Rich began his career drumming and singing with Do Wop bands in New York in the late 1950s. In 1965, he formed "The Fortels," recorded a single with Mercury Records, and toured the East Coast.  From 1968 to 1975, Rich played in clubs all over New York. In 1975, he was picked up as drummer for the Shirelles and toured with the Dick Clark Revue. He later moved to California and, upon seeing "The Poyntlyss Sistars" perform, he was determined to join the group. Rich was drummer for The Sistars from 1996 to March 2000, when he moved to the front-line vocalist position with the band.