Rod Stewart was left heartbroken as he paid tribute to his “true friend” Richard Perry on Instagram on Wednesday after the music producer died aged 82.
Richard, who shared an 8-year romance with Jane Fonda and was behind Rod’s The Great American Songbook, died of cardiac arrest, his friend Daphna Kastner confirmed to the AP.
Rod revealed that he and his wife Penny Lancaster, 53, who he married in 2007, were “crying” at the sad news.
Writing a statement, Rod wrote: “Dear Richard, goodbye my dear friend. They say that in life a man is lucky if he can count his true friends on one hand, and without a doubt you were one of them.
Now I have lost you and I am devastated. We played and worked closely together for many years, creating some of the most memorable music together.”
He concluded: ‘You were there when Penny and I started dating, fostering our relationship. We both cry when I post this farewell.’
Rod Stewart was left heartbroken as he paid tribute to his ‘true friend’ Richard Perry on Instagram on Wednesday after the music producer died aged 82.
Richard, who shared an 8-year romance with Jane Fonda and was behind Rod’s The Great American Songbook, died of cardiac arrest, his friend Daphna Kastner confirmed to the AP; Pictured with Joan in 2016.
Several fans rushed to the comments to send their condolences to the Maggie May singer.
He was a prince, as you are, dear Rod… my deepest condolences to you and Penny. With love, Bebe; I’m so sorry. He was really special. xx Bruce; I am very sorry for your loss.
‘I’m so sorry for your loss. Prayers for Richard and his loved ones, including you and Penny; I am very sorry to read this thinking of all of you and your family.
‘Richard Perry RIP to one of the greatest music producers of all time; I am very sorry for your loss, Mr Rod.’
In a statement announcing the news, Kastner said, “He maximized his time here” and described Richard as a “father friend” and godfather to his son.
‘He was generous, funny, sweet and made the world a better place. The world is a little less sweet without him here. But in heaven it’s a little sweeter.
Ben McCarthy, Richard’s personal assistant for almost 30 years, shared with TMZ that the producer had battled Parkinson’s disease.
McCarthy recounted her visit with Richard about a month ago, noting that although Richard could no longer communicate verbally, he was still in good spirits.
During the 1970s, Richard worked with a variety of legendary artists, including Carly Simon, Barbra Streisand, Art Garfunkel, Diana Ross and Ringo Starr, cementing his legacy as one of the most sought-after producers of his time.
Rod revealed that he and his wife Penny Lancaster, 53, who he married in 2007, said the couple were “crying” at the sad news.
Writing a statement, Rod wrote: “Dear Richard, goodbye my dear friend. They say that in life a man is lucky if he can count his true friends on one hand, and without a doubt you were one of them.
Sir Rod photographed with Richard in 2002; LR Diane Warren, Rod Stewart, Clive Davis, Richard Perry
Several fans rushed to the comments to send their condolences to the Maggie May singer.
Widely regarded as a producer of musicians, Richard collaborated with artists such as Harry Nilsson on Without You, The Pointer Sisters on I’m So Excited, and Willie Nelson and Julio Iglesias on To All the Girls I’ve Loved Before.
He was known for helping Barbra Streisand modernize her sound, reviving careers like Fats Domino’s, and elevating rising stars like Leo Sayer.
A New York native, born to musician parents who co-founded Peripole Music, Richard was a skilled drummer and oboist.
Early in his career, he joined the doo-wop group Escorts and then studied music and theater at the University of Michigan before moving into producing.
Teamed with Gary Katz, who later worked with Steely Dan, Richard began producing in the 1960s and quickly rose to fame with projects such as Captain Beefheart’s Safe As Milk and Ella Fitzgerald’s Ella, which featured covers of songs by The Beatles and Smokey Robinson.
By the 1970s, Richard had established his legacy with million-selling albums, such as Barbra Streisand’s Stoney End, guiding his transition into contemporary pop and rock.
Streisand recalled their collaboration as creative and musically liberating, noting their enthusiasm and vision.
Beyond music, Richard’s life was filled with connections to cultural milestones and iconic figures.
He dated Elizabeth Taylor and Fonda, attended iconic events like Otis Redding’s performance at the Monterey Pop Festival, and hung out with music legends like Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger.
Rod Stewart described Richard’s West Hollywood home as a center of late-night revelry.
Although Richard initially dreamed of a career on Broadway, his decision to focus on producing transformed him into an industry giant whose influence spanned decades and genres.