Richard Palmese began his career in the music business in the late 60s as a morning deejay at KSHE radio while attending St. Louis University. Post-graduate he joined Clive Davis at the newly formed Arista Records in 1975 and was named Senior VP of Promotion in 1980. He joined MCA Records as Executive VP of Marketing and Promotion in 1983 and was named president of MCA Records in 1990,[1] resigning in 1995.,[2] a position he held until returning to work with Clive Davis in 1996 as Senior VP at Arista Records. In 2000 Palmese was named Executive VP of Promotion for the newly formed J Records. He currently serves as Executive VP of Promotion[3] for the RCA Music Group overseeing Promotion for J, RCA and Arista labels.
During his many years in the music business he has been instrumental in the career development of many artists including; Barry Manilow, Whitney Houston, Elton John, Aretha Franklin, Patti LaBelle, Alicia Keys, BB King, Usher, Outkast, Carlos Santana, Rod Stewart, Sarah McLachlan, Dave Matthews Band, Avril Lavigne, Kelly Clarkson, Maroon 5, Christina Aguilera, Gavin DeGraw, Luther Vandross, Air Supply, Dido, Sean Combs, Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon & Ke$ha.
Richard and his wife of twenty-five years, Lana, reside in the New York area.