Richard Saunders was born in New York City in 1945. He grew up in Great Neck, on Long Island's north shore. Suspended from high school for a year, he applied to U.C. Berkeley because it was 3000 miles away and had a reputation as pinko. Arriving in Berkeley September, 1964 Richard got there in time to participate in the events of the sixties, build a washtub bass, and commence a musical career as a bassist. Oh yes, he received a BA in history in 1969.

Richard studied music composition, harmony and counterpoint with Bill Matthieu from 1968 to 1970 when he bought his first upright bass ($275 with bow and bag). He has played and recorded with Country Joe and the Fish, Freddie Hubbard, Joe Henderson, Jessica Williams, Cat Anderson, the San Francisco Mime Troupe, various TV shows and ads, and movie scores. He is proud of his work with Klez-X (formerly San Francisco Klezmer Experience). He currently is on the faculty of the San Francisco Community Music Center.