Richard David Maloof (January 17, 1940 – May 1, 2024) was an American musician who played bass and tuba for the Lawrence Welk orchestra.
Richard graduated from San Juan High School in Citrus Heights, then attended Sacramento State University, Los Angeles City College and UCLA while searching for work as a musician.
[1][dead link] While stationed at the North American Air Defense Command (NORAD), Richard played in the NORAD Commanders Jazz Band alongside future Welk musicians Johnny Zell and Dave Edwards.
During his NORAD stint he got the invitation to join Lawrence Welk, both with the orchestra and on his weekly television show.
He also served six years with the Los Angeles Pops and also taught music sight and ear training for LA's Musicians Institute.