Richard E. Meyer

Richard E. Meyer (May 8, 1939 – August 18, 1992) was an American businessman, entrepreneur and record producer.

Biography

Meyer was born in Reading, Ohio, a suburb of Cincinnati. He applied to the U.S. Naval Academy, but was rejected because of his height (6 feet 7 inches). After graduating from the University of Michigan with a degree in journalism, he borrowed money to start an advertising agency named Meyer and Rosenthal. Within two years of opening, the company went from no revenue to $2 million. In 1974, Meyer joined the perfume company Jovan, Inc.[1] and became its president and CEO in 1977.[2] Under Meyer's leadership, sales of Jovan perfumes quadrupled.

In 1984, Meyer founded the Chicago-based record label Red Label Records.[3] In 1985, he wrote the lyrics for and produced the Chicago Bears' novelty record, "The Super Bowl Shuffle".[4]

In 1988, Meyer sued Ad Age magazine and its editor-at-large Joseph M. Winski[5] for libel after the magazine published an article alleging that Meyer was a heavy drinker and cocaine user. Meyer initially lost the suit, but the decision was reversed on appeal, leading to an undisclosed settlement between the parties.[2]

Personal life and death

Meyer died of cancer in 1992, at the age of 53. He was survived by his wife Julia and two daughters.[6]

References
  1. Reichert, Tom. The Erotic History of Advertising, Prometheus Books, 2003. Chapter 9 excerpt.
  2. Obituary: "Richard E. Meyer; Former Jovan Perfume Chairman", Los Angeles Times, August 24, 1992.
  3. McCormick, Moira (January 26, 1985). "Red Label Using Big-League Marketing". Billboard. Vol. 97 no. 4. p. 6. Retrieved October 1, 2019.
  4. Drehs, Wayne. "Behind The 'Super Bowl Shuffle'", ESPN Chicago, December 9, 2010.
  5. Millman, Nancy. "Libel trial of Ad Age under way", Chicago Sun-Times, October 29, 1991.
  6. Obituary: Richard E. Meyer, 53, Ex-chairman Of Jovan, Chicago Tribune, August 22, 1992.
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