Richards was leader of "The Corporation, " Motown's songwriting and producing team that was also made up of Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell and Freddie Perren.
The Corporation, which comprised of Motown label head Berry Gordy, Alphonzo Mizell, Freddie Perren and Richards, was assembled in 1969 to create hit records for the label's new act, The Jackson 5.