Legendary Music Producer Richard Perry, Who Shaped 70s Pop Music, Dies at 82
Richard Perry, renowned record producer behind countless pop hits throughout the 1970s and 1980s, passed away at age 82 in Los Angeles due to cardiac arrest.
Richard Perry, producer, at age 82
Perry's illustrious career included producing iconic tracks like Carly Simon's "You're So Vain" and Barbra Streisand's "Stoney End." He also produced significant albums for Harry Nilsson (Nilsson Schmilsson) and Ringo Starr (Ringo and Goodnight Vienna).
Starting his career at Warner Bros. Records (1967-1970), Perry worked with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Fats Domino. His Brooklyn roots and education at the University of Michigan laid the foundation for his future success in the music industry.
Throughout his career, Perry collaborated with numerous prominent artists, including:
- Art Garfunkel
- Diana Ross
- The Pointer Sisters
- Andy Williams
- Leo Sayer
- Rod Stewart
Known as a "song doctor," Perry's production style was characterized by its clarity rather than a distinctive signature sound. His work earned him seven Grammy nominations and a prestigious Trustees Award for lifetime achievement in 2015.
In his own words from a 1985 Musician magazine interview, Perry described his approach: "I try to make the artist the biggest and best they can possibly be. I always conceived of producing as bringing the artist to life in someone's living room in the most glorious, complimentary performance one could imagine."
His 2020 memoir, "Cloud Nine: Memoirs of a Record Producer," chronicles his experiences in the music industry, including memorable moments with Paul Simon, Tina Turner, and countless other music legends.
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