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. 1 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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