Regina Richards

Who is Regina Richards?

Regina Richards, 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 at the age of 45 years old. It peaked in the UK Singles Chart at #50 the same year. [She is not to be confused with another artist named Regina, or the 2006 album by the May Petals called Regina.]

Regina graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in 1963 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, nearly two decades after graduating from college. 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.