Richard "Dimples" Fields facts for kids
Richard "Dimples" Fields (born March 21, 1942 – died January 12, 2000) was an American singer. He was known for his R&B and soul music, especially in the 1980s. People often called him "Dimples" because he smiled a lot.
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Early Life and Music Beginnings
Richard Fields was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. He started singing professionally in the early 1970s. He even bought a music club in Oakland called the Cold Duck Music Lounge. He often performed there himself.
He began recording his own songs on his personal record label, called DRK. A record label is a company that produces and sells music. Later, he signed with a bigger company called Boardwalk Records in 1981.
First Songs and Albums
His first small hit song was a cover of "Earth Angel" by The Penguins. A cover song is when an artist sings a song that was originally sung by someone else. His first album for Boardwalk Records also had a song called "She's Got Papers On Me." This song told a story about a married man, and his wife's side of the story was sung by Betty Wright.
Rising to Fame
Richard Fields' biggest hit song came out in 1982. It was called "If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another." This song became number one on the US Billboard R&B music chart for three weeks! It also reached number 47 on the main Billboard Hot 100 chart.
He had first recorded this song in 1975 for his own DRK label. The song talked about life's problems. Later, a friend convinced him to record an updated version. This new version was included on his album Mr. Look So Good! before it was released as a single. In February 1982, his song "I've Got to Learn to Say No" also reached number 56 on the UK Singles Chart.
Other Popular Songs
While Richard Fields had good success on the US R&B chart, "If It Ain't One Thing, It's Another" was his only song to make it onto the Billboard Hot 100. Another popular song of his was "Your Wife Is Cheating On Us."
Later Career and Legacy
After his big hits, he had a few more songs that were not as successful. Boardwalk Records, his record company, closed down in 1983. He then signed with RCA Records. However, he was dropped by them after some more songs and albums did not do well.
Producing Music
Later, he was known simply as "Dimples." He continued to record music for other record labels like Columbia Records and Life. He also worked as a record producer. A record producer helps artists create their music and albums. He worked with groups like 9.9 and The Ohio Players.
Richard "Dimples" Fields passed away in Novato, California, in January 2000. He was 57 years old and died from a stroke.
