When he began pursuing music professionally, Country music became the path he chose. “I just felt like Country music was my calling,” he says. “That’s where I was supposed to be and that’s where my heart was leading me.”
In 2007 Richie decided it was time to start a new chapter in his career. He would have to leave the band and his brothers-in-music of 13 years. "I always thought that BNA Records and the band was a place I would be forever," he mused. "I just thought it was one of those partnerships that would never end. One of the very first songs I wrote when I came to town, and my first number one for Lonestar, was a song called 'Everything's Changed.' Life is all about change, and these things happen for a reason."
As a dedicated husband and father of three children—Rhett, 11, Mollie, 8 and Maisie, 6 the singer/songwriter realized that he wanted to continue to move people with his songs and make a difference in lives through music. As the co-writer of such songs as "Let Them Be Little," and "My Front Porch Looking In," Richie had always worn his love for his family as a badge on honor and infused his heart-felt lyrics with the emotion that love generated.
Richie also wanted to spend more time with Lorie and their three children. “I wanted to slow down a little bit and spend time with my family,” he says. "It doesn’t mean I’m retiring. I’m still going to go out and spread my testimony through my music. I want to touch people with songs that really mean something to them. I want to do my best to sing songs that can really make a difference in someone’s life.”
He is fulfilling a lifelong dream with the release of I Turn to You, an inspirational album that provides the Texas native a platform to share his beliefs and celebrate his faith.
