February 2, 2021, Richard Weize
was awarded with the CROSS OF THE ORDER
OF MERIT of the Federal Republic of Germany on proposal of Federal President
Steinmeier.
Richard Weize was born in summer
1945 in Bad Gandersheim, Lower Saxony. As
a youth he became enthralled with the
music of the early 50s. He had a special liking for country, rock ‘n’ roll and jazz from
the USA and consequently started collecting
records excessively.
In 1975 he founded the BEAR FAMILY label
in Bremen (followed more recently by his imprints …AND MORE BEARS and RWA RICHARD
WEIZE ARCHIVES). BEAR FAMILY soon established themselves with elaborate re-releases
and compilations, especially with music
from the 1950s to the 1970s. Their extensive
box-sets – produced in co-operation with
artists, specialists and music historians
worldwide – enjoy cult status. In 2009 Weize
press release
was awarded with the German ECHO for
“Special merits in the field of music.” Various
BEAR FAMILY productions were nominated for
the Grammy Awards eleven times altogether.
BEAR FAMILY has released more than 400
multi-disc box-sets, anthologies and compilation series which are highly regarded by
fans, critics, collectors and historians. The
accompanying coffee table books are legendary – illustrated with often rare or unpublished pictures, they contain biographies
and essays by renowned historians and
experts, and always feature Richard Weize’s
meticulously researched discographies (with
detailed musician and producer credits –
even listing the exact time of the lunch
break in a recording session!).
In these releases artists as diverse as
Bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe, singer and
actress Doris Day, country icon Johnny
Cash, songwriter Woody Guthrie and
German entertainers like Caterina Valente
or Gunter Gabriel are acknowledged with
the loving care and eye for detail they truly
deserve.
“Everything this singular
company puts out is superlative
and packaged with arts,
smarts, and love.”
Michael Simmons (Mojo, L.A. Weekly)
BEAR FAMILY has always
made great quality records.
I’m glad they’re here.
Willie Nelson • musician
Richard Weize and the
BEAR FAMILY experience
has enriched this world
immeasurably.
Marty Stuart • musician
For the BEAR FAMILY folk,
we’re saying ‘dankeschön’.
Bob Dylan on “Theme
Time Radio Hour”
