By the time he enrolled in college at Florida State University, Richie had already been playing in bands touring the southeast, and had experienced opening for Gov't Mule, the GRAMMY Award-winning Derek Trucks Band, B.B. King, and Maceo Parker.  After receiving his Bachelor of Science in studio art in 2001, Richie packed his bags and headed to the Atlanta music scene to pursue his passion.

From the jam/funk-driven grooves of Deep Blue Sun, the "newgrass"/island sounds of Stop Drop and Roll, to the slide screaming' roots of The Donna Hopkins Band, Richie has been establishing himself as a versatile and proficient musician in Atlanta's music community for the past decade.  He has also recently tried collaborating with engineer Jeff Bakos (Bakos Ampworks/Studio) to create what Ralph Roddenbery considers to be his most powerful and uplifting record to date, "For So Long."

Presently, Richie is fully dedicating his time and skills to session work gigging, and teaching.  Currently working with Donna Hopkins on a new album at Treesound Studios in Atlanta, Richie's plan is to continue establishing himself as a working studio drummer and musician, both locally and nationally, laying down drums and percussion, as well as producing.  He continues to work with several bands and musical projects that tour the southeaster circuit, and nationally.  Whether in a club environment or on a festival stage, Richie is always ready to sit back and let the music take him.  When not in the studio or touring, he teaches both children and adults the art and passion of playing drums and percussion.  Richie feels, "Being able to express my passion for music on stage and educationally is the greatest experience I've ever had, and for that, I'm so very thankful!"