Cathy Richardson

Cathy Richardson is an acclaimed American singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist who has fronted the legendary rock band Jefferson Starship as its lead vocalist since 2008. Born and raised in the western suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, Richardson initially cut her teeth in the 1990s Midwestern indie music scene. She fronted the Cathy Richardson Band, built a loyal local following, and even sold albums directly out of her car while working on commercial jingles. Her powerhouse vocals and raw emotional range steadily commanded wider attention, culminating in a 2004 Grammy Award nomination for the art direction of her studio album, The Road to Bliss. Richardson channeled her explosive vocal talents into musical theater when she landed the starring role of rock icon Janis Joplin in the Off-Broadway and touring production Love, Janis. Her blistering, soulful portrayal caught the ears of Joplin’s original bandmates in Big Brother and the Holding Company, who invited her to tour as their lead singer. Following a performance in San Francisco, she caught the attention of Jefferson Starship founder Paul Kantner and classic member David Freiberg. Impressed by her command of the stage and respect for the era’s musical lineage, Kantner invited her to join the group in 2008 to anchor the historic role originally defined by Grace Slick. For nearly two decades, Richardson has infused Jefferson Starship with fresh creative vitality while maintaining a demanding annual touring schedule. Beyond delivering definitive live renditions of classics like "Somebody to Love", she has become a central creative force within the band's modern era. She co-wrote tracks for their 2020 album Mother of the Sun, including a notable collaboration with Grace Slick herself.