RICHARD PERRY,
1942-2024

Richard Perry, a prolific record producer who worked with the likes of Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, The Pointer Sisters and Rod Stewart, among others, has died at 82. He passed away on Tuesday in L.A. after suffering cardiac arrest.

Born in Brooklyn, Perry sang with a group called the Legends as a teenager and later graduated from the University of Michigan. His career began in the 1960s when he formed a production company with Gary Katz, later known for his work with Steely Dan. Perry gained early recognition with projects like Captain Beefheart’s Safe as Milk, Tiny Tim’s God Bless Tiny Tim and Ella Fitzgerald’s Ella. During his time at Warner Bros. Records from 1967 to 1970, he oversaw projects including a comeback record for Fats Domino.

Perry became a sought-after producer in the 1970s, creating landmark hits like Simon’s “You’re So Vain” and Harry Nilsson’s “Without You.” He worked with Streisand on Stoney End, helping her transition into contemporary pop, and facilitated a partial Beatles reunion on Ringo Starr’s 1973 album Ringo, which featured contributions from John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney. Perry also collaborated with Art Garfunkel, Diana Ross, Andy Williams and Leo Sayer.

In 1978, Perry founded his own label, Planet Records, where he signed and produced The Pointer Sisters, bringing forth their hit “I’m so Excited.” He was nominated for seven Grammys throughout his career, including one for directing the video for the same song. Later, Perry worked with Stewart on his multi-platinum Great American Songbook albums.

Perry was honored with the Grammy Trustees Award in 2015, recognizing his lifetime contributions to the music industry.

Photo by Lennox McLendon/AP