Richard Perry, the influential record producer behind some of pop music's iconic hits, has passed away at the age of 82. Perry, known for his work on Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" and Rod Stewart's "The Great American Songbook" series, died on December 24, 2023, at a Los Angeles hospital due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by his friend Daphna Kastner.
Described as generous and vibrant, Kastner reflected on Perry's life, saying, "He maximized his time here. He was generous, fun, sweet and made the world a...better place. The world is a little less sweeter without him here. But it’s a little bit sweeter in heaven."
Perry began his musical career after graduating from the University of Michigan, making his mark in the late 1960s and developing close relationships with the biggest names of the 1970s, including Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, and Ringo Starr. His ability to craft number one hits across multiple genres solidified his reputation as one of the most sought-after producers of the era.
With Perry's guiding hand, Simon's "You're So Vain" became one of the defining songs of its time, hitting number one and sparking endless debate about its lyrical subject. Celebrated for his unique knack for pairing artists with the perfect song, Streisand praised him, noting, "Richard had a knack for matching the right song to the right artist," highlighting his unparalleled ability as a producer.
Before soaring to fame, Perry played drums, oboe, and sang doo-wop before transitioning to production. His work on the avant-rock cult classic, Captain Beefheart's "Safe as Milk," helped him gain recognition, leading to high-profile collaborations with legendary artists. Perry took great pride in his work, treating musicians as equals and creatively collaborating with them to achieve their best performances.
He was also known for his social prowess, often mingling with rock royalty. Rod Stewart recounted the party vibe at Perry's West Hollywood home, referring to it as "the scene of much late-night skulduggery through the 1970s and beyond, and a place you knew you could always fall...for...drink and music and dancing." Perry always embraced music as the lifeblood of any gathering.
His tenure as the founder of Planet Records began in the late 1970s, where he signed several successful acts and produced hit songs for The Pointer Sisters, which led to chart-topping hits like "Neutron Dance" and "I'm So Excited." Perry's innovative approach often saw him recording 100 takes of a single song, honing every note until they reached perfection.
Perry’s work with Rod Stewart culminated in the "Great American Songbook" series, reinventing classic tunes and garnering immense success. Their collaboration emerged during Stewart's challenging personal times, using the albums to navigate his way back to musical prominence.
Although Perry never won competitive Grammy awards, he received the Grammy Trustees Award for lifetime achievement in 2015, acknowledging his contributions to the industry and the remarkable connection he cultivated with musicians over decades.
His personal life was as colorful as his career. After a high-profile relationship with Hollywood icons like Liz Taylor and Jane Fonda, their romance lasted from 2009 to 2017. Even after their breakup, Fonda and Perry maintained their close friendship, displaying the enduring bond between them.
While modern music continues to evolve, the essence of Perry’s work remains relevant, with his reputation as the consummate “musician’s producer” enduring. Survived by his brothers Roger, Fred, and Andrew, Perry's legacy is cherished among those who knew and worked with him. His influence reverberates through the fabric of pop music, ensuring his place among the greats.
