James Richard Jarrard was born on August 14, 1939.[1]

 

In the early 1960s, Jarrard was a member of The Greenwood Singers. On May 5, 1967, he married another member of the group, singer Donna DiMartino. Jarrard produced some of the group's records and solo recording by DiMartino. The couple released a few singles as Rick And Donna. The two divorced in 1971. Jarrard later married Nancy Harvey and the two remained together until his death.

 

Jarrard produced the Jefferson Airplane’s Surrealistic Pillow which spawned the hits "Somebody to Love" and "White Rabbit." He produced many hit recordings by Jose Feliciano including "Light My Fire" and "Feliz Navidad."’

 

Jarrard introduced Harry Nilsson to RCA who signed him to a recording contract. Jarrard produced Nilsson first RCA albums.

 

Jarrard is credited with discovering Michael McDonald who was only 17 when Jarrard brought him to Los Angeles, signed him to a record deal, and developed him as an artist and songwriter.

 

During his long career, Jarrard produced numerous other top artists, was nominated for a "Producer of The Year" Grammy and received over 40 gold and platinum albums.

 

During the final years of his life, Jarrard managed Rick Jarrard Productions from his home in Pine Mountain Club, California.[2]

 

Rick Jarrard died on October 13, 2021[3], and was laid to rest at the Eternal Valley Memorial Park in Newhall, California.