 Powell was born in New York City on September 5 , 1931 . He was the youngest of three sons , after William , Jr . , and Bud , seven years Richie 's elder . Their parents were William , Sr. and Pearl Powell . The family was musical : William , Sr. was a stride pianist ; William , Jr. led bands as a trumpeter and violinist ; and pianist Bud became one of the leaders of bebop . 
