Trivia

She began performing at age 4 but, within a couple of years her mother thought she was acting "like a diva", and wouldn't let her take the stage again until she was 11.

Was the singing voice for Joan Caulfield in the film The Petty Girl (1950); Vera-Ellen in Call Me Madam (1953) and, most notably, for Cyd Charisse in Brigadoon (1954), Deep in My Heart (1954), It's Always Fair Weather (1955) and Silk Stockings (1957). Her voice is on the original "Brigadoon" soundtrack singing such popular songs as the title tune and "Heather on the Hill".

Vivacious 50s singer and recording artist who won a Bob Hope-sponsored talent contest in the early 40s.

Was one of four children of George and Martha Vosburgh.

Her first marriage occurred at age 16, and for a time she was known as Carol Lutzhoff, not the best sounding name for show business. She changed her last name to Richards in honor of a favorite nephew.

Was married five times, marrying fifth husband Edward Sweidler after moving to the Boston area in the 1960s. They co-authored the book "Letters from the Cosmos".

Moved to Chicago in the 1960s to raise a family, but performed occasionally in nightclubs and on radio programs.

Best remembered for her classic recording duet with Bing Crosby of the annual Christmas song "Silver Bells" (1952). A different duet version was also featured in the Bob Hope comedy The Lemon Drop Kid (1951) that paired Hope and Marilyn Maxwell, but Crosby and Richards' magical pairing is the definitive one.

Was a regular performer along with singer Paula Kelly (of "Modernaires" fame) and shapely blonde actress/singer Joan O'Brien on the daytime variety show The Bob Crosby Show (1953) for four seasons.

Succumbed to heart disease and kidney failure.