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Like so many, Richie’s musical career began on February 9, 1964 when the Beatles performed on the Ed Sullivan Show to a US nationwide television audience for the first time. Soon thereafter, his first performance was in front of his grade school playing a cardboard cut out guitar along with the 45 single “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” (the “drummer” that day turned over a 5 gallon bucket for drums and used two plastic bowling pins for sticks).
By the time high school rolled around he had actually learned how to play the (real) guitar and performed at high school events, eventually beginning to work in clubs around St. Louis. After a couple of bands, Richie joined a local favorite band The Facts O Life and traveled the country doing a variety of shows with them including music, comedy, dance shows from Florida to Lake Tahoe. Coming back the St. Louis, the music continued with local favorites USA the Band, and The Blast. The Blast eventually migrated to Nashville to tour with some of the biggest country artists of the day including Randy Travis, Martina McBride, and the legendary George Jones.
After that it was time to come home, Richie joined longtime St. Louis favorite Fantasy for a nearly 17 year stint, playing along with some of St. Louis’ greatest musicians including trumpet master Jim Manley. Along the line performances with another local mainstay Macks Creek kept him busy, as well as a variety of performances with longtime friend and co founder of the band Mamas’s Pride, the great Danny Liston, which included memorable performances at the Sheldon Theater and opening for the late great Chuck Berry at the Duck Room in U City.
“I’ve had a long and wonderful career doing what I love, but when Butch Wax and now Garden Party has come along, it feels all fresh and new again! I’m thrilled to be playing with some of the midwest’s finest.”
I Want to Hold Your Hand----The Beatles
Crossroads----Cream/Eric Clapton
Pride and Joy----Stevie Ray Vaughn
Europa-----Santana
Take it Easy------Eagles
Do You Believe in Love-----Huey Lewis and the News
Summer Song-----Joe Satriani
Today is the Day-----Lincoln Brewster
Come Fly With Me------Frank Sinatra
Birmingham Blues------Charlie Daniels |
