Biography

Richard Gottehrer (born 1940) is an American songwriter, record producer and record label executive. In 1997, he founded The Orchard, an independent music and video distribution company. His career began as a Brill Building songwriter in the 1960s. His first number 1 record as a songwriter and producer was "My Boyfriend's Back" followed by other hits like “Hang On Sloopy” by The McCoys and "I Want Candy," eventually leading to the formation of Sire Records in 1966 with Seymour Stein. His career continued as producer for acts such as Blondie, The Go-Go's, Dr. Feelgood, Richard Hell, The Bongos, and the path eventually led him to Orchard Street in 1997.