Richard Perry, a celebrated music producer credited for producing some of the most widely known hits in popular music, died on December 24, 2024, at the age of 82. He died after suffering a cardiac arrest and had been living with Parkinson’s disease in his later years.
Richard Perry was born on June 18, 1942, in Brooklyn. His lifelong passion for music took root early in life, especially rock and roll, which mesmerized him in its infancy (Britannica).
Perry formed his first band while he was still a teenager. A doo-wop vocal group called the Escorts, Perry’s group featured local talent and reflected his growing enthusiasm for performing and music production.
The Escorts also included Genya Ravan, who would become the leader of Goldie & the Gingerbreads, one of the earliest all-female rock bands.
A 1960 graduate of a Brooklyn prep school, Perry went on to the University of Michigan, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music and theater in 1964. After completing his studies, Perry created a record production company called Cloud Nine Productions, marking a change from performer to producer.
He moved to Los Angeles in 1967 and started writing at Warner Bros. Records. His first major production was Captain Beefheart’s Safe as Milk album. His big break arrived in 1968 with Tiny Tim’s debut album God Bless Tiny Tim, featuring the hit Tip-toe thru’ the Tulips with me.
Richard Perry's Legendary Career in Music Production
According to a report by All Music, Richard Perry shot to fame in the 1970s as one of the most in-demand producers in the business. He worked with legendary artists across genres, including Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Harry Nilsson, and Art Garfunkel.
Perry’s most celebrated achievement was working on Carly Simon’s No Secrets album in 1972, which included the hit song “You’re So Vain.”
Perry founded Planet Records in 1978, and the label signed and produced hits for groups such as the Pointer Sisters. Perry’s production approach brought success and the release of albums such as Break Out in 1983.
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He sold the label to RCA Records in 1983 but continued to work with major artists like Rod Stewart, Julio Iglesias, and Neil Diamond.
Richard Perry has received many honors for his work in music and won the Grammy Trustees Award in 2015 for his significant influence on the recording industry.
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