Richard Perry, a prominent record producer known for his influential work in the 1970s and 1980s, passed away at the age of 82 on December 24, 2023, due to cardiac arrest. His contributions to music have left an indelible mark, particularly with hits such as Harry Nilsson’s “Without You” and Carly Simon’s “You Are So Vain,” both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Grammy accolades.
Throughout his career, Perry produced over 30 Top 20 hits on the Hot 100. His work with notable artists like Barbra Streisand on “Stony End” signified a shift to modern pop for the legendary singer. His production style is characterized by precision and power, evident in hits like Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You” and Burton Cummings’ “Stand Tall.”
Perry’s acclaim is underscored by his recognition in Billboard magazine as the top single producer on two occasions, and he received consecutive Grammy nominations for Producer of the Year in the late 1970s. His influence extended beyond pop music, with notable ventures into other genres, producing the Grammy-winning “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before” with Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson.
Born on June 18, 1942, in Brooklyn, New York, Perry had a music-oriented upbringing. After graduating from the University of Michigan in 1964, he founded Cloud Nine Productions and later joined Warner Bros. Records. His first significant mainstream success came with Tiny Tim’s “God Bless Tiny Tim,” leading to a fruitful career marked by numerous collaborations with major artists.
Perry’s notable projects include his work with artists like Ringo Starr, with whom he produced iconic songs that highlighted the former Beatles’ unique contributions. He also significantly advanced Barbra Streisand’s career with several successful albums, shaping her musical trajectory in the 1970s.
Despite never winning a competitive Grammy, Perry was honored with the Recording Academy’s Trustees Award in 2015 for his exceptional impact on music. His legacy continues to resonate through the countless hits he helped create, influencing not only pop music but also various other genres throughout his extensive career.In January 1974, Rolling Stone magazine recognized record producer Perry as the “Producer of the Year” for 1973, noting his notable collaborations with Carly Simon and Ringo Starr, which included work with Mick Jagger, John Lennon, George Harrison, and Paul McCartney. Perry’s career further expanded in 1978 when he played a record producer in the film *American Hot Wax*, which tells the story of DJ Alan Freed.
Perry produced the significant hit “Rhythm of the Night” for DeBarge in 1985, marking the first Top 5 song crafted by renowned songwriter Diane Warren. Throughout his career, he worked on numerous projects, including Ringo Starr’s covers of songs like “You’re Sixteen” and “Only You,” contributing to their commercial success.
In 1988, he produced the album *Rock, Rhythm and Blues*, featuring classic ’50s songs performed by contemporary artists, which included notable names like Elton John and Chaka Khan. One track, Randy Travis’s rendition of “It’s Just a Matter of Time,” topped Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart and received a Grammy Award.
Perry’s work continued into the 1990s, when he produced Ray Charles’ album *My World*, which entered the Billboard 200, along with a notable single that won a Grammy for Best R&B Vocal Performance. His collaboration with Carly Simon in 2004 on the standards collection *Moonlight Serenade* was critically acclaimed, winning a Grammy for Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album.
Additionally, Perry produced Rod Stewart’s *Great American Songbook* series, released between 2002 and 2010, with all five volumes achieving high chart positions and Grammy nominations. In April 2020, Perry published his memoir titled *Cloud Nine: A Record Producer’s Memoir*, reflecting on his extensive career in music production.
Perry is survived by his brothers and had a long-term relationship with actress Jane Fonda from 2009 to 2017.