Ted Perry | |
|---|---|
| Born | George Edward Perry (1931-05-15)15 May 1931 |
| Died | 9 February 2003(2003-02-09) (aged 71) London, England |
| Occupation | Record executive |
| Known for | Founder ofHyperion Records |
| Spouse | Doreen Perry (div. 1981 or 1991) |
| Children | 3 |
| Awards | MBE (1990) |
George Edward "Ted" Perry (15 May 1931 – 9 February 2003) was a British record executive and founder of classical music labelHyperion Records.[1][2]
Perry grew up in a working-class family inDerby. A childhood hip operation left him unable to take part in sports, leading to an early passion for music. He started memorizing classical record catalogues and began working at a record shop inLondon as a teenager.[2] He later joinedDeutsche Grammophon’s London office in 1956 before moving toSydney in 1957 to work forFestival Records.[1][2]
Returning to Britain in 1961, Perry joined the Saga music label as director of artists and repertory. After various roles in the industry and co-foundingMeridian Records, he established Hyperion in 1980 with his wife Doreen Perry and another partner.[2] To support the business in its early years, he worked as a mini-cab driver during the night while his family helped package records.[1]
Hyperion gained early success with recordings such asA Feather on the Breath of God (1982), featuring themusic ofHildegard of Bingen. Releasing "Sacred Vocal Music ofMonteverdi" (1984) also proved to be a big succces. Performers weresopranoEmma Kirkby,tenorIan Partridge andbassDavid Thomas.[2] The label became known for exploring lesser-known repertoire, includingRenaissance,Baroque andRomantic works, as well as a comprehensive 36-CD cycle of songs ofFranz Schubert led byGraham Johnson.[1][2] Perry often promoted emerging artists over established stars, supporting performers likeLeslie Howard andStephen Hough.[1] Eventually Hyperion Records became the biggest independent classical label in Great Britain.[2]
Perry was appointedMBE in 1990 for services to music.[1] He died of lung cancer inLondon on 9 February 2003 at the age of 71.[2] He was survived by a son and two daughters.[1][2]
