Edna Richardson facts for kids

Edna Woods, born on August 23, 1949, is an American singer, dancer, and actress. She is also known by the name LeJeune Richardson. Edna was part of the famous Ike & Tina Turner show in the 1960s and 1970s. She was one of the "Ikettes," who were backup singers and dancers. Later, in the 1980s and 1990s, she danced for Tina Turner during her solo career. Edna also sang backup for other artists like Gayle McCormick and John Mayall. She was also in a singing group called Silver, Platinum & Gold.

Edna Woods' Early Life and Career

Edna Woods was born in Akron, Ohio, on August 23, 1949. When she was a teenager, she worked as a beautician. She also loved to sing gospel music.

Her professional singing career began with a group called Soul Sensations. In 1968, Edna joined the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. She became an "Ikette," a backup singer and dancer for the popular duo.

Touring and TV Shows

As an Ikette, Edna traveled all over the world. She appeared on many famous television shows. These included The Hollywood Palace and The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour. She also performed on Soul Train, The Dick Cavett Show, and The Midnight Special. Other shows were Cher and Don Kirshner's Rock Concert.

Acting in Movies

In the mid-1970s, Edna also tried acting in movies. She had roles in two films. These were Truck Turner in 1974 and Darktown Strutters in 1975.

Singing with Silver, Platinum & Gold

The Ike & Tina Turner Revue ended in 1976. After that, Edna joined a new singing group. It was a trio called Silver, Platinum & Gold. The group included Edna, Renee King, and Flo King. Renee and Flo were also former backup singers.

They released their first album, Silver, Platinum & Gold, in late 1976. Edna helped write seven of the songs on this album. Their song "Just Friends" became a hit. It reached No. 63 on the Billboard R&B chart. The group also toured with the band Wild Cherry in 1976. They released another album, Hollywood, in 1981.

Dancing for Tina Turner

In 1980, Edna joined Tina Turner's solo career as a dancer. Around this time, she started using the name LeJeune Richardson. She appeared in Tina Turner's music videos. These included "Let's Stay Together" (1983) and "Help!" (1984). Edna toured with Tina Turner on and off. Her last tour with Tina was the Foreign Affair World Tour in 1990.

Edna was married to Kings of Rhythm drummer Soko Richardson.

Music Albums

Silver, Platinum & Gold Albums

• 1976: Silver, Platinum & Gold
• 1981: Hollywood

Backup Singing Credits

• 1972: Gayle McCormick – Flesh & Blood
• 1977: John Mayall – A Hard Core Package

Movies