Regina Richards

Regina Richards[1] (born April 22, 1961), better known by her stage name Regina, is an American dance music singer born in Brooklyn, New York. She is best known for her hit "Baby Love," which reached Number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1986 . It peaked in the UK Singles Chart at #50 the same year.[1] [She is not to be confused with another artist named Regina (from Brasil, who charted with "Day by Day" in 1997), or the 2006 album by the May Petals called Regina.]

Regina co-wrote "Baby Love" with frequent Madonna collaborator Stephen Bray; Regina wanted another person to sing the song, however her record label, Atlantic Records, told Regina to sing the song herself.

"Baby Love" was taken from Regina's Curiosity album, which also included "Say Goodbye," a song she had originally written with Kenny Rogers in mind. Regina remains a one-hit wonder on the Billboard Hot 100, but in addition to the #1 placing of "Baby Love," she saw three other songs hit the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart – "Beat of Love," "Head On," and "Extraordinary Love." In 1987 she undertook an anti-drug public service announcement with the animated McGruff the Crime Dog, that aired well into the 1990s.

A second Regina album, Best Kept Secret, was never released.


Initially, Regina only wished to pursue success in the mainstream style as a songwriter, with the idea that her work as a performer would remain in an alternative music vein. She began her musical career as part of the New York Punk and New-Wave scenes with her band, "Regina Richards and Red Hot." The band regularly played seminal NYC music venues such as CBGB, Max's Kansas, and Irving Plaza beginning in the 1970s. With the help of Richard Gottehrer, legendary music producer, she signed to A&M Records, along with her band. The first single released was titled "Tyger," with "Tug of War"as the B side. Her second single "Don't Want You Back," with "Company Girl" as the B side, was followed by an album released in 1980 by A&M Records.

With Regina and band member Nestor Zarragoitia (Nez Perce) making the core of the band, Regina Richards and Red Hot consisted of changing members during its lifetime,. The original lineup of the band was: Regina Richards, vocals, main songwriter, and rhythm guitarist, Nez Perce, lead and rhythm guitars and contributor songwriter. Robert Mullins on drums, and Albert on bass rounded out the musicians. The original backup singers, which, along with Regina's voice and songwriting, created the unique sound of the band, were: Emily West, Susan Johnson, and Susan Stern-Knapp. Afterwards, Robin Levenson joined as a backup singer. Finally, Michelle Gale became the lone, defining, backup voice of the band. Further musician members included: Angelo Olivieri on bass, Glen Hamilton on drums, and Michael Osborne on drums. One member, Charles Roth on bass/synthesizers, became indispensable in further defining the sound of the band.

Along with headlining in their own right, Regina Richards and Red Hot opened for numerous famous bands. Most notably, they toured with U2 in support of their first album "Boy." This was U2's first American tour. After the breakup of the Red Hots (as they were more often than not referred to) she released two more singles in band format. Both were released under the name "Regina Richards" by the "Johnny Apollo" label. The first single was titled "Rock And Roll Christmas," and produced by Eddie Leonetti. The second was "Deep Dreaming," produced by Rob Freeman. For these recordings the band consisted of Regina on vocals, rhythm guitar, and songwriter, Nestor Zarragoitia (Nez Perce) on lead and rhythm guitars, Max Camfield on bass, and Stephen Bray (of Madonna fame) on drums.

Regina graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 1966 with a degree in theatre.

In 1991, Australian singer Dannii Minogue released a cover of "Baby Love" as a single, reaching #14 in the UK Singles Chart.[2]

Regina – who now goes by the name Regina Lee – was married to a pediatric neurosurgeon but they divorced. She currently resides in Austin, Texas.

See also

References

  1. 1 2 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 458. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  2. ↑ Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 368. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.


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