Richard Perry, a highly influential record producer known for his stylistic contributions in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on December 24 in a Los Angeles hospital at the age of 82. His close friend attributed his death to cardiac arrest. Perry’s production work is marked by a series of major hits, most notably Harry Nilsson’s “Without You” and Carly Simon’s “You Are So Vain,” both of which dominated the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Grammy recognition.
Throughout his career, Perry produced over 30 Top 20 hits, including Barbra Streisand’s “Stony End” and several popular songs by The Pointer Sisters, such as “I’m So Excited.” His expertise earned him accolades, including top single producer rankings in Billboard’s year-end lists in 1977 and 1984, as well as multiple Grammy nominations.
A remarkable milestone in his career was achieving a spot in the Billboard 200 Top 10 for 42 consecutive years, starting with Tiny Tim’s album and concluding with Rod Stewart’s “Fly Me to the Moon… The Great American Songbook Vol. 1” in 2010. Perry had a history of working alongside various artists, including Ringo Starr, producing chart-topping tracks that left a lasting impact on pop music.
Perry’s musical versatility extended beyond pop; he also ventured into country and R&B, producing hits that influenced multiple genres. He received the Recording Academy’s Trustees Award in 2015, showcasing his recognition within the industry despite never winning a competitive Grammy.
Born on June 18, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Perry pursued music and theater at the University of Michigan before establishing his production firm. His notable projects include working with legends like Fats Domino and Ella Fitzgerald early in his career, eventually achieving a breakthrough with Streisand’s “Stony End,” which brought her back into contemporary pop music.
Perry’s legacy continues to resonate through the timeless hits he produced and the artists he influenced across various musical landscapes.In January 1974, Rolling Stone magazine recognized producer Perry as the “Producer of the Year” for 1973, largely due to his notable collaborations with artists like Carly Simon—most famously on “You’re So Vain”—and Ringo Starr. His work reached acclaim for both its creativity and its impact on the music industry.
Perry also ventured into acting, appearing as a record producer in the 1978 film American Hot Wax, which chronicled the life of DJ Alan Freed. His connection to music and its history was further highlighted by his experiences as a young fan attending Freed’s live shows.
In 1985, Perry produced the hit “Rhythm of the Night” for DeBarge, marking a significant contribution to pop music. He became known for producing a range of hits, including Ringo Starr’s “You’re Sixteen” and several tracks that showcased the talents of various artists, such as Art Garfunkel and the Platters.
A notable project in his career was 1988’s Rock, Rhythm and Blues, featuring classic ’50s tracks reimagined by contemporary artists. The album included celebrated names like Elton John and Chaka Khan, and Randy Travis’s rendition of “It’s Just a Matter of Time” reached number one on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart, later winning a Grammy.
Perry continued to produce successful records into the 1990s, including Ray Charles’ “My World,” which made its way onto the Billboard 200 and earned accolades for its standout track “A Song for You.” His partnership with Carly Simon was revitalized in 2004 with the album Moonlight Serenade, which won a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Perry’s influence extended into the early 2000s with Rod Stewart’s Great American Songbook series, which garnered multiple Grammy nominations and chart success. The producer’s memoir, Cloud Nine: A Record Producer’s Memoir, was published in April 2020, offering insights into his remarkable career.
Perry is survived by his brothers and had a notable relationship with actress and activist Jane Fonda from 2009 to 2017. His legacy in the music industry is marked by numerous hits and collaborations, showcasing his significant role in shaping the sound of popular music.