Born into a musical family, Richard made his first record at the age of ten and his acting debut at twelve. As a vocalist, he first appeared publicly at the age of fifteen and formed his first band while in high school. After a successful career performing in clubs and concerts, and recording with RCA pop, vocal-instrumental group, "The Match" he relocated to Mount Shasta in Northern California to raise a family and pursue opportunities to compose for theatre and the educational choral field. As a founding member of a local, non-profit, performing arts center, Richard composed music for two original, full-length musicals. And with his brother, composer-arranger Roger Emerson, wrote 6 original, short-form musicals for educational publisher, Hal Leonard.
Jazz has always had a major influence on Richard’s musical endeavors and in 2007 he recorded his first solo CD featuring standards from the Great American Songbook and two original compositions. His newest CD, "Collaborations" was released in October 2010 and features all original smooth jazz compositions.
Richard is currently working on a new musical with writing partner Allen King.