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