Ann Richards

Though frequently underrated as a vocalist, Ann Richards never fully realized the promise of her career. Self-taught on piano, she began formal singing lessons at the age of ten. She launched her professional work in the San Francisco Bay area and spent a brief period performing with Charlie Barnet. In 1955 she joined Stan Kenton’s band for several months; the pair later married, and she continued to sing on a part-time basis until their divorce in 1961. On her own, Richards released several pleasing and swinging albums for Capitol, Atco, and Vee Jay. She died by suicide in 1982 at the age of 46.