Richard Van Perry (June 18, 1942 – December 24, 2024) was a prominent American record producer, known for his influential role in shaping popular music from the 1960s through the 2000s. Born in Brooklyn, New York, Perry's early passion for music was fostered by his family, who were involved in music education and instrument sales. During high school, he formed a doo-wop group, The Escorts, and later attended the University of Michigan, graduating in 1964. Perry began his production career with notable projects such as Captain Beefheart’s Safe as Milk and Tiny Tim’s charting debut God Bless Tiny Tim. By the 1970s, he produced landmark albums for Harry Nilsson, Barbra Streisand, Carly Simon, and Ringo Starr, among others. His production of Ringo reached No. 2 on the charts and featured all four Beatles. In 1978, Perry founded Planet Records, achieving success with The Pointer Sisters. After selling the label in 1983, he continued as an independent producer, working with Ray Charles, Rod Stewart, and Carly Simon. Perry passed away in 2024 at age 82, leaving a legacy of chart-topping records and groundbreaking collaborations.