Cathy Richardson | |
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Background information | |
Birth name | Catherine E. Richardson |
Born | February 21, 1969 |
Genres | Psychedelic rock, Folk rock, Blues rock |
Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Narrator |
Instruments | Vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar |
Years active | 1990–present |
Associated acts | Big Brother and the Holding Company, Jefferson Starship |
Catherine E. "Cathy" Richardson (born February 21, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress, and narrator from Chicago, Illinois.
Richardson grew up in west suburban Burr Ridge, Illinois and graduated from Hinsdale Central High School in Hinsdale, Illinois. Before starting her music career, Richardson worked as an auto mechanic and as a cashier at her father's gas station. She started her music career full-time in 1990. She was introduced to Jim Peterik who mentored her and helped with her first two albums. She has also co-written songs with Peterik, and is a fairly frequent guest in his all-star World Stage concerts. She and Peterik remain good friends.
Millions of American children have seen her on Noggin's Jack's Big Music Show, and the Cathy Richardson Band has been voted Best Local Band in polls by the Chicago Tribune and Fox News Chicago. She portrayed Janis Joplin in the original cast of the hit Off-Broadway musical "Love, Janis." She also sang Janis' vocal parts for Big Brother and the Holding Company during many of their recent live shows.
In 2004, Richardson and art director Bill Dolan were nominated for a Grammy award for best recording package for her album The Road to Bliss.
In 2008, Richardson became the new vocalist for San Francisco band Jefferson Starship and appears on the 2008 release Jefferson's Tree of Liberty.
In 2011, Richardson was the vocalist for Jefferson Starship on PBS's 60s Pop, Rock & Soul TV show. She sang "White Rabbit", and "Somebody to Love".