Tributes are pouring in on social media for my friend, Richard Perry. The great record producer passed on Christmas eve after really fighting Parkinson’s Disease for years.
I’m so thrilled and touched that there are so many tributes, and that the media — radio, web, newspaper — has realized Richard’s importance. He would so happy to read these proclamations. When Richard was producing hits, there was no Grammy for that, and little recognition for producers. A few years ago, the Recording Academy gave him a Lifetime Achievement Award. (His friend and “rival,” Phil Ramone, also deserved that.)
For the last years of his life, Richard was surrounded by a family of friends who supported and took care of him including long time friend Daphna Keitel (wife of Harvey), music supervisor Bonnie Greenberg, Mr. Lauren Wild — who’s making a documentary about Richard, and many others. Robbie Robertson was a frequent visitor. Rod Stewart hung out with Richard twice recently. Carly Simon sang to him on the phone. Clive Davis called often, as did New York friends Joe Allen and Annette Tapert. Of course, Jane Fonda was always there.
Why so much love for this person? He was an exceptional, genuine friend who was interested in everyone. His door was always open. He loved music and life. He was the only person we knew who played the oboe and sang bass on doo wop songs.
The photo here I took at Clive’s 2016 Grammy party of Richard, Carly, and Jane. It was a rare and happy reunion.
PS A Richard playlist would include anything from Carly Simon, Ringo Starr, Nilsson, the Pointer Sisters, and so on. I guess “You’re So Vain,” “Without You,” “I’m So Excited,” and “Stoney End” are his classics.
Here are some tributes:
