Renald J. Richard

Renald J. Richard, age 96, of Marco Island, Florida passed away on Friday, November 26, 2021. Renald was born in Thibodaux, Louisiana on May 3, 1925. He is survived by his wife of 50 wonderful years, Lesley Wright Richard, Marco Island, FL, sons: Lawrence Richard, Mt. Vernon, NY and Thaddeus Richard, New Orleans, LA, daughters: Jeanette Richard, White Plains, NY and Rosemarie Richard, New Orleans, LA and granddaughter Charlnette Owens, Hampton, VA.

Renald Richard was a professional trumpet player and lyricist. He started his career in New Orleans, his home town, toured with many groups including his family band, the Johnson Brothers, Guitar Slim, Ivory Joe Hunter, and did trumpet studio work with Little Richard and other Artists in the late 1940’s. He also was an area representative for Atlantic Records.

He joined the “new” Ray Charles Band in 1954 and was Ray’s first Band Leader and Solo Trumpet. The group toured all over the South and West, and he and Ray wrote “I Got a Woman” sitting in the back seat of the car on the way to a gig. It became Ray’s first Number One hit and the tune put Ray Charles on the map. Renald has many other tunes that have been recorded by artists including Joe Turner, Guitar Slim, Louis Prima, the Beatles, Rolling Stones, Elvis Presley and Ricky Nelson to name a few. Of course, he was delighted when Kanye West used “I Got a Woman” as the basis for his hit “Gold Digger”, which was number one in the world for 16 weeks and at the top of several Billboard Charts, 2006-2007.

Renald has taught in private and public schools in Louisiana and New York for over 30 years and retired in 1991. He moved to Marco Island, Florida in 2007 and remained active, playing professionally and completed lyrics for a gospel album.

Renald acquired a multitude of special achievements and recognitions throughout his lifetime. Including the following:

1990-2008- Played each year in the New Orleans International Jazz Fest.

2004 (Sept)- Featured article in Paris Jazz Magazine about his work with Ray Charles.

2007- Contributed work for New Orleans Jazz Documentary.

2012- Renald was honored by the Berklee School of Music for his work with Ray Charles.

2015- Honored by the Naples Jazz Society for his contributions to jazz music.

2021- Renald was 96 and still playing jazz on Monday nights with local jazz vocalist, Jebry.

A Funeral Mass will be held at San Marco Catholic Church on Friday, December 3, 2021 at 10:30 am with burial to follow at Marco Island Cemetery. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hodgesjosberger.com for the Richard family.