Turley Richards

Turley Richards (born Charleston, West Virginia) is an American singer and guitarist.

Richards was blinded in the left eye at the age of four in an archery accident, and lost sight in the right eye as well some years later. He first began playing in a group called The Five Pearls while still a teen in the 1950s. His first appearance on record was a single titled "All About Ann", released on Cincinnati, Ohio label Fraternity Records.

He moved to Los Angeles with an ensemble in the early 1960s, but his band failed and he returned to West Virginia. Later in the 1960s he moved to New York, and eventually found success there, releasing his debut album on Warner Bros. Records in 1970. He scored two minor hit singles in the US in the early 1970s. Further releases followed later in the decade, as did a third hit in 1980.

In 1985, Richards began to lose his voice, but recovered it with successful therapy. He self-released his latest disc, 2005's "Back to My Roots".

Discography

*"Turley Richards" (Warner Bros. Records, 1970)
*"Expressions" (Warner Bros. Records, 1971)
*"West Virginia Superstar" (Epic, 1976)
*"Therfu" (Atlantic, 1980)
*"Back to My Roots" (2005)

Charting singles

*"I Heard the Voice of Jesus" (1970) US #99 [ [http://wm07.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=11:0pfyxq95ldhe~T5 Billboard Singles] , Allmusic.com, "passim".]
*"Love Minus Zero - No Limit" (1970) US #84
*"You Might Need Somebody" (1980) US #54

References