Richard Perry, legendary music producer behind numerous iconic hits of the 1970s and 1980s, passed away Tuesday in Los Angeles at age 82 from cardiac arrest, as confirmed by friend Daphna Kastner Keitel to The New York Times.

Perry's illustrious career included producing milestone recordings like Carly Simon's "You're So Vain," Barbra Streisand's "Stoney End," Harry Nilsson's "Nilsson Schmilsson," and Ringo Starr's "Ringo" and "Goodnight Vienna." His breakthrough came with producing Tiny Tim's debut album "God Bless Tiny Tim," featuring the hit "Tip-Toe Thru the Tulips With Me."

Born in Brooklyn, Perry began his musical journey singing with The Legends before graduating from the University of Michigan. His tenure at Warner Bros. Records (1967-1970) saw him working with legends like Ella Fitzgerald and Fats Domino.

Throughout his career, Perry collaborated with an impressive roster of artists including Art Garfunkel, Diana Ross, The Pointer Sisters, Andy Williams, and Leo Sayer. His work earned him seven Grammy nominations and a prestigious Grammy Trustees Award for lifetime achievement in 2015.

Known as a "song doctor" in the studio, Perry's production style was characterized by its clarity and ability to enhance artists' natural talents. "I try to make the artist the biggest and best they can possibly be," he told Musician magazine in 1985.

His 2020 memoir, "Cloud Nine: Memoirs of a Record Producer," chronicles his fascinating career and experiences with music industry luminaries, including memorable moments with Paul Simon and Tina Turner. Perry's final major works included collaborating with Rod Stewart on his Great American Songbook albums, cementing his legacy as one of popular music's most influential producers.

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