A Life Behind the Soundtrack

Abell Auction Co. is pleased to present The Estate of Legendary Record Producer Richard Perry on May 21, spotlighting instruments, furnishings, gold records and memorabilia belonging to one of the most accomplished music producers of the 1970s and beyond. Together, the pieces reflect the music sessions and legendary gatherings at his Los Angeles home that shaped his world and relationships, and left a lasting impact on American popular culture.

Over the course of a career spanning more than five decades, Perry worked with an extraordinary roster of artists, including Carly Simon, Harry Nilsson, Rod Stewart, Ringo Starr, Barbra Streisand, Diana Ross, Art Garfunkel and the Pointer Sisters. Widely admired for matching the right song with the right artist, Perry was behind enduring hits such as “You’re So Vain,” “Without You” and “I’m So Excited.”

A one time drummer, oboist and doo wop singer, Perry was known for moving effortlessly across pop, rock, standards and crossover recordings while bringing a polished musical instinct to every project. Among his many career highlights was producing Ringo Starr’s 1973 “Ringo” album, noted for featuring contributions from all four Beatles. He also helped produce Rod Stewart’s highly successful Great American Songbook series and was credited with helping guide his move into standards.

Remembering Richard Perry

Auction Highlights

Highlighted items include an iconic Strohmenger Art Deco piano and bench played by Herbie Hancock and Elton John during evenings at Perry’s home, with Liza Minnelli once singing beside it.

The sale also includes a Martin & Co acoustic guitar that was passed around at parties and played by Bob Dylan, George Harrison, Mick Jagger and Harry Dean Stanton, often while Elton John or Herbie Hancock played piano and others joined in on hand percussion.

A Seeburg SMC1 disco jukebox became part of Perry’s legendary gatherings, where Mick Jagger and Jim Carrey danced to Aretha Franklin and other songs. Perry also played music from the jukebox for guests including Elton John, Herbie Hancock, Martin Scorsese and Robbie Robertson.

Other highlights include a set of conga drums from late night gatherings at Perry’s home, a Martin & Co ukulele played by Harry Dean and other celebrities, Richard Perry’s Grammy Trustees Award, and RIAA gold record awards for Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” and Leo Sayer’s “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing.”

Fine art and other notable items include Louis Icart’s signed “Thoroughbreds, Pur Sang” oil on board and Fritz Winold Reiss’s signed “Art Deco Landscape” pastel and charcoal. Together, the works and objects tell the story of a home filled with music, friendship and Hollywood history.