahead of time. Otis didn't give Richard a single beat of his heart of sympathy or understanding, so Richard said "See ya!" Good on Richard for writing his memoir Ball of Confusion (published posthumously in 2014) to offer the world a much needed second firsthand opinion on the whole Temptations story outside of Otis's repetitive perspective on the group's tale.

[@jaylene.turner6524]

Richard left before they even formed the Temptations. So,no,he is not an original Temptation.

[@antoinetterobinson7609]

I agree Richard played an intricate part n being a Temp. Also, he was one of my favorite singer in the group. RIH

[@joingram-peters6506]

Richard was my favorite, he had such stage presence he always stood out to me, mind you I did fancy the pants off him.

[@sheilapalmer224]

He was sosososo fantastic

[@garywelch1429]

How in the hill was he not inducted in the Hall of Fame?. Richard Street was the truth

[@deniseclendinning5836]

love Richard Street and his voice .

[@michelledorest7196]

RIP Richard you were one of the best 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽

[@JerseyGurl4Life]

🎶The End of Our Road🎵 Richard tore that song up!🎤

[@jayvernon6768]

Richard sound good doing his songs.

[@JamieShogun1973]

How have I not heard Heavenly until now ??

[@disconinja108]

1st tenor, 2nd tenor and baritone!!

[@jaylene.turner6524]

Disco Ninja Yes! Richard had a wide range in his voice.

[@thebassman5820]

Richard could sing every note with the exception of bass

[@sheilapalmer224]

He was sosososo talented

[@beatricebarfield4622]

I Love “ Hey GIRL”. Richard, WE LOVE ❤️ YOU, You did A Magnificent JOB!!! 🔥 FIRE FLY , soft beautiful

[@AlaskaSnowQueen]

Richard was good!

[@marie-rosedaly4234]

yass, great Temptation!!! but he was unrecognizable at times. He had different wigs and nose jobs done.

[@debiowens3310]

Some great great music came during the season that Mr Richard Street was part of The Temptations.

[@sheilapalmer224]

He was the goat

[@jaylene.turner6524]

R.I.P. Richard Street (October 5th,1942- February 27th,2013) (Group years: 1971-1993) (Replaced founding member Paul Williams)

[@kagemaru259]

My father was a HUGE Temptations fan. Ruffin, Edwards and Street were his three favorites.

[@margaretswanagan8237]

RIP MR RICHARD STREET TEMPTING TEMPTATIONS FOREVER 💗

[@nuthouse216]

LOVE ME SOME TALL TAN TALENTED & TERRIFIC TEMPTATIONS ❤️🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🥰😘🌹

[@alibunkles2022]

What a beautiful voice. Wow! Rest in Power King.

[@storiking650]

One of thee PREMIERE BEST VOICES to come through the Temptations, Richard Street has ALWAYS been 1 of my FAVORITE Temps. On his verse on "Papa Was a Rolling Stone", that King went str8 #apeshit ....PHENOMENAL SINGER undoubtedly str8 #MASTERCLASSStyle ‼️‼️ R.I.PARADISE Mr. Street & 🙏🏾we THANK YOU🙏🏾 for all the amazing, beautiful music you gave us, in my eyes, ur a fricken #LEGEND ‼️‼️‼️

[@hbkvj2]

I was pleasantly surprise to learn that the powerful voice on many of my favorite songs. especially HEY GIRL was him. He was so very underated but a great talent

[@Trail1524]

They should have had Everything for Christmas on here too.

[@garyjones1287]

I'm all in with Richard Street called myself a Temptations FAN all these years and didn't give this man his prop's today I stand corrected R.I.P. Richard, David, Eddie, my Top Three 🥂

[@wymellwilliams1543]

Ollie Woodson wasn't bad either

[@garyjones1287]

@@wymellwilliams1543 You are 100% correct on that I stand corrected for You Got to Treat Her Like A Lady will always be a Hit 🔥🌷

[@juanitagardenhire8779]

Oh Lord how could I forget aiming for your heart. It reminds me of my childhood. The rhythm was effortlessly

[@defblinders9585]

The most underrated of The Temptations. Richard had a powerful, commanding voice.

[@vandykesearl6]

One Of The Top Five Motown Albums Ever " Greetings - The Monitors " - Thanks RICHARD STREET - R.I.P. ( Should Have Had A Second Album ??? ) .

[@sheilapalmer224]

I am a fan of his

[@sheilapalmer224]

He was a genius

[@Spadesz93]

i didn't know he sang lead in "come on". yet another inaccuracy in their biopic. R.I.P. Richard Street

[@barbararackley1064]

+Spadesz93 - The movie took actual events and embellished. Listen to Otis' and Dennis' interviews about the movie.

[@3912James]

I'm just as shocked.

[@sheilapalmer224]

No body can't never ever you his place

[@abdul-raheemmuhammad6409]

"Heavenly" led me to this video.

[@gavinvonmeyer3746]

Many thanks for this, the man was R&B royalty. Indeed, probably the most underrated singer of all time, yet he had a super great voice and great charisma, the 6th Temptation. Damn as for that last song you played, that should have been a mega hit.

[@sheilapalmer224]

I miss him

[@thankthelord4536]

An injustice to have fans think that he didn't sing that lead on papa was a rolling stone, but the movie had Dennis Edwards sing it. Beautiful voice very underrated.

[@rhondayoung8180]

This sounds like Dennis Edwards to Me kzbin.info/www/bejne/pnu5Y6ONe96ZpJY

[@slendus8363]

Rhonda Young in the movie, richards line was sang by the character playing dennis edwards thats what he meant

[@teddyj.3198]

THATS RIGHT!

[@sheilapalmer224]

He was the man

[@tomgeauvreau7099]

In late 1970 and 1971 he actually sang Paul Williams parts behind the curtain for an ailing Paul who could only lipsync the songs.

[@brendathompson2378]

Love this! Thanks for sharing❤

[@WuzGoldEvans]

He was amazing ☀️

[@kennethkennedy8079]

According to Richard, he missed a show for gall bladder surgery, Otis called Richard while he was in the hospital n cussing him out. Richard left the Temps because he said it wasn't like family anymore.

[@kagemaru259]

He was having kidney stones removed.

[@mykoniichistorychannel]

@@kagemaru259Either way, he got did dirty.

[@marie-rosedaly4234]

RS ♥ xxx rest easy

[@JerseyGurl4Life]

But Heavenly..... Man, oh man, Oh man!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@othellosmalley2729]

He wasn't a original member but he was Otis"s long time friend before the temp's he took Paul"s place, it's tru he was very under rated, and under appreciate maybe it's because of how beloved Paul was, I know me and my friends didn't like it wen he came in, but we were so young and silly back then LOL

[@jacquelinelowery5589]

I knew he replaced Paul but I had no idea he sang lead on so many songs!

[@frederickreese8398]

He was an original member. He started as a member of the distants.

[@bigcartoonyIIV]

This thing had some jams. I thought Al sung lead on Come On

[@luvnruffin]

R.I.P. Richard job well done. .....as for Otis? Riding Bareback on other people's talents

[@rolandstyles9344]

Being the glue that holds a group together is a talent itself. A very necessary one at that.

[@deejay8403]

***** Agreed. Everyone has their favorite Temptation, and granted, Otis is on very few of those lists of favorites. But people who disregard his crucial role in the Temps' success are only fooling themselves.

[@iluvrachellef]

Dee Jay it's a shame how we do this crap to each other,i wonder if any other ethnicities tear down one another like this.....smh. Just because he isn't out there belting out notes,they think he's insignificant damn.

[@williamrodney8791]

+iluvRF No we just don't like exploiters!

[@barbararackley1064]

+T. Nina Jackson - Not so. Otis was the glue that held the Tempts together. He co-wrote a lot of their songs. Otis has a fantastic voice. He sings baritone and 2 tenor, whatever is needed in the background. He also was a god businessman. He must have done something right, he hired only the best singer and he is still just that over 57 years later.

[@marie-rosedaly4234]

thanks!

[@theawalker1803]

Richard Street had a Heavenly great voice one of the best!!! RIP my dear brother🙏🏾💕❤️😪

[@Sturrdyaholic]

Richard also sang lead on “Little Things” on the “Together Again” album and “Eenie Meenie Minie Moe” on the Milestone album

[@timothyypearson]

He was suppose to be lead after al but he suggested David because he said he girlfriend said she was pregnant but found out later she was lying.he dated diane Ross when the Supremes were the primes as well

[@deviealee5272]

Wow...I have never heard of him till now

[@barbaraknight4203]

Nice and Smooth 🔥

[@Erbruffin1964]

He also killed A Christmas song with Dennis

[@SuperBeachbum74]

Very under rated singer, should have been featured in lead more ! Watched an 80s concert on KZbin, and he was easily best singer, better than Dennis !

[@teddyj.3198]

Truth!

[@needahandle]

Matter of opinion. Street was great, but so was Dennis. Soulful, distinct and powerful

[@janelgadomski4185]

Hi do u have any videos of Richard that not already onyoutube did u ever see him in concert and have a close up video of that?if so could you please post a lot health problems would cheer me up thank you

[@russdee8331]

Why do ppl tend to disrespect Otis because of that line from the movie all Otis had to say to David is “there would be no Temptations w/o me”.

[@needpoor]

I didn't know Richard Street was with the Temptations about 22 years. The best sounding song he led, in my opinion, is Heavenly, from the 1973 album, titled 1990. And after a brief hearing of all songs on that album, it sounds best. I even said in my KZbin comments, it seems out of place on the LP. For about 3 days so far, today, 1-2-20, I have it on replay. To see me lip sync and dance along to it New Year's Day (1-1-20), type Jeffery Hollie, into KZbin's search?

[@hardietuckerjr931]

GREETING THIS UNCLE SAM WHERE IS THIS

[@barbaramartin6401]

He sang that before gladys

[@jajuanbell7141]

No disrespect but Paul was still better