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 graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 1983 with a degree in theatre. She began her musical career as part of the New York punk and new-wave scenes. Her first single "Tyger" was released by A&M Records in 1980. She then released an album as Regina Richards and Red Hot on A&M, followed by a solo single, "Deep Dreaming," for that label.

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. 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.

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 has recently divorced. She currently resides in Austin, Texas.

See also

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 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.