Rod Stewart is mourning the loss of his dear friend and collaborator Richard Perry, who passed away on December 24, 2023, at the age of 82 due to cardiac arrest. Perry was more than just a music producer; he was instrumental in crafting Stewart's successful Great American Songbook albums and played pivotal roles on iconic records for many other renowned artists.
Stewart took to Instagram to express his grief, writing, "Dearest Richard, farewell, my dear buddy. They say in life, a man is lucky if he can count his true friends on one hand, and you were certainly one of them. Now I've lost you, and I'm devastated." His heartfelt post chronicled their decades-long partnership, where they created some of the music world’s most memorable tunes.
With tears evident in his heartfelt message, Stewart also shared the deep personal connection Perry had with his life, stating, "You were there when [my wife] Penny and I first started dating, encouraging our relationship. We were both in tears as I post this farewell." His words reflect not only the professional bond they shared but also the deep friendship rooted in shared experiences and mutual support.
Richard Perry's influence extended far beyond his collaborations with Stewart. He produced hit albums for legendary names like Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, and Ringo Starr, revolutionizing their work and bringing their sound to contemporary audiences. Some of the memorable works he produced include Carly Simon’s hit "You’re So Vain," Harry Nilsson's beloved ballad "Without You," and iconic tracks like "Photograph" and "Oh My My" by Ringo Starr.
Daphna Kastner, who confirmed the news of Perry's passing, spoke fondly of her friend, stating, "He maximized his time here. He was generous, fun, sweet, and made the world a little bit sweeter. But it’s a little bit sweeter in heaven." Commentary from those close to him paints Perry not just as shaping musical history but also being a personality who brightened the lives of those around him.
Perry’s long-time personal assistant, Ben McCarthy, revealed to TMZ the challenges Perry faced before his passing, indicating he had been battling Parkinson’s disease. McCarthy shared, "Richard had been battling for some time and could no longer verbally communicate but remained in good spirits." This paints a bittersweet picture of Perry’s resilience amid health struggles.
Stewart’s relationship with Perry was not only professional; it was one filled with shared adventures and personal milestones. Steinway Hall, out of which many of Perry’s endeavors were born, served as the backdrop for their camaraderie. Stewart nostalgically recounted Perry’s mansion as being the scene of numerous late-night escapades involving music, drinks, and high spirits.
Beyond producing music, Perry was known for modernizing the sound of the artists he worked with, helping them bridge traditional and contemporary genres. His work with Carly Simon, particularly on her hit "Nobody Does It Better," and with The Pointer Sisters on "I’m So Excited" remains influential. Notably, he reshaped the sound for Barbra Streisand, guiding her transition toward modern pop and rock sensibilities.
With every iconic record created, Richard Perry left an indelible mark on the music industry. While the loss is deeply felt by those who knew him, including artists and friends alike, his musical legacy continues to resonate through the timeless works he produced.
Rod Stewart's tribute captures the emotional weight of losing such a close friend and collaborator. The shared laughter, tears, and the indelible impact on each other's lives testify to the unique bond they forged. The music world may feel the emptiness left by Perry's departure, but his contributions will continue to be celebrated and cherished.
