The North Dakota Music Hall of Fame proudly inducts Richard Torrance, a highly accomplished singer, songwriter, and guitarist whose career has spanned over six decades, from national rock stardom in the 1970s to his current role as a dedicated ambassador for blues-rock in the Northern Plains. Born in Bismarck, North Dakota, Torrance’s professional journey, marked by major label success and a lifelong commitment to his craft, powerfully demonstrates the wealth of musical talent originating from the state.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Richard Torrance was born in Bismarck in 1950 and resided in North Dakota until 1968. His musical calling began as a child, inspired by watching iconic acts like Elvis and The Beatles on The Ed Sullivan Show. His first performance was at a talent show at Roosevelt Grade School at age 10. Growing up in a family tied to Bismarck’s local history—the Torrance Addition subdivision is named after his family, who owned the A.W. Lucas Co. department store—he credits the state’s community and environment for shaping his musical development. After high school, he relocated to Los Angeles to pursue his dream, marking the start of a challenging but dedicated professional journey.
Big Break in Hollywood
Torrance achieved significant national success in the 1970s, signing two major contracts with prominent labels: Shelter Records and Capitol Records. He released seven albums during this decade, including Eureka (1974) and Anything’s Possible (1978), and he wrote or co-wrote more than half the songs on his albums. His composition, “Rio De Janeiro Blue,” became a notable hit, recorded by over thirty artists worldwide, including Randy Crawford and Nicolette Larson.
Career Highlights and Continued Success
During the height of his career, Torrance toured nationally, opening for some of the biggest names in rock and roll, including The Eagles, Bob Seger, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, The Beach Boys, and Chicago, performing at major venues and events like “A Day On The Green.” Following decades in California, he returned to North Dakota in 2004, committing to advancing the local music scene. His current project, Jennifer Lyn and the Groove Revival, has achieved impressive success, with a live album, Live from the Northern Plains (2024), reaching Number 4 on the national Billboard Blues Chart.
Personal Life and Legacy
Richard Torrance has become a central figure in the North Dakota music community. He has been inducted into the Bismarck High School Hall of Fame, served as a music director for the “Marketplace for Entrepreneurs” conference, and teaches songwriting as an artist-in-residence in elementary schools. He and his current band pride themselves on celebrating the classic blues/rock sounds of the 1970s, keeping the genre alive for a new generation while proudly representing Bismarck and the wealth of talent in North Dakota while on tour. His lifelong perseverance and commitment to performing, which began over 62 years ago, is a testament to his passion for music.