Richard Perry, the legendary record producer who defined an era of pop music with his meticulous and innovative approach, passed away on Dec. 24, 2024, at a hospital in Los Angeles. He was 82 years old. His death was confirmed as cardiac arrest by longtime friend Daphna Kastner Keitel, according to Billboard.

Known as one of the most accomplished producers of the 1970s and 1980s, Perry was responsible for crafting hits that remain timeless. Among his most celebrated works are Nilsson’s “Without You” and Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” both of which topped the Billboard Hot 100 and earned Grammy nominations for Record of the Year. These songs showcased Perry’s hallmark style: lush arrangements, dynamic energy and an unparalleled attention to detail.

Perry’s impact extended far beyond those two iconic tracks. He produced more than 30 Top 20 hits, including Leo Sayer’s “When I Need You,” Barbra Streisand’s “Stoney End,” and numerous hits by The Pointer Sisters, such as “I’m So Excited” and “Jump (For My Love).” His influence reached across genres, from pop and R&B to country, where he helmed Julio Iglesias and Willie Nelson’s crossover hit, “To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.”

Born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1942, Richard Van Perry’s love for music was evident from an early age. After earning a degree in music and theater from the University of Michigan, Perry launched his production career with Captain Beefheart’s debut album, Safe as Milk, in 1967. His first major success came with Tiny Tim’s God Bless Tiny Tim, which climbed the Billboard 200 in 1968.

Over the decades, Perry worked with an astonishing array of artists, from Ringo Starr to Ella Fitzgerald. His collaborations with Carly Simon, particularly on her chart-topping No Secrets album, marked a creative high point. Simon’s “You’re So Vain” remains one of the most iconic songs of the 1970s, blending Perry’s precise production with Simon’s incisive lyrics and unforgettable melody.

Though Perry never won a Grammy in competition, he was honored with a Trustees Award from the Recording Academy in 2015, acknowledging his lasting contributions to the music industry. His groundbreaking work earned him multiple Grammy nominations, including for Producer of the Year and Album of the Year for Nilsson’s Nilsson Schmilsson.

Perry’s career spanned decades, with projects like Rod Stewart’s Fly Me to the Moon…The Great American Songbook, Vol. 5 in 2010 proving his enduring relevance. In total, his productions achieved a 42-year span of Top 10 albums on the Billboard 200—a testament to his adaptability and creativity.

Richard Perry’s work will forever resonate through the countless records he produced and the artists he elevated. As Carly Simon once noted, his ability to bring out the best in performers set him apart: “Nobody could capture the emotion and power of a song like Richard.”

Perry leaves behind a legacy of timeless hits, an indelible mark on popular music and inspiration for future generations of producers. His contributions to music history will be celebrated for years to come.