Today The Orchard’s Co-founder, Richard Gottehrer, turns 80 years old (but we really mean, young!). Richard’s infectious spirit has become the heart and soul of The Orchard. Richard, The Orchard worldwide wishes you a wonderful birthday and year ahead filled with music, positivity, good spirits, delicious wine, and plenty of stories. Thank you for your wisdom, gift of music, and creating a place for independent artists to thrive.
Richard’s career has touched the full spectrum of the music industry — from songwriter, producer, label head, entrepreneur, and co-founder. He’s checked off a lot in his career. His long-lasting musical career has spanned generations. He penned The Angels’ number one hit “My Boyfriend’s Back,” produced “Hang on Sloopy,” and released “I Want Candy” as one third of The Strangeloves.
In 1966, Richard co-founded Sire Records, introducing the world to the Ramones, Talking Heads, and more. For decades, Richard composed and produced multi-platinum hits for Blondie, The Go-Go’s, Richard Hell, David Bowie, The J. Geils Band, Jerry Lee Lewis, and more.
With the rise of technology in 1997, Richard saw an opportunity for independent artists and songwriters and co-founded The Orchard. Over the next 23 years, The Orchard would become the industry’s leading independent music company, an innovation hub for independent artists globally to release their music anywhere, anytime.
In 2019, Music Biz recognized Richard with an Outstanding Achievement Award. Today we celebrate Richard’s 80th birthday. Cheers!
