Gene “Big Daddy” Richards

Gene “Big Daddy” Richards has brought a powerful voice, distinctive harmonica style, and generous spirit to Central Ohio music since the 1960s. Inspired as a boy when he heard B.B. King from outside the Main Street Theatre, Richards began performing while still in school and went on to lead or contribute to a remarkable succession of blues, soul, and rock bands.

His long musical path included The Lighter Side, Society’s Children, ICE, Stone Crow Blues Band, The Circuit Breakers, Hot Damn!, Greasy Bean Blues Band, Sweet Nasty Blues Band, Big Daddy & the BluesXpress, and The Mitchell Project. Along the way he shared bills with performers including Bob Seger, The Turtles, Paul Butterfield, and many others. Richards also hosted blues jams for years, treating them as a “study hall” where newer musicians could learn to listen, collaborate, and eventually form bands of their own. That commitment to fellowship and musical growth—combined with nearly six decades of memorable performances—made Big Daddy a beloved ambassador for the blues in Columbus.