Francis William Richter was born in 1888 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, to Frederick William Richter (1865-1920) and Carolina Lena F. Richter (1866-1921). While Richter was still a child, the family moved to Portland, Oregon, where his father worked as a musician and music teacher. Francis Richter demonstrated musical talent at a young age, and became known in Portland for his ability to play the piano and compose his own works. Blind from birth, Richter initially composed via dictation. In 1907, Alma A. Rogers successfully raised funds to sponsor Richter's musical training in Europe, and accompanied him during his three years of study abroad. While in Europe, Richter learned how to write text and music in Braille. He subsequently composed by writing in Braille as well as by dictation. After receiving a doctorate, Richter returned to Portland, and performed locally, as well as throughout the U.S. and Canada. He also taught piano, organ, and composition, and worked as a theater organist.

Following a brief marriage with Mabel Youngberg, Richter became reacquainted with his childhood friend, Clara Rahn (later Clara Richter, 1886-1955). The two developed a romantic relationship and married in September 1922. In 1924, the couple moved to Minneapolis, where Francis Richter continued to perform and teach, and served as staff organist for the Minneapolis radio station KSTP. In 1938, the Richters moved to Southern California, with the intention that Francis Richter would write film soundtracks. However, he died suddenly on December 25, 1938, in Pasadena, California. He was buried at Crystal Lake Cemetery in Minneapolis.

Sources: Articles in the Oregonian, Oregon Journal, Minneapolis Journal, and Star Tribune (Minneapolis), 1902-1956; information provided by Mary Sue Waser and Karen K. French in 2017; vital records on Ancestry.com.