b : 5 Oct 1942, Detroit
Born and raised in Motor City, Detroit. He began his music career at the tender age of 12, playing piano and singing with his mother's encouragement and support, since then he has been a professional entertainer for over 47 years.
In 1955, Richard, his cousin along with best friend, Melvin Franklin (later to become the Temptations' legendary bass singer) was invited to join a vocal group: Otis Williams and Distants, The. This led to his recoding with the Monitors, which were signed to Motown, which he did many outstanding lead vocals. He also coached a 3-girl group, which consisted of Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diane Ross. Under his guidance, he helped the girl group and many other musical groups prepare themselves for recording contracts with Motown - known as Hitsville, USA. Years later, the world came to know Florence, Mary and Diane as the famous Supremes. This valuable experience formed the foundation of his vocal coaching, and skilled choreography. He is also knowledgeable of the music industry from the inside, and he held a most coveted position in Motown's Quality Control Department, which was responsible for which talent was being considered for the company, and which recordings were selected for record release, and radio air play, this was just a few of his responsibilities in the department.
Born and raised in Motor City, Detroit. He began his music career at the tender age of 12, playing piano and singing with his mother's encouragement and support, since then he has been a professional entertainer for over 47 years.
In 1955, Richard, his cousin along with best friend, Melvin Franklin (later to become the Temptations' legendary bass singer) was invited to join a vocal group: Otis Williams and Distants, The. This led to his recoding with the Monitors, which were signed to Motown, which he did many outstanding lead vocals. He also coached a 3-girl group, which consisted of Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diane Ross. Under his guidance, he helped the girl group and many other musical groups prepare themselves for recording contracts with Motown - known as Hitsville, USA. Years later, the world came to know Florence, Mary and Diane as the famous Supremes. This valuable experience formed the foundation of his vocal coaching, and skilled choreography. He is also knowledgeable of the music industry from the inside, and he held a most coveted position in Motown's Quality Control Department, which was responsible for which talent was being considered for the company, and which recordings were selected for record release, and radio air play, this was just a few of his responsibilities in the department.