RICHARD LANHAM

THE MAGIC & INSPIRATION

Since the time he started his show-business career with The Tempo Tones (a vocal group consisting of the Lanham brothers), Richard Lanham has been spreading his talent as a superb vocalist and entertainer throughout the USA and the world. His talent spans recordings, acting, films, television, and radio. Richard is gifted with the ability to glide into different styles of music, which he enjoys doing very much. He is primarily known as a great jazz vocalist and that is dearest to his heart. His fellow musicians constantly comment on his impeccable timing, pitch, phrasing which never cease to fascinate audiences.

It was the first recordings in the Doo Wop era, "On Your Radio" and "Get Yourself Another Fool" that started Richard and the Tempo Tones on their tours across the USA. This is when they made their appearances on the American Band Stand and the Allan Freed Show in addition to their performances at the Apollo Theatre. Following these events, Richard began singing with the King Curtis band as well as making studio recordings with his multi-faceted singing.

Later, he was taken under the wings of Wynton Kelly, Paul Chambers, and Jimmy Cobb who, at that time, were the rhythm section for Miles Davis. While with the great trio he also had the opportunity to record some memorable tunes with them. Richard then performed with Joe Boateneer and the Inkspots, and thereafter becoming a member of the Boateneers, a vocal group headed by Joe Boatner who contracted the group for back-up vocals for many other headline performers when they were not performing their own stage shows on tours. Meanwhile, Richard's studio work continued, giving birth to many recordings that would enhance any collector's library today.

Then came another wave of extended tours in Europe with The Harlem Parade, a variety show the featured Richard as the spot-light artist. These performances met with great enthusiasm by the audiences and received rave reviews by the critics throughout Europe. During the following three years we found Richard appearing regularly at major night-clubs, theatres, special events and performances, as well as on television in Sweden, Italy, Germany, Holland, and Britain.

Following his return to New York, Richard made several recordings under the direction of Michael Eishner on "Josie" label before continuing his tours in such locations as Miami, Las Vegas, and the Caribbean. He eventually joined the world famous Drifters, an engagement that lasted two years during which he shared lead-vocals with Charlie Thomas who was an original member of the group.

The next phase of Richard Lanham's life reflects a period of great expansion and
diversification in his music and performance career where we saw him working more with jazz musicians in the New York area. During this period, he was singing with groups and individuals such as Howard Johnson, Bross Townsend, Bernard Pcrdie, Ira Coleman, Shcela Jordan, Chico Freeman, The New Deal Swing Band, The Hi Tops, The Hard Bop Quintet, and many Jazz Festivals, including the prestigious NYC Kool Jazz Fest. At the same time, he got involved in theatre productions at La Mama Theatre, La Moss, and The Negro Ensemble Theatre where he displayed more of his superb acting talent to enthusiastic audiences.

Through the course of his long and versatile career, Richard has put together an extremely rich and diverse repertoire that captivates a wide range of audiences. Obviously, he draws upon the spirit and sound of the prolific past decades. Yet the real magic of his inspiration comes from his relentless ability to renew himself at every phase of his career. It is fascinating to behold his personal charisma and irresistible charm in every performance on stage. In short, he is a superb musician at his zenith whom music lovers cherish over the coming years.