Renowned record producer Richard Perry has passed away at the age of 82 due to cardiac arrest, as confirmed by his friend Daphna Kastner Keitel. Perry, who died on December 24 in Los Angeles, was remembered for his generosity and the positive impact he had on the music industry and the lives of those around him.
Over a prolific four-decade career, Perry earned a reputation for his work with a variety of iconic artists, including Rod Stewart, the Beatles, Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, and Diana Ross. He won the Grammy Trustee Award in 2015 for his contributions to music.
Born on June 18, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Perry was raised in a musical family and pursued his education in music and theater at the University of Michigan. After graduating in 1964, he founded Cloud Nine Productions and began his career in the music industry. His first major project was producing Captain Beefheart’s debut album in 1967, after which he became a staff producer for Warner Bros. Records.
Perry is perhaps best known for producing Carly Simon’s hit “You Are So Vain,” which sparked much speculation about its subject. In his memoir, he disclosed that the song was inspired by a composite of several men from Simon’s past, primarily his friend Warren Beatty. He also produced Ringo Starr’s famous third solo album, “Ringo,” which included contributions from other Beatles members and achieved significant commercial success.
Throughout his career, Perry produced numerous hits across various genres and was known for his ability to pair the right songs with the right artists. His collaboration with Rod Stewart on “The Great American Songbook” marked a high point in his later career. Following Perry’s passing, Stewart expressed his grief on social media, highlighting their close friendship and professional partnership.
Perry’s last credited production was in 2011 for the cast recording of the Broadway show “Baby It’s You!” His legacy in the music industry is significant, leaving behind a rich discography that reflects his passion and talent for music production.