Legendary Record Producer Richard Perry Passes Away at 82

Renowned music producer Richard Perry has tragically passed away at the age of 82 on Christmas Eve.

Perry was best known for his work with iconic artists, including The Beatles. He produced Ringo Starr's 1973 album, Ringo, which featured contributions from all members of the legendary band, marking a rare moment of collaboration after their breakup.

His impressive career also included producing Carly Simon's famous track, You’re So Vain, and Sir Rod Stewart's celebrated series, The Great American Songbook.

Richard Perry died from cardiac arrest at a hospital in Los Angeles, as confirmed by his friend Daphna Kastner. She fondly remembered him, saying, 'He maximised his time here.'

Perry's connections extended beyond music as he had famous relationships with Hollywood stars, including Jane Fonda and Elizabeth Taylor. Kastner affectionately referred to him as a 'father friend', noting that he was the godfather to her son. She reflected on his generous and fun nature, stating, 'The world is a little less sweet without him here, but it’s a little sweeter in heaven.'

His rise to fame began in the late 1960s with the production of Captain Beefheart's album, Safe as Milk. By the 1970s, he became one of the industry's most sought-after producers due to his innovative flair and distinctive style.

Perry collaborated with various significant artists, such as Barbra Streisand, Harry Nilsson, Fats Domino, Martha Reeves, The Pointer Sisters, and The Band. In her memoir My Name is Barbra, Streisand praised Perry for his ability to match the right song with the right artist.

Rod Stewart also mentioned Perry in his autobiography, Rod, describing Perry's home in West Hollywood as the setting for numerous memorable late-night gatherings filled with music and joy.

In addition to his work with The Beatles, Perry began by producing Sentimental Journey, a track from Starr’s first solo album, which helped him develop a close friendship with the musician. His next project, Ringo, achieved significant success, hitting number two on the charts and featuring collaborations from notable artists like Nilsson, Billy Preston, Steve Cropper, and Martha Reeves, with hit singles such as Photograph and You’re Sixteen.

Perry also worked with John Lennon, producing the song I’m The Greatest, which brought three of the Beatles back into the studio shortly after their split. During this session, Starr played drums and sang lead, Lennon contributed vocals and keys, and George Harrison joined later after a call from his assistant.

Perry expressed his excitement in his memoir, Cloud Nine, recalling how he felt he was at the epicenter of a significant musical moment.

While Paul McCartney was not personally involved in that collaboration, he contributed to the arrangement of vocals for the ballad Six O’Clock.

In recognition of his contributions to music, Perry received a Grammy Trustee Award in 2015.

Apart from music, Perry’s life was filled with high-profile relationships. Besides Fonda and Taylor, he was briefly married to actress Rebecca Broussard.

music, producer, Beatles