Richard Gottehrer is a distinguished American songwriter, record producer, and record label executive. Gottehrer co-founded The Orchard in 1997 alongside his longtime business partner, Scott Cohen. As an independent global distribution and label services company, The Orchard has become a pivotal force in the music landscape and is proudly affiliated with Sony Music Entertainment.

Gottehrer’s illustrious career traces back to the 1960s when he emerged as a Brill Building songwriter. He achieved his first No.1 record as both a songwriter and producer with “My Boyfriend’s Back” by the Angels. This success marked the beginning of a remarkable journey that included hits like “Hang On Sloopy” by the McCoys and “I Want Candy” by the Strangeloves, a group in which Gottehrer was a member.

In 1966, he joined forces with Seymour Stein to establish Sire Records, a label that played a pivotal role in the rise of the new wave genre. Sire Records became a launching pad for iconic artists such as Blondie, Madonna, Ramones, and Talking Heads. Gottehrer’s production prowess extended to the Go-Go’s’ 1981 debut album, Dr. Feelgood, as well as collaborations with Richard Hell, the Bongos, and Moonpools & Caterpillars, marking their major label debut in 1995 with Lucky Dumpling.

With a legacy that spans decades and encompasses diverse facets of the music industry, Richard Gottehrer remains a key figure in shaping the landscape of popular music. His co-founding role in The Orchard solidifies his ongoing impact, as the company stands as a global powerhouse in digital music distribution.