The album became an immediate success upon its release , eventually reaching number three on the US Pop chart and spending twenty weeks at number one on the US R&B chart . The album was certified platinum in the US in July 1981 . By 1983 , the album had sold nearly 4 million copies worldwide . At the 1982 Grammys , James was nominated for Best Male Rhythm and Blues Vocal Performance for the album while being the first African American male artist to be nominated in the Best Male Rock Vocal Performance category for the song " Super Freak "
1982 Grammys
24th Annual Grammy Awards
Street Songs (album)