Background
He was born and raised by Cy and Lucille Maloofas, one of three children.
He was born and raised by Cy and Lucille Maloofas, one of three children.
Richard graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, then attended Sacramento State University, Los Angeles City College and University of California, Los Angeles while searching for work as a musician.
He got his first break playing for Les Brown"s band and later Carmen Cavallaro before joining the United States Army. While stationed at the North American Air Defense Command (North America Air Defense), Richard played in the North America Air Defense Commanders Jazz Band alongside future Welk musicians Johnny Zell and Dave Edwards. During his North America Air Defense stint he got the invitation to join Lawrence Welk, both with the orchestra and on his weekly television show.
That was in August 1967 and he remained when the show ended in February 1982.
Richard has also performed music for several television shows such as The Julie Andrews Show and Kojak as well as several commercials and feature films, and has performed on stage for the show Forever Plaid. He also served six years with the Los Angeles Pops and also teaches music sight and ear training for Los Angeles"s Musicians Institute.
They reside in Sherman Oaks, California.