Richard Perry, music producer behind Carly Simon and Ringo Starr hits, dies at 82

Richard Perry, the legendary record producer behind iconic hits like Carly Simon’s You’re So Vain, has passed away at 82. Perry died on Tuesday at a Los Angeles hospital after suffering cardiac arrest, confirmed by his close friend Daphna Kastner. Remembering him as a “father friend” and godfather to her son, Kastner described Perry as “generous, fun, and sweet,” adding, “The world is a little less sweeter without him here.”

Known as a “musician’s producer,” Perry shaped the careers of artists like Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, and Rod Stewart. His knack for pairing the right song with the right artist was highlighted in Streisand’s 2023 memoir, where she credited Perry for modernizing her sound. Perry’s work with Ringo Starr on the 1973 album Ringo brought Starr commercial success post-Beatles, featuring contributions from all four Beatles. Tracks like Photograph and You’re Sixteen became chart-topping hits, with the album selling over a million copies.

Perry also facilitated a near-Beatles reunion on I’m the Greatest, uniting Starr, John Lennon, and George Harrison just three years after the band’s breakup. Beyond Starr, Perry’s collaborations included Harry Nilsson, Fats Domino, and Martha Reeves, solidifying his reputation as a transformative force in music.

A recipient of the Grammys Trustee Award in 2015, Perry’s career was defined by his ability to revitalize artists’ careers and craft enduring hits. While his personal life, including relationships with Jane Fonda and Elizabeth Taylor, often made headlines, it was his work behind the scenes that left an indelible mark on the music industry.

Perry’s legacy lives on, with his groundbreaking contributions continuing to inspire generations of artists and producers alike.