Three-time Juno Award winner Kim Richardson is one of the finest singers of her generation who has worked and sung with everybody from Céline Dion and Corey Hart to Barry White and Stevie Wonder.
The daughter of Canadian stage legend Jackie Richardson, Kim moved to Montreal in 1988 where she became one of the most in-demand studio vocalists in the business, recording jingles and appearing on more than 550 albums. She also recorded two albums of her own, Kaléidoscope in 2006 and Mes Amours in 2011, regularly sings the anthems at Canadiens and Alouettes home games, and teaches one-on-one Private Study Jazz Vocal lessons at Concordia University’s Department of Music.
But her first love remains performing live: Richardson stole the show as Motormouth Maybelle in the $3-million blockbuster French-language Montreal remount of Hairspray at Theatre St-Denis, regularly tours and appears on television, and headlined the free outdoor Mundo Disko concert at the Fierté Montréal Festival on August 2, 2025.
The music legend sat down with Time Out Montreal for a candid Q&A.
You were only 19 when you won a Juno in 1985—what stands out from that night?
It was a pretty big deal for me because my date that evening was a guy that I had a hardcore crush on for years in high school! I did not expect to win the award, so when they called out my name, I was blown away. It was pretty surreal.
What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in 40 years as a singer and what do you pass on to new vocalists?
Keep your eyes and ears open, and always be ready to go with the flow because things can happen in a flash. You think you're going to be doing something a certain way, then all of a sudden it’s completely different from what you put in your head. So leave yourself completely open and embrace the experience because every session and every artist are going to be different. Have fun with it.
You’ve hit notes most can’t—right up there with Whitney and Donna!
Well, you have to understand that isn’t going to last forever. Those high notes have gone a little lower over the years. Sometimes when I’m feeling inspired they come back. But let’s not pretend it’s going to stay like that forever!
Why will disco always be important?
The beat gets you right away. Disco will get you moving and your foot tapping! It is feel-good music that makes people happy and want to get out on the dancefloor.
You performed at Mundo Disko at Fierté Montréal Festival. Why do you think gay audiences worship their divas like yourself?
I think it has to do with the presence of a diva because a diva commands the stage and will not be denied. Gay audiences respond to that because they see themselves reflected in their divas: “I am me, I’m loud and I’m proud.”
I remember one year at Pride and you and soul singer Sylvie DesGroseilliers sang backing vocals for gay icon Martha Wash!
Oh my God that was epic! I pinched myself because I’m such a fan of Martha.
How much do you love your hometown of Montreal?
I love Montreal, especially in the summertime when there is just so much going on. You can’t get bored in this city. The only thing I don’t love about Montreal are the orange construction cones!
I also love Montreal audiences. When I moved from Toronto to Montreal, I was overwhelmed by just how much Montreal audiences get it. They’re engaged, they listen, they react differently. Montrealers are more intense and passionate, and I think that’s because of the Latin influence.
Montreal has many neighbourhoods. Which is your favourite?
I would have to say the borough of LaSalle where I live because it has everything. All the amenities, all kinds of stores, and plenty of schools. Whether you’re a single person or a couple, or if you have kids, it’s a really comfortable neighbourhood, especially beautiful Parc Angrignon. That park is huge!
Where do you like to shop?
I like to shop at Chaussez En Grand shoe store because I have big feet. I also prefer small boutiques to big department stores, but being the size that I am, my choices are limited, so I also order clothes and accessories online.
What is your favourite bar, nightclub or venue in Montreal?
Diese Onze live jazz bar and restaurant, ranked by DownBeat magazine as one of the top jazz nightclubs in the world. It was my second home for more than 10 years. I’ve been away the last six months due to my touring schedule.
What’s your favourite local restaurant?
WellDun Pizza on Wellington in Verdun. Their pizzas will knock you out! I always drop by when I’m in the neighbourhood.
What are your favourite Montreal festivals?
There are so many festivals in Montreal! I like to wander around and check out the outdoor stages. I rarely see ticketed shows because they often conflict with my own bookings. But I’ll check out the outdoor shows on a night off. I like to support local artists performing at the Festival International de Jazz and at the Fierté Montréal Festival. And the talent at the Francos de Montréal the past few years has been really impressive.
You’re hailed as a living legend—how does that feel?
There is a certain peak that one must get to. But there is so much that I haven’t done yet, I feel like I’m not at that level. There are quite a few boxes I need to check off. The journey continues.
For more Fierté Montréal Festival programming highlights, click here. And for more Kim Richardson information and tour dates, click here.
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