When I reviewed this in 1961 for the Columbia Missourian I wrote I didn't feel it measured up to the Chris Connor-Maynard Ferguson that came out the same time on Atlantic and Roulette. A year later I felt very differently and got all of Ann's albums and those that followed. Everything she did was excellent but the collapse of her career really stunned her and knocked her down and she could not get up again. She ended up alone in life and could just not bear it. A tragic ending.
I was looking at other versions of this song and noticed Stan looking over his shoulder. Wow - didn't know Ann Richards until this. There really were a lot of very talented female singers around this time - white and black. I've got to check out more on Ms Richards! Another couple of gals you might be interested in from this era - Helen Merrill and Lucy Ann Polk - they could swing it!
Ann often commented that she did not admire June Christy's singing, that she found June often out of tune and never improvisational. This I could never figure out because Pete Rugolo spoke often that he could throw anything at June in any arrangement and she would amaze him and all the musicians by getting it right the first time. It's true June liked things written out so she knew where she was going with a song, but I think she clearly indeed was improvisational.
Ann Richards had a great voice (I had this album) and could have risen to greater heights with much better handling than she had with Kenton. A great talent lost way too soon.
This was my mom's best friend and cousin. Ramon Penney Music on CZcams if you folks get bored.
wow!
When I reviewed this in 1961 for the Columbia Missourian I wrote I didn't feel it measured up to the Chris Connor-Maynard Ferguson that came out the same time on Atlantic and Roulette. A year later I felt very differently and got all of Ann's albums and those that followed. Everything she did was excellent but the collapse of her career really stunned her and knocked her down and she could not get up again. She ended up alone in life and could just not bear it. A tragic ending.
Wonderful indeed. Couldn't stop listening to this record when I discovered it.
I kn ew Ann in the 60's I have her album "LIVE at the LOSERS" can find it here to listen..I don't have a record player anymore..damn
No way?! My mom said they were besties and cousins
Wonderful singer***
I was looking at other versions of this song and noticed Stan looking over his shoulder. Wow - didn't know Ann Richards until this. There really were a lot of very talented female singers around this time - white and black. I've got to check out more on Ms Richards!
Another couple of gals you might be interested in from this era - Helen Merrill and Lucy Ann Polk - they could swing it!
Ann often commented that she did not admire June Christy's singing, that she found June often out of tune and never improvisational. This I could never figure out because Pete Rugolo spoke often that he could throw anything at June in any arrangement and she would amaze him and all the musicians by getting it right the first time. It's true June liked things written out so she knew where she was going with a song, but I think she clearly indeed was improvisational.
Ann Richards had a great voice (I had this album) and could have risen to greater heights with much better handling than she had with Kenton. A great talent lost way too soon.
I wish I knew as much as you about Ann.🥴