Cathy Richardson

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Catherine E. Richardson (born February 21, 1969), who goes professionally by Cathy Richardson, is a singer and songwriter 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.

Millions of American preschoolers 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.

Richardson has been widely reported to be good friends with musicians Dennis DeYoung and Jim Peterik.

After owning a house in Elmhurst, Illinois for a time, Richardson now is based in San Francisco.

In 2008, Cathy became the new vocalist for legendary San Francisco band Jefferson Starship.