richards was born in charleston, west virginia, united states. he was blinded in the left eye at the age of four in an archery accident and lost sight in the right eye as well at the age of twenty-nine. he began playing in a group called the five pearls while still a teen in the 1950s. his first appearance on record was in 1959, a single titled "all about ann", released on label fraternity records. "makin' love with my baby", also released by fraternity records, followed later that year. richards is listed in the rockabilly hall of fame as a rockabilly legend for this song.