Mexican-American jazz arranger and composer who was a pivotal arranger for some of the more adventurous performances by Stan Kenton’s big band in the 1950s and early 1960s, such as Cuban Fire! and Kenton’s West Side Story.
Richards was born to a Spanish father (Juan Cascales y Valero) and a Mexican mother (Maria Celia Arrue AKA Marie Cascales), whose parents were Spanish immigrants to Mexico. He entered the United States on 4 August 1919 at Laredo, Texas, along with his mother, three brothers (also professional musicians) and sister. His siblings were Jose Luis Cascales (Joe), Carlos Guillermo Cascales (known in the music world as Chuck Cabot), Maria de los Angeles Cascales (Angeles/Anne Beaufait), and Juan Adolfo Cascales (Jack; 1918–1975) who played double bass.
Richards’ father, Juan Cascales y Valero, immigrated earlier, crossing the border at Laredo, Texas, on 4 June 1919. The family lived first in Los Angeles, California and later in San Fernando, California, where Joe, Johnny, and Chuck attended and graduated from San Fernando High School. In 1930 Richards was living in Fullerton, California, and attending Fullerton College.
Richards worked in Los Angeles, California from the late 1930s to 1952. In 1952 he moved to New York City. He had been arranging for Stan Kenton since 1950 and continued to do so through the mid-1960s. He also led his own bands throughout his career. In addition, he wrote the music for the popular song “Young at Heart” (1953), made famous by Frank Sinatra and others.
Richards died on 7 October 1968 in New York, New York, of a brain tumour. Reviewers have deemed his style as being influenced by Duke Ellington and Pete Rugolo.
Link to Wikipedia biography