As a child, Jim Richmond entertained the neighborhood kids by imitating Elvis on his front porch.

After listening to his father's gospel group rehearse weekly in their living room, he was inspired to take up the saxophone. He led his own band ("The Echomen") while still in high school, then went on to major in music at SUNY Fredonia.

Sugar Hill signed his band, "Mother Freedom", in the late 70's and released one album.

Jim's serious vocal, songwriting and arranging talents, like his sax playing, have kept him in demand over the years. He's written songs with people like Kim Stone from the Rippingtons, performed on national commercials such as Buick, and shared the stage with acts including George Benson and Tower of Power. Jim also wrote many of the songs, as well as horn and vocal arrangements, for PTF's debut CD, "Ready and Willing".