J D Barham

Richard Chon, a native of New York, grew up in a very musical family. And he began to play the violin at the age of eight (8).
Living in Buffalo, he was able to meet and listen to a myriad of musicians and composers – Aaron Copland, John Cage, Elliot Carter, Morton Friedman, just to name a few.
While attending middle school he became a member of the Erie County Orchestra playing the violin. That led him to enter college studying music, and he became a music journalist as well as an outstanding musician.
Moving to Bakersfield, CA, Richard discovered Western Swing and Country music including Bob Wills, Buck Owens and others. And he began to play with many of the well-knowns around that area.
This all led to his playing with Hall of Famers Bobby Black, Bing Nathan and others. This led him to playing a variety of music including Cajun, but still some classical, in around the Bay area of California. From Bach to Bluegrass, Richard can play it.
Richard is also known for composing music for many movies. He quotes the famous Duke Ellington: “If it sounds good, then it is good.” And Richard is known for not only his improvisations but always sounding good.
And whether writing, leading, backing up others, and setting an example for other musicians, Richard Chon stands out as an outstanding individual that is looked up to by all of us.