(Reuters) – Former Temptations singer Richard Street has died aged 70, his widow Cindy Street told CNN.
He died on Wednesday at St Rose Dominican Hospital in Las Vegas after suffering a clot in a lung, the broadcaster reported.
Street was the second ex-member of the versatile Motown band to die this month after Otis “Damon” Harris passed away aged 62.
“He was really fighting for his life,” Cindy told CNN. “He’s a fighter. They’re dancing up there in heaven, him and Damon,” she added. “I’m in disbelief right now.”
The Temptations was one of the leading male vocal groups of the 1960s and early 1970s, surviving several personnel changes to tackle a wide range of musical styles with tight harmonies and well choreographed dance routines.
Street was not in the original 1960s lineup but joined the band in the early 1970s and continued for more than 20 years before pursuing a solo career.
During his tenure, the Temptations released a string of hits including the 1972 chart-topping classic “Papa Was a Rollin’ Stone” and “Masterpiece” released the following year.
“He was part of black history. He was always proud of that. He sang on a lot of those classic songs,” Cindy said.
According to online reports, Street is survived by his wife and four children.