Following in the footsteps of musical greatness, Teddy Richards wasn’t just influenced by the entertainment industry; he was practically born into it. His mother, the legendary Aretha Franklin, undeniably shaped his path. But he wasn’t content living in her shadow.
Nurturing a musical passion from a young age, Teddy formed his own band (Preps) while in college. He then went on to become his mother’s guitarist for a remarkable 30 years. His talent extended beyond family, as he also played alongside musical giants like Al Green, Natalie Cole, Joe Cocker, and Nellie Furtado.
Teddy wasn’t just a performer, but a collaborator as well. He’s written songs with renowned artists like Andrew Farriss, A.J. Croce, and even Carlos Alomar, co-writer of David Bowie’s famous Fame. A creative force in his own right, he has released two independent albums, Sonic Bloom (2000) and Gravity (2006), and a third, Solitaire, is in progress.
Teddy Richards Is The Only Child Of His Parents And The Third Of His Mother’s Four Children
Born Ted White Jr. in Detroit, Michigan, in February 1964, Teddy Richards’ musical lineage is undeniable. His mother, Aretha Franklin, the legendary “Queen of Soul,” needs no introduction. With an estimated 75 million records sold, hits like I Never Loved a Woman (The Way I Loved You) and Chain of Fools cemented her place as one of music’s all-time greats.
Teddy’s father, Ted White Sr., wasn’t just a bystander. A successful businessman, songwriter, music manager, and producer, he managed Aretha’s career and co-wrote some of her classics, including Think.
While the 60-year-old was the only child of his parents, born three years after their short-lived marriage, his family tree extends further. His mother’s relationships with Edward Jordan and Ken Cunningham resulted in three half-siblings: Clarence Franklin, Edward Derone Franklin, and Kecalf Cunningham.
His mother’s first child was Clarence Franklin, born on January 28, 1955. She then had Edward Derone Franklin on January 22, 1957. She had both of them with Edward Jordan. Her last and fourth son, Kecalf Cunningham, was born on March 28, 1970; his father is Ken Cunningham, her road manager at the time.
His Parents Divorced When He Was About 5, And He was Raised By His Father
The marriage between his parents was short-lived, lasting only about 8 years before deteriorating. In 1968, when he was about 4 years old, his mother initiated a separation, and by the time he was approximately 5, the divorce was finalized.
During the marriage, his mother endured domestic abuse from his father. While she chose to keep the details private, some incidents have become public knowledge, including a particularly distressing episode at Atlanta’s Regency Hyatt House Hotel.
Following the divorce, he was brought up by his father in Detroit, Michigan. His educational journey led him to Michigan State University, where he completed a bachelor’s degree in telecommunications in 1986, followed by a master’s degree in clinical psychology. Despite his early passion for music, his father strongly advocated for a focus on education, initially dissuading him from a musical career.
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A Look At His Career
Teddy Richards developed an early interest in music, especially pop, rock, and R&B. By the age of eight, he was already listening to American musician and composer Frank Zappa.
When he headed to Michigan State University, he was a novice guitarist, having only learned the basics. There, he honed his skills playing in East Lansing at bars and frat parties with his own band, Preps. Eventually, the band landed gigs opening for acts like Modern English. The rest, as they say, is history.
His mother took notice of his talent and asked him to join her band onstage during Thanksgiving week at the Chicago Theater in 1984. Funnily enough, he even had to borrow an amp from a friend for the performance!
He was terrified at first. After all, he had never done anything this big before. But everything went smoothly, and he soon found himself a regular part of his mother’s touring group for the next three decades. Traveling the world and performing with his mother’s band was an incredible experience, and it gave him the confidence and freedom to pursue his own musical endeavors.
He said:
It was by her grace that I was allowed to grow and become an even better musician
After graduating from university, Teddy Richards launched his solo career in the 1990s, playing gigs around his hometown of Detroit. He then landed a unique opportunity performing at Borders Books and Music stores across the Midwest and South. This experience honed his skills and prepared him for the next chapter.
A fortunate encounter in 1994 further propelled Teddy’s musical journey. Backstage at an INXS concert, he met keyboardist/songwriter Andrew Farriss. Impressed by Teddy’s demo, Farriss collaborated with him, resulting in 11 co-written and recorded songs.
Teddy released his debut independent CD, Sonic Bloom, in 2000. Six years later, Gravity followed, showcasing his continued growth. As of this writing, a third CD titled Solitaire remains in production, with its originally planned 2023 release date seemingly delayed.
He has shared the stage with a host of celebrated musicians, including Al Green, Natalie Cole, Joe Cocker, and Nelly Furtado. His songwriting partnerships boast names like A.J. Croce, Marcy Levy, Gabriel Gordon, and Carlos Alomar.
In his role as a producer, his music compositions have been featured on CBS Sports broadcasts.
Is Teddy Richards Married?
The esteemed guitarist, singer-songwriter, and producer from Detroit is known to value his privacy, especially regarding his family life. While he seldom discusses personal matters, it is understood that he is married to a woman named Lee White, and they have a daughter. The details of their marriage, such as the wedding date, the duration of their union, and specifics about their daughter, remain private.
Despite his discretion, Teddy has expressed the close relationship he shares with his wife. He has spoken about how traveling the world with her enriches his life and inspires his songwriting process.
