Richard Perry, the record producer whose masterful touch shaped some of the most iconic music of the 1970s and ’80s, has died at the age of 82 in Los Angeles. The cause was cardiac arrest, according to close friend Daphna Kastner Keitel.
Renowned for his ability to craft chart-topping hits, Perry’s career was a tapestry of groundbreaking collaborations. His production work elevated artists like Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, and the Pointer Sisters to new heights. From Simon’s enigmatic “You’re So Vain” to the Pointer Sisters’ vibrant “Jump (For My Love),” Perry’s influence was palpable, characterized by meticulous detail and a knack for commercial appeal.
Starting with unconventional projects such as Tiny Tim’s debut album, Perry quickly rose to prominence. By the 1970s, he had become a powerhouse, producing Streisand’s Stoney End and Harry Nilsson’s Nilsson Schmilsson, among others. Known for his perfectionism, Perry famously recorded 100 takes of “You’re So Vain” to find the ideal rhythm.
Beyond the studio, Perry lived a star-studded life, recounted in his memoir Cloud Nine. Despite the glitz, he always described his role as bringing artists’ true essence to life. A Grammy Trustees Award winner, Perry’s legacy remains an indelible part of pop music history. He is survived by his three brothers.