Carol Richards

Carol Swiedler (stage name Carol Richards or Carole Richards) (June 6, 1922 – March 16, 2007) was an American singer and radio and television performer, best remembered for her duet with Bing Crosby on the hit single "Silver Bells" and for "Sunshine Cake."

Early years The daughter of George and Martha Vosburgh, Richards was born Carol June Vosburgh in Harvard, Illinois. She had three siblings.

Television At the start of her career in her early 20s, Richards won a Bob Hope talent contest, moved to Hollywood, and appeared on numerous TV shows including I Love Lucy, and variety shows hosted by Dennis Day, Edgar Bergen, and Ezio Pinza.

Richards was a regular cast member on The Pinky Lee Show (April 5, 1950 - November 9, 1950), both singing and playing Lee's girlfriend; on The Ralph Edwards Show (January 14, 1952 - May 16, 1952), and on The Bob Crosby Show (1953–1957).

Film In the film The Petty Girl (1950), Richards supplied the singing voices for both Joan Caulfield and Movita Castaneda. for Cyd Charisse in Brigadoon (1954), Deep in My Heart (1954), It's Always Fair Weather (1955), and Silk Stockings (1957); and for Betta St. John in The Robe (1953).

Recording In 1949 Richards signed a contract with Decca Records. Her first recording on that label (Decca 24680) featured "I Wish I Had a Wishbone". She was accompanied by Sonny Burke and his orchestra. A review in the trade publication Billboard commented, "New Decca thrush makes a satisfactory debut with an infectious little rhythm ditty." In 1950 Richards and Bing Crosby recorded "Sunshine Cake" (Decca 24846). They were accompanied by Victor Young's orchestra and Jeff Alexander's chorus.

Richards' voice was featured on the soundtrack recording from The Robe (1953). Decca's release of that album resulted in a $400,000 legal suit by Richards against Decca Records and M.C.A. Artists. The suit charged that she recorded the song for use in the film and did not authorize any other use of it.

In 1956 Richards recorded Intrigue (Victor 6562) for RCA Victor. The song was the theme from the film Foreign Intrigue (1956).

Personal appearances Richards worked frequently with Danny Kaye, Jerry Lewis, A 1955 newspaper article about Richards reported, "She's drawn a big hand as featured attraction at Ciro's, The Shamrock Hotel, and other swank night spots."

Later years Richards gave up her music career after marrying Edward Swiedler. She then continued as an artist, completing numerous sculptures, pastels, and oil paintings, as well as publishing a book, Letters from the Cosmos, with her husband.

Personal life Richards' first marriage to Bayard Lutzhoff occurred at age 16 (5 weeks before she turned 17 in 1938). She took the stage name Richards in honor of her favorite nephew. Richards had 5 children, 19 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.