Freedomfest • Wembley Statium • Natalie Cole • Teddy Richards

In June 1988, I was given a golden once-in-a-lifetime invitation and performance opportunity to travel to London England and perform at Freedom Fest, a global historical musical concert/event produced in conjunction with Amesty International, being held at London England’s Wembley Stadium, celebrating Nelson Mandela’s (then) upcoming 70th birthday and calling for his release from imprisonment by the South African apartheid regime.
It was an honor being part of a truly historic and impactful event. Serving as guitarist for Al Green, Natalie Cole, Joe Cocker, Ashford & Simpson and Freddie Jackson was an honor as well! The live production was broadcast globally to 67 countries and over 600 million people.
I subsequently performed at the 2nd Mandela Day concert in 2009 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall as guitarist in the Aretha Franklin band as well.
I’m forever grateful for both opportunities and experiences, in the name of abolishing segregation and promoting FREEDOM!
www.TeddyRichards.com