Music Producer Richard Perry Passes Away at 82

Music producer Richard Perry, known for his iconic collaborations with numerous artists from Carly Simon to Barbra Streisand, has died at the age of 82.

Remembering Richard Perry

Daphna Kastner, Perry’s friend, confirmed his death to news outlets. “He maximized his time here,” Kastner said in a statement to ABC News. “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.” Kastner said that Perry died at a Los Angeles hospital after suffering cardiac arrest.

Legendary Music Producer

Perry cemented his legendary status by producing a number of popular albums in the Seventies, including Simon’s No Secrets, Streisand’s Stoney End, and Ringo Starr’s self-titled LP Ringo, as well as his following LP Goodnight Vienna.

Personal Life and Memoir

On top of his professional successes, Perry detailed his robust personal life in his 2021 memoir Cloud Nine: Memoirs of a Record Producer. His marriages to Linda Goldner, his first wife, and Rebecca Broussard ended in divorce. More recently, Perry was in a relationship with Jane Fonda from 2009 until 2017.

Collaborations and Influence

In a 1973 interview with Rolling Stone, Simon said that working with Perry is like working with “a movie director.”

“He sees himself as holding the camera, as directing the players, as calling the final shots, as doing a theme, rather than as an interpreter,” she said. “Richard has much more endurance than I have and much more perseverance, so where I would leave off, he would continue. Whenever he tried to direct my singing in a certain way and I would try to go along with direction, it ended up unnatural. He would realize that and say, ‘I’m sorry. Go back and sing it the way you feel it,’ and that would invariably end up to be the right way.’”

Legacy and Recognition

The producer built a reputation over his storied career working with accomplished artists. According to Variety, Simon said she recorded over 100 takes of “You’re So Vain” at Perry’s direction. Streisand also wrote about Perry in her 2023 memoir, saying, “Richard had a knack for matching the right song to the right artist.” The list of artists Perry worked with during his time in the music industry is extensive, including Rod Stewart, Neil Diamond, Donna Summer, Harry Nilsson, and the Pointer Sisters.

Over the course of his career, Perry was nominated for seven Grammys and in 2015 he was honored with a lifetime achievement award by the Grammys.

Remembering a Genius

“Perry is a commercial genius,” Stephen Holden declared in Rolling Stone in 1973. “The quality of sound Perry can produce is frightening. It is cold and glamorous in its corporate calculation, flexible enough to embrace the entire pop mainstream. Voices — Nilsson’s, Streisand’s, Simon’s — through electronic manipulation, become perfect technological artifacts, and every song a potential hit single.”

FAQs about Richard Perry

Q: What were some of Richard Perry’s most famous collaborations?

A: Richard Perry collaborated with artists like Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, and Ringo Starr, producing iconic albums such as No Secrets, Stoney End, and Ringo.

Q: What recognition did Richard Perry receive during his career?

A: Richard Perry was nominated for seven Grammys and received a lifetime achievement award from the Grammys in 2015 for his contributions to the music industry.

Q: How did Richard Perry’s approach to music production influence his collaborations?

A: Richard Perry’s unique approach to music production, described as “like working with a movie director” by Carly Simon, emphasized capturing the essence of each artist’s performance, resulting in timeless hits.

Q: What was Richard Perry’s impact on the music industry?

A: Richard Perry’s legacy in the music industry is defined by his ability to match the right song to the right artist, creating a lasting impact on the careers of musicians like Barbra Streisand, Rod Stewart, and Neil Diamond.

Q: How did Richard Perry’s personal life influence his career?

A: Richard Perry’s personal life, detailed in his memoir Cloud Nine, reflects his passion for music and dedication to his craft, showcasing the man behind the music and the impact he had on the industry.


Credit: www.rollingstone.com