Richard Maloof

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Richard Maloof (born January 17, 1944) is an American musician who played bass and tuba for the Lawrence Welk orchestra.

Born and raised as one of three children to Cy and Lucille Maloof; Richard, upon graduating from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, attended Sacramento State University, Los Angeles City College and UCLA 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 Army.

While with the armed services, Richard continued with his music by playing with the NORAD Commanders Jazz Band alongside future Welk musicians Johnny Zell and Dave Edwards. It was during his stint in NORAD when 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 TV 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 LA's Musicians Institute.

He has been married to fellow Welk star Mary Lou Metzger since 1973, they make their home in Sherman Oaks, California.