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Johnny Richards was born Juan Manuel Cascales on November 2, 1911 in Toluca, Mexico to a Spanish father and a Mexican mother. He came to the United States in 1919 through Laredo, Texas along with his mother, three brothers and a sister. The family first lived  in Los Angeles, California and then in San Fernando, California, where he and two brothers attended and graduated from San Fernando High School.

1930 saw Richards living in Fullerton, California where he attended Fullerton College. Working in Los Angeles from the late 1930s to 1952, before moving to New York City. He had been arranging for Stan Kenton since 1950 and continued to do so through the mid-1960s. He also arranged for Charlie Barnet and Harry James.

He led his own bands throughout his career and composed the music for the popular song Young at Heart in 1953. The song was made famous by Frank Sinatra and was covered by numerous others.

Arranger and composer Johnny Richards transitioned on October 7, 1968 in New York City of a brain tumor.

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