RICHARD Perry, the legendary music producer who worked with the legendary Beatles, has died at the age of 82.
Perry passed away on Tuesday in a Los Angeles hospital following cardiac arrest, according to his close friend Daphna Kastner.
“He maximized his time here,” Kastner said, describing Perry as a “father friend” and the godfather to her son.
“He was generous, fun, sweet, and made the world a better place.
“The world is a little less sweet without him here, but it’s a little sweeter in heaven.”
Perry’s remarkable career spanned decades, earning him a reputation as a “musician’s producer” with an ability to blend contemporary sounds with timeless standards.
His production credits include Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain, Rod Stewart’s The Great American Songbook series, and Ringo Starr’s 1973 album Ringo, which featured contributions from all four Beatles — one of the closest reunions the band ever achieved after their breakup.
Perry also collaborated with a wide range of artists, including Barbra Streisand, Fats Domino, Harry Nilsson, The Band, and Martha Reeves.
He was crucial in helping artists update their sound or revive their careers, tailoring his approach to suit each performer’s unique style.
“He had a knack for matching the right song to the right artist,” Streisand noted in her 2023 memoir, My Name is Barbra.
Perry’s groundbreaking work in the studio earned him numerous awards, including the Grammy Trustee Award in 2015, a recognition of his lasting contributions to the music industry.
Beyond his professional achievements, Perry’s vibrant personal life also drew attention.
He famously dated Hollywood icons Jane Fonda and Elizabeth Taylor, further solidifying his place in the cultural spotlight.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1942, Richard Perry was surrounded by music from a young age.
He attended the University of Michigan, where he studied music and began developing his passion for producing.
His big break came in the late 1960s when he worked on Captain Beefheart’s Safe as Milk album, which showcased his innovative production style.
Perry’s career quickly gained momentum, and by the 1970s, he was one of the most sought-after producers in the industry.
He worked across a wide spectrum of genres, producing hits for artists as diverse as Ella Fitzgerald and Diana Ross.
His ability to connect with musicians and bring out their best performances became his hallmark.
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