The Temptations seems to be a group that was tempted in ways to deep to mention, from replacements to distractions that paved them to be anointed the Emperors of Soul. One replacement member that gets critique the most is Detroit’s born Richard Street. Which is probably due to the fact that he replaced the legendary Paul Williams when he was dictated to rest , by doctors. We know Street’s history with the original members goes back to the days they was not assigned to Motown.
Another blemish hurting Richard Street is the fact that he took on the songs, of David Ruffin in concerts which to fans is a negative to them because, of his style, of singing them. While Ruff was that street type minister that reminded many, of Martin L. King giving a speech worthy of listen too. While Richard Street is seen as a romantic style singer in the mold, of Smokey Robinson. Obviously, if Whitfield would have given him more leads, he might have broke through more to fans. Not that he doesn’t have him share, of them.
On the All Directions Album he was getting notice, by fans for handling the leads he was given. And, like another replacement Damon Harris, he earned his respect for being part, of the Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone explosive mega hit single. He, like Dennis Edwards changed the pigmentation, of the Tall, Tan complexion that the group was made up of during the time before Edwards joined. On Solid Rock album that came behind the All Directions disc, he did a splendid version, of End of Our Road that was originally recorded, by Gladys Knight and the Pips. Notice that many loves to explain that the late Roger Penzabene wrote many songs about his failng marriage. Which, we will never know because many things seems speculative. But, facts do support that those that was hits mirrored a sad, dejected man.
Nrman Whitfield,holds the honor, of being the only producer to have a hit record on all replacement under his production years. He guided Street vocals on “Hey Girl(I Like Your Style” which is beautifully arranged by the great Paul Riser. Who many fans never notice worked with the Dramatics during the seventies?
Sure, we hear many states that the Temptations vwas refered, as the Norman Whitfield’s singers during this orchestration periods, of hits. But, was that news to them since he guided them to the top, of the charts when he replaced Smokey Robinson’s years before. When listening to all the songs that Richard Street led his vocals too you can only admit that he impressed Norman Whitfield in the process.
He don’t seems to get the credit, of a David, Dennis, Eddie, Paul, but he should. He was a tried and truth member until a miscommunication made him to decide to leave.
He can always profess that he was part, of the hit seventies unit, when Whitfield produced them. A unit now called the Classic Two group. Some fans recognized his talents, as a member of the Monitors, of the sixties period. Where they recorded some very good tunes that seems to been over looked, by the executives that over looked many great Motown’s acts in the seventies.
As, members came and other producers stepped in to produce the Temptations during Richard Street twenty something years. He still contributed some magnificent tunes to make him, a Temptation’s Forever member, of honor.