Juggling his own career as front man, singer and songwriter with his own band, while also playing guitar in the Aretha Franklin band has taught Michigan State University graduate Teddy Richards to always be prepared and diverse. "I've evolved from a self-taught guitarist into a producer, sound engineer and accomplished tunesmith; I enjoy the journey that a great piece of music takes me on; I love the musical experience and embrace the creative process." In 1994, Teddy had an opportunity to give a copy of his 6-song cassette-demo, "Eepee" to INXS keyboardist/songwriter Andrew Farriss backstage at a concert. "Andrew, who wrote many of the INXS signature hits, was very impressed with my writing and invited me to collaborate. After writing & recording 2 songs, we negotiated a music publishing deal. We worked so well together that before we knew it, we had written & recorded 11 songs!" Richards commuted between Detroit and Farriss' home in London England, writing and recording the material for his 1st. indie cd, "SONIC BLOOM." This also led to some choice opening slots on the INXS ELEGANTLY WASTED tour. Teddy has also co-written songs with Oliver Leiber (songwriter for Paula Abdul & son of the legendary Leiber & Stoller's Jerry Leiber), Scottish singer.songwriter.guitarist Gary Clark (also known as Danny Wilson and of the band Transister), Michael Case Kissel, Atomic Fireballs lead vocalist John Bunkley and Italian songstress Miky G. He has also collaborated with writer/producer Mark Niland of Detroit's Live Wire Studios, co-writing & playing guitar on the theme song for ESPN'S "Inside Cart, has co-written a Ford/Lincoln-Mercury commercial-jingle, has performed twice on VH1's Divas Live and continues to play lead guitar in the Aretha Franklin band. He and his band have served as opening act for Brian Vander Ark (and also for The Verve Pipe) and collaborated with producer/arranger Adi Yesheya. Teddy also continues to perform his solo-acoustic show nationally and internationally, (having 300 solo-acoustic performances to date and at select venues.) and has served as opening act for both Seal and Chic @ Switzerland’s the 38th annual Montreux Jazz Festival, followed by signing a record deal with Germany’s Skip Records and the release his cd “Gravity.”
Gravity is Teddy’s 1st full cd since the 2000 indie release “Sonic Bloom.” This is the long-awaited 14 track self-produced debut international release from versatile singer/songwriter/guitarist/tunesmith Teddy Richards on Germany’s Skip Records includes 3 tracks co-written with INXS keyboardist Andrew Farriss, collaborations with producer/songwriter/ Transister guitarist Gary Clark, Michael Case Kissel and Atomic Fireballs lead singer John Bunkley. Feel the Gravity!
Keep Our Love Alive - Live In Hamburg, Germany
hi teddy, it's so great, to meet you by my space, and thank you for your "friendship", with many greetings and best wishes out the "good old germany". hope to see you the next time here on tour with the band. have a good time, my friend, and furthermore a lot of success. rock & roots, Hans
Hi Teddy! If you have a chance, stop by Campus Martius in the VIP tomorrow night, it's in the Park right by the Hard Rock. I'd love to see you! Hope all is beautiful!
