He graduated from Magee Secondary School in 1937. His saxophone and clarinet were first heard in the Sandy DeSantis and Stan Paton bands. On 1 May 1940, Richards, his 11-piece band and a then-unknown 13-year-old Juliette were booked to replace Mart Kenney and His Western Gentlemen, Canada's leading dance band at the time. This initial six-week contract was extended to 25 years of regular performances and broadcasts at "The Roof". Richards and his band continue to perform. They play in the Lower Mainland, from the PNE band stand to the annual New Year celebration at the Bayshore Hotel.