A native Californian, Vincent Richards was born in Long Beach, November 15, 1933. His mother, Ann Smith Richards, emigrated from Lankershire, England as a young girl. His father, Isaac, was a native of Glasgow, Scotland. Music was always present in the Richards' household, his mother and older sister Isabell sang and played the piano, his father and brother George, had fine singing voices, and sister Kathleen, is accomplished on the violin and viola.

As a young lad, "Rusty," as he came to be called, received encouragement from a neighbor, Malley Roundtree, to take up the guitar, as he felt Rusty had an outstanding tenor voice and should accompany himself. With a guitar provided by his approving parents, he decided to pursue a musical career in earnest and by the age of sixteen had his own television program in Los Angeles called Song Trail. In 1950 Rusty took leave of his chosen career to enlist in the Marine Corps, serving two years in the Orient. While stationed in Japan he organized an all Japanese western group, playing officer's clubs and various night spots in and around Yokosuku.

Returning to the States Rusty worked for the forestry service before deciding once again to return to his first love, the entertainment business. This time however, he associated himself with the rough and tumble art of the stuntman. Since he had already ridden Brahma bulls, broken a number of rough horses for neighbors and done a bit of sky diving, he thought he might just as well get paid for it. He readily found work in a number of television westerns--Rawhide, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Bonanza, Have Gun-Will Travel, and How the West Was Won, among others. It was during this period of time that he met two individuals who were to have a decided influence on his life, Ken Curtis and actor Burt Reynolds.

Rusty had long been an admirer of the Sons of the Pioneers and had met Tim Spencer earlier on in his career. While attending a movie, The Searchers, he was thrilled to see an old friend appearing on the screen but less than thrilled when his date failed to recognize the name of Ken Curtis, or, for that matter, the Sons of the Pioneers. Despite that setback Rusty later married Amy Fitzpatrick who in very short order became a confirmed Pioneer fan.

In 1963, Pat Brady mentioned to a friend of Rusty's that the Pioneers were looking for a tenor singer--an opening created by the departure of Tommy Doss. Not too surprisingly the friend recommended Rusty. (A decision had been made that Dale Warren would move to baritone, with Lloyd Perryman dropping down to lead.) Richards expected to hear from Brady right away, but when days went by without a word, Rusty called him. Following their conversation, Rusty remarked to Amy, "I don't think we'll ever hear more on this because I don't think he was too impressed with me." When it appeared a response might not be forthcoming, Amy suggested that he call his friend, Ken Curtis. A brief exchange of only a few words with Curtis brought forth the reply--"Hang up." Within a few minutes Perryman called asking how soon Rusty could arrange to come over to discuss the matter. Rusty replied that the next day would be just fine with him. Perryman said that he couldn't expect him to come over the next day but Rusty insisted it was no problem, he would be there. Perryman suggested a delay of a day or so and it wasn't until he got off the phone that he realized the next day was Thanksgiving, 1963. They finally got together, Rusty sang one song and became the Pioneer's new tenor, joining Perryman, Warren, Lanham, and Brady. Richards stated it was a thrift that words alone could not express.

The Pioneers were leaving shortly for an appearance in Jackpot, Nevada, and as time was so critical, Perryman passed Rusty a tape with the tenor part to some of the Pioneer songs. Rusty recalled that he was greatly disturbed and shocked when he heard the parts he was to sing. He was certain there was a mistake or someone was pulling a horrible joke on him. But feeling he had no other choice he memorized what was on the tape. At their one and only rehearsal he was greatly impressed how well his part fitted into the trio harmony.

Rusty remained with the Sons of the Pioneers until late 1966, taking leave for personal reasons. During this absence he toured with Ken Curtis and Hi Busse and The Frontiersmen. At the urging of the Frontiersmen's Joanie Hall, Rusty took up songwriting in earnest, completing several dozen tunes within a short period of time. It was a real thrill when his composition "Indian Woman," was included on the Pioneer album Western Country. Rusty has stated, "I have written an enormous number of songs over the years, a couple, "Call Of the Wild" and "Rodeo Cowboy," both released on the Pioneer Celebration album, are among my better efforts. The album The American Cowboy features a number of my songs too. I still believe that my best songs have only been heard by my family and a few friends. I hope to remedy that someday soon."

Taking leave of the Frontiersmen, Rusty and his family moved to a ranch in Orange, California where he began training horses full time. Burt Reynolds, Dinah Shore and James Drury were among those sending their horses to him. For over two years he wrote for Horse and Horseman magazine and people all over the United States came to recognize him from his picture which appeared several times on the magazine's cover.

Returning to the Pioneers in the spring of 1974, Richards remained with the group until early 1984, when differences arose within the group and he was given permission to leave. It is truly unfortunate that such decisions must be made in the business. But, no one should doubt Rusty's commitment to his obligations within the Pioneer organization while he was a member. His contribution extended well beyond his excellent ability to harmonize. He was their first true yodeler since the departure of Roy Rogers some twenty-five years earlier. Rusty long has had a true appreciation for not only the music of the Sons of Pioneers, but he also has had a life-long admiration for, and writes songs about the real west. in talking with him, one almost seems to be transported back to the time of the real cowboy. If you call upon him at his ranch in Orange County, California, don't be surprised to have him greet you at the gate on horseback. And don't be surprised if he extends a friendly invite to come in and sit a spell.

Despite the ups and downs of the association, Richards stated that his time with the Pioneers was the most rewarding experience of his life. Rusty remarked, 'it is impossible to be a part of the group and not feel its impact on you. Just seeing and feeling the audience reaction when we would break into our theme song, 'Tumbling Tumbleweeds," is something that will remain with me for the rest of my life.'

Through it all, Richards stated he truly enjoyed being associated with the fellows in the group, particularly with Lloyd Perryman. He stated that Lloyd was one of the most remarkable individuals he ever worked with. "You just can't believe what a talented individual Lloyd Perryman was," Rusty commented. "I learned so much from the man, and he was so nice to me."

Richards continues to make personal appearances, and when time permits, helps out one or another of the western groups on a temporary basis. Music is his life, and when he does perform, it is readily apparent that his impressive talents are greatly appreciated by his many fans. He continues to write music that is truly outstanding, and for that, one day Rusty will receive recognition that is long overdue.

~ Taken from, Hear My Song, The Story of the CELEBRATED SONS OF THE PIONEERS, reproduced here with the permission of Ken Griffis, author of Hear My Song.