Richard Leon James (born Isaac Vapnick; 12 December 1920 – 1 February 1986) was a British music publisher and singer. He and Brian Epstein established The Beatles' publishing company, Northern Songs. Later, with his son Stephen, James founded the DJM record label and recording studios, which signed Elton John and Bernie Taupin. == Early life == James was born on 12 December 1920 in the East End of London, to Polish Jewish immigrants. His father was a kosher butcher. ==... [more on Wikipedia]