Richard Perry is a legendary music producer who has made a significant impact on the music industry throughout his career. Born on June 18, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, Perry was exposed to music at a young age, thanks to his parents, who were both music lovers. He started playing the piano when he was six years old and continued to study music throughout his school years. Perry went on to attend college in California, where he continued his music studies and developed a passion for producing.
Perry’s big break came in the late 1960s, when he landed a job as a staff producer for A&M Records. There, he worked with a variety of artists, including Herb Alpert, The Association, and Sergio Mendes & Brasil ’66. Perry’s work with these artists helped to establish him as a talented producer with a unique sound.
In the 1970s, Perry struck out on his own and formed his own label/production company, Planet Records, which spawned the The Pointer Sisters impressive career. Perry produced a litany of hit songs and albums during this time. Some of the most notable artists he worked with during the 70s include Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, and Harry Nilsson. Perry’s work with these artists helped to solidify his reputation as one of the best producers in the industry.
Perry’s success continued into the 1980s and 1990s, as he continued to produce hit records for a variety of artists. Some of the most notable albums he produced include Rod Stewart’s “Blondes Have More Fun” and Luther Vandross’s “Power of Love.” Perry also produced significant albums for huge artists like Diana Ross, Diana Krall, and Ray Charles during this period.
Throughout his career, Perry has been known for his unique production style, which combines elements of rock, pop, and R&B. He has also been praised for his ability to bring out the best in the artists he works with, helping them to create music that is both commercially successful and artistically fulfilling.
In addition to his work as a producer, Perry has also been involved in a variety of other projects throughout his career. He has served as a judge on the hit television show “American Idol,” and he has also produced music for film and television. Some of the most notable projects he has worked on in this capacity include the films “The Last Dragon” and “Tango & Cash.”
Today, Perry is considered to be one of the most influential producers in the history of the music industry. His contributions to the world of music have helped to shape the sound of popular music for generations, and his work continues to be celebrated by fans and industry professionals alike. Whether he is working with established artists or helping to launch the careers of up-and-coming musicians, Perry’s dedication to music and his unique production style have made him an important figure, even a legend, in the industry.
You can see a list of Richard Perry’s credits here.