Richard Perry Productions: Top 10 Must-See Works
The legendary record producer Richard Perry, renowned for his remarkable contributions to music during the 1970s and 1980s, passed away on Tuesday, December 24, at the age of 82. Much like contemporary musical maestros such as Jack Antonoff, Greg Kurstin, Finneas, and Daniel Nigro, Perry’s influence was so profound that he became almost as celebrated as the talented artists he collaborated with. His unique approach to production and knack for crafting hit records made him a pivotal figure in the music industry.
While no producer can assure a chart-topping hit, the Village Voice praised Perry in 1973, stating, “the rungs on the ladder of success seem so much closer together when Perry is your guide.” This sentiment encapsulates the trust and admiration artists had for Perry, who helped shape numerous iconic tracks that defined the musical landscape of his time.
Recognized for his outstanding work, Rolling Stone honored Perry as “Producer of the Year” in 1973 for his exceptional collaborations with Carly Simon and Ringo Starr. At that time, the Grammy Awards lacked a dedicated category for producers in non-classical music, yet Perry remarkably earned nominations for Record of the Year in both 1973 for Nilsson’s “Without You” and 1974 for Simon’s “You’re So Vain,” showcasing his significant impact on the industry.
The Grammy Awards finally established a dedicated producer category the following year, leading to Perry receiving two nominations. Unfortunately, he did not win; he was outdone by the legendary Stevie Wonder in 1977 and Peter Asher in 1978, both of whom are also recognized as exceptional producers. It’s a testament to Perry’s talent that he consistently competed with such renowned figures in the industry.
Perry’s productions that garnered Grammy nominations in 1977 included Burton Cummings’ self-titled debut album, featuring the top 10 hit “Stand Tall,” and The Manhattan Transfer’s acclaimed third studio album, Coming Out. In 1978, his impressive portfolio expanded to include Diana Ross’ Baby It’s Me, Simon’s “Nobody Does It Better,” and Leo Sayer’s Endless Flight, which produced hits like “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing,” “When I Need You,” “How Much Love,” and “Thunder in My Heart,” showcasing his remarkable versatility and influence in the music industry.
Perry’s stellar contributions to the music scene were recognized when he topped Billboard’s end-of-year recap for Pop Producers twice, first in 1977 and again in 1984. This achievement highlights his sustained excellence and ability to create hits over multiple years, solidifying his legacy in pop music history.
Throughout his illustrious career, Perry produced over 30 songs that soared into the top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100. Below, we highlight 10 standout tracks that exemplify his remarkable talent and enduring influence in the music industry.
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“Stand Tall,” Burton Cummings (1977)
Hot 100 peak: No. 10
Songwriter: Burton Cummings
Notes: This elegant power ballad stands as the first and most significant solo hit for the former lead singer of The Guess Who, showcasing Perry’s ability to elevate artists to new heights.
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“I Only Have Eyes for You,” Art Garfunkel (1975)
Hot 100 peak: No. 18
Songwriters: Al Dubin, Harry Warren
Notes: Perry was only 17 when The Flamingos’ classic doo-wop rendition of this song peaked at No. 11 on the Hot 100 in 1959. However, its origins trace back to 1934, when it first gained popularity with bandleaders Ben Selvin and Eddy Duchin. Garfunkel’s mesmerizing and pristine interpretation served as Perry’s homage to the music of his formative years, echoing the deep emotional connection shared by many artists.
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“How Much Love,” Leo Sayer (1977)
Hot 100 peak: No. 17
Songwriters: Barry Mann, Leo Sayer
Notes: This lively, disco-infused track was Sayer’s follow-up to the poignant “When I Need You,” providing a refreshing contrast that lifted spirits. It became the third top 20 hit from Sayer’s acclaimed album, Endless Flight, which climbed into the top 10 on the Billboard 200 in June 1977. Many listeners mistakenly attributed “How Much Love” to Elton John, drawn in by its vibrant sound.
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“Oh My My,” Ringo Starr (1974)
Hot 100 peak: No. 5
Songwriters: Vini Poncia, Ringo Starr
Notes: This track marked the third consecutive top five hit from the Ringo album, following the successful “Photograph” and “You’re Sixteen.” Achieving three top five hits from a single album was a remarkable feat during that period. Notably, Martha Reeves and Merry Clayton lent their vocal talents as backing singers, while the legendary Billy Preston played piano and organ, with Tom Scott contributing on saxophone.
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“I’m So Excited,” The Pointer Sisters (1982-84)
Hot 100 peak: No. 30 in 1982; No. 9 in 1984
Songwriters: Trevor Lawrence; Anita, June, and Ruth Pointer
Notes: This infectious anthem initially peaked at No. 30 when released in 1982. However, a remixed version in 1984 propelled it to a well-deserved top 10 position, capturing the energy and excitement that the song conveys.
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“Without You,” Nilsson (1972)
Hot 100 peak: No. 1 (four weeks)
Songwriters: Tom Evans, Pete Ham
Notes: This powerful ballad stands as Perry’s longest-running No. 1 hit on the Hot 100, although Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” spent more weeks in the top 10. “Without You” famously kept the Carpenters’ “Hurting Each Other” at No. 2, showcasing its dominance. Additionally, Mariah Carey’s rendition of the song reached No. 3 in 1994, further attesting to its timeless appeal.
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“Nobody Does It Better,” Carly Simon (1977)
Hot 100 peak: No. 2
Songwriters: Marvin Hamlisch, Carole Bayer Sager
Notes: Had it not been for Debby Boone’s “You Light Up My Life,” which became the longest-running No. 1 hit of the 1970s, this sultry and sophisticated masterpiece would have claimed the top spot as Simon’s second No. 1 produced by Perry. Instead, it settled for three weeks at No. 2, trailing behind a record whose monumental success remains perplexing. Regardless, this track continues to be regarded as one of the all-time favorite James Bond songs.
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“Jump (For My Love),” The Pointer Sisters (1984)
Hot 100 peak: No. 3
Songwriters: Steve Mitchell, Marti Sharron, Gary Skardina
Notes: This infectious hit earned The Pointer Sisters a Grammy for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal. It later became iconic for its memorable scene in Love Actually, where Hugh Grant’s character is humorously caught dancing to its lively beat. The subtitle “For My Love” was added after Van Halen’s “Jump” dominated the Hot 100 early in 1984, further enhancing its popularity.
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“Stoney End,” Barbra Streisand (1971)
Hot 100 peak: No. 6
Songwriter: Laura Nyro
Notes: When this record was released, Barbra Streisand was already a superstar, though she hadn’t made a significant mark on the pop charts. This marked her first top 10 hit on the Hot 100 since the exquisite “People” in 1964. At just 28, Streisand was somewhat disconnected from contemporary pop music trends. Richard Perry introduced her to this Laura Nyro composition, heralding a new chapter in her career. Streisand’s bravery and talent, paired with Perry’s vision, ultimately positioned her alongside icons like Donna Summer and Linda Ronstadt as the most sought-after female artists in pop music by the end of the decade.
Fun Fact: Interestingly, Peggy Lipton, who starred in ABC’s The Mod Squad, had briefly charted with this song in 1968.
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“You’re So Vain,” Carly Simon (1973)
Hot 100 peak: No. 1 (three weeks)
Songwriter: Carly Simon
Notes: This iconic track, which has now stood the test of time for over 52 years, still resonates with audiences today. From its striking opening bass notes to the whispered “son of a gun” and the addition of Mick Jagger’s backing vocals, the song remains a powerful and fierce critique of an undeserving lover. It paved the way for future musical take-downs, including Linda Ronstadt’s “You’re No Good” and Alanis Morissette’s “You Oughta Know.” The long-standing speculation regarding the identity of the subject (widely believed to be Warren Beatty) continues, but ultimately, the song’s brilliance ensures its place as a timeless classic.
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