Two Motown Temptations members pass away within 10 Days
The Temptations in 1972 (L to R): Richard Street, Melvin Franklin, Otis Williams, Dennis Edwards and Damon Harris. (Courtesy Photo)
Baltimore’s Damon Harris Dies at 62, followed by Richard Street’s Death at 70
From the Afro-American Newspaper
BALTIMORE — Motown’s Temptations family has suffered two losses in less than 10 days.
While Baltimore was mourning the Feb. 18 passing of Otis “Damon” Harris at 62 from prostate cancer, Richard Street, another member of the iconic singing group, died in Las Vegas of a pulmonary embolism. He was 70.
“He was really fighting for his life,” Street’s current wife, Cindy, told the drop.fm, an entertainment web site. “He’s a fighter. They’re dancing up there in heaven, him and Damon. I’m in disbelief right now.”
Chuck Woodson, a cousin serving as family spokesman, confirmed that Harris died at a Baltimore hospice last week.
Harris and Street were part of a Grammy-winning lineup in the 40 year-old group that scored big on the pop charts with hits such as Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone (1972) and Masterpiece(1973).
Harris performed with the celebrated Motown act 1971 to 1975. Woodson says joining The Temptations was “the realization of a dream” for Harris. Harris formed a new group after leaving The Temptations and later released solo recordings.
Woodson says that in his final years, Harris established a cancer foundation that was still in its early stages when he became ill. Harris also became a strong advocate for prostate cancer screening.
