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Music Icon Richard Gottehrer Built The Orchard
8 May
Summary
- Co-founded The Orchard, the world's largest independent music distributor.
- Pioneered digital distribution by securing rights for digital music.
- Legacy spans songwriting, production, and executive roles in music.
Richard Gottehrer, an 86-year-old industry icon, has left an indelible mark on the music business. His career, which began in the 1950s, includes songwriting credits like "I'm On Fire" and co-writing the Angels' hit "My Boyfriend's Back." Gottehrer was a key figure during the Brill Building era and a co-founder of Sire Records.
His production work in 1976 at CBGBs yielded the first two Blondie albums, and he also produced the first Go-Go's album, bridging the gap between punk, new wave, and mainstream success. Gottehrer's extensive experience led him to co-found The Orchard in 1997 with Scott Cohen.
Recognizing the potential of online music stores like CDnow and Music Boulevard, Gottehrer and Cohen secured rights for digital distribution, even before broadband was common. This move, formalized through a deal with Valley Media, laid the groundwork for The Orchard's massive catalog.
By the time iTunes launched, The Orchard boasted approximately 150,000 titles, positioning it as a crucial supplier. Dimensional invested in The Orchard in 2003, allowing for global expansion and growth, with Gottehrer and Cohen traveling extensively to establish international representation.
Today, The Orchard operates over 50 offices worldwide, supporting independent artists like YOASOBI, BLACKPINK, and Bad Bunny. Gottehrer considers co-founding The Orchard his proudest achievement, valuing its role in fostering independent culture and nurturing talent, with long-term staff reinforcing its enduring legacy.
