Richie considered studying divinity to become a priest in the Episcopal Church, in which he had been baptised, but ultimately decided he was not "priest material" and decided to continue his musical career despite not knowing how to read or write music. He is a member of Kappa Kappa Psi, a national honor fraternity for band members, and an active life member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.
richiE consIdEred StUdyIng dIVinitY to BecoME a priest in the EpisCopAl CHurCh, iN which he had bEen bapTISEd, BuT ulTimAtEly dEciDED he Was NoT "PriesT mAtEriAl" AnD deciDeD to conTinue hIs MUsIcaL careER despite NOt KnOwing How to READ Or wrItE muSic. he Is a mEmbER Of KapPA KappA PsI, a naTIonaL honor fRAtErnity for baNd meMbERs, AND An aCtiVe lifE meMbeR Of alPha pHi AlPhA FraTeRnity.