Born in Brooklyn and raised on Long Island, Richie first studied classical piano and clarinet before picking up the tenor saxophone. He has recorded and toured with Billy Joel’s original band since 1975 and after being inducted into the Long Island Music Hall of Fame in 2015, he has reunited with The Lords of 52nd Street as their musical director. For over a decade, Richie has also been a member of The Beach Boys, working with them in the studio and on the road. However, his talents as a performing artist do not outshine his accomplishments behind the scenes. Offstage, Richie is an established businessman, producer, and bandleader, currently working as the musical director for the Bernie Williams Band. He has hosted his own Monday night jam at The Bitter End in Manhattan for over 20 years which has gained a reputation as one of the best open mics in New York. During the pandemic in 2021, Richie was asked to play New York State Of Mind with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra in Central Park for the Live Nation CNN broadcast in honor of New York City. He was also given the honor of performing the National Anthem at the Baseball Hall of Fame for Derek Jeter’s induction ceremony. Richie opened Cove City Sound Studios with his partner and dear friend Clay Hutchinson in 1983 and is proud to still be running it to this day.