Ron Richards (producer)
Ron Richards (22 January 1929 – 30 April 2009)[1] was a British record producer, best known for discovering The Hollies.[2]
Born Ronald Richard Pratley in London, England, he played the piano and saxophone for the Central Band of the Royal Air Force.[1] Richards later worked at EMI's Parlophone imprint as an assistant to producer George Martin. Richards discovered and signed The Hollies in 1963 to a recording contract with the Parlophone label. Richards produced most of The Hollies' music between 1963 to 1979, during which time they had seventeen Top 10 hit singles in the UK, as well as worldwide success.[2] He also produced The Beatles' "Love Me Do" and Gerry & the Pacemakers' "You'll Never Walk Alone".
In August 1965, Richards joined Martin in leaving EMI to start AIR Studios.[3][4] Working for Liberty Records, Richards was also the musical director for P.J. Proby and together they worked on the Proby albums.
Ron Richards died in Watford, Hertfordshire in April 2009,[1] and his funeral was held on 15 May in Hemel Hempstead.
[edit] References
- ^ a b c Thedeadrockstarsclub.com - accessed June 2010
- ^ a b Lastingtribute.co.uk
- ^ Independent.co.uk
- ^ Tobler, John (1992). NME Rock 'N' Roll Years (1st ed.). London: Reed International Books Ltd. p. 149. CN 5585.
