December 25th 2024.
Renowned record producer Richard Perry, known for his ability to combine classic and contemporary styles and produce chart-topping hits such as Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," Rod Stewart's "The Great American Songbook" series, and a Ringo Starr album featuring all four Beatles, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 82. Perry, who received a Grammy Trustee Award in 2015, had been hospitalized in Los Angeles after suffering from cardiac arrest, according to his close friend Daphna Kastner.
Those who knew Perry remember him as a vibrant and generous individual who lived life to the fullest. Kastner, who considered him a father figure and whose son he was the godfather of, fondly recalls his fun-loving and kind personality. "He truly made the world a better place," she says. "Although we will miss him dearly, I believe that heaven just got a little sweeter with Richard's presence."
Perry's career was a testament to his versatility and musical prowess. He started out as a drummer, oboist, and doo-wop singer before becoming a highly sought-after producer. He was one of the few who have achieved the rare feat of producing number one hits in various genres, including pop, R&B, dance, and country. Whether it was Harry Nilsson's "Without You," The Pointer Sisters' "I'm So Excited," or Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias' "To All the Girls I've Loved Before," Perry had an uncanny ability to match the perfect song to the right artist. He was also known for treating musicians as equals and collaborating with them rather than imposing his own preferences.
In her 2023 memoir, "My Name is Barbra," Barbra Streisand wrote of Perry's talent for bringing out the best in artists. She recalls their first meeting and how she was immediately struck by his tall, curly-haired appearance and infectious smile. From their initial exchange of song ideas on a napkin at a restaurant, she knew that they had something special. Their collaboration resulted in the critically acclaimed album "Stoney End," which marked a departure from Streisand's signature show tunes and showcased her range and versatility as an artist.
Perry's life was filled with memorable moments and encounters with famous friends. He was present at iconic performances by Little Richard and Chuck Berry in the 1950s, witnessed Otis Redding's electrifying set at the 1967 Monterey Pop Festival, and attended recording sessions for The Rolling Stones' legendary "Let It Bleed" album. His social circle included the likes of Paul and Linda McCartney, Mick and Bianca Jagger, and he even dated Hollywood stars Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Fonda. His West Hollywood home was a hub for late-night parties and jam sessions with fellow musicians, as described by Rod Stewart in his autobiography "Rod."
One of Perry's most significant contributions to music history was his involvement in a near-reunion of The Beatles. Having produced a track on Ringo Starr's first solo album, he had grown close to the drummer through mutual friends like Harry Nilsson. In 1973, Starr released his self-titled album, which featured contributions from his former bandmates, as well as other notable musicians. The album was a commercial success, with hit singles like "Photograph" and "You're Sixteen." However, it was the non-hit track "I'm the Greatest" that left a lasting impression on Perry. The song, written by John Lennon and featuring Starr on drums and lead vocals, as well as Lennon on keyboards and backing vocals, and Klaus Voormann on bass, was a tongue-in-cheek ode to the self-deprecating drummer. Midway through the recording session, George Harrison even joined in after being summoned by a phone call from his assistant. Perry described the moment as being at the "epicenter of the spiritual and musical quest" he had dreamed of for years.
In the early 2000s, Perry teamed up with Rod Stewart for his highly successful "Great American Songbook" series. The idea came about during a conversation at their favorite restaurant, where Stewart was struggling with writer's block and looking for a change of pace. Perry suggested recording a collection of standards, and the rest is history. Their collaboration resulted in multiple million-selling albums and a new audience for Stewart's music.
Perry's musical talent was evident from a young age, growing up in a musical family and learning to play various instruments. He initially had dreams of becoming a Broadway actor but ultimately chose to pursue a career in music production. In the late 1960s, he formed a production company with Gary Katz, which would lead to numerous notable collaborations, including Captain Beefheart's "Safe As Milk" and Ella Fitzgerald's "Ella." His legacy lives on through the countless artists he worked with and the timeless music he helped create. Richard Perry will be remembered as a true maestro and a beloved friend to many.
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