Goff Richards was born in Cornwall; studying at the Royal College of Music and Reading University.

Between 1976 and 1989, he lecturered in arranging at Salford College of Technology and directed the Big Band there - which went on to win BBC Big Band of the Year in 1989.

His works have been regularly performed by a range of ensembles including: the King's Singers, the Boston Symphony Orchestra, the BBC Radio Orchestra, amongst others. He also travelled extensively as a conductor, adjudicator, and broadcaster.