Abell Auction Co. Presents The Estate of Legendary Record Producer Richard Perry on May 21, Reflecting a Life Immersed in Music, Style and Creative Excellence

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--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. Live online bidding will begin at 10 a.m. PDT.

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 onetime 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 “The Great American Songbook” series and was credited with helping guide his successful move into standards.

“Richard Perry helped shape the sound of popular music for more than five decades, and this auction reflects the extraordinary breadth of his influence well beyond the studio,” said Todd Schireson, vice president of Abell Auction Co. “The pieces in this sale capture not only Perry’s remarkable professional legacy, but also the creative world that unfolded in his home over many years, from impromptu performances around the piano to music played late into the night from a well-loved jukebox.”

Highlighted items include:

• An iconic Strohmenger art deco piano and bench ($30,000-$50,000) played by Herbie Hancock and Elton John during evenings at Perry’s home, with Liza Minnelli once singing beside it.

• A Martin & Co acoustic guitar ($6,000-$8,000) 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. It is also believed June Pointer sang during some of these impromptu sessions.

• A Seeburg SMC1 disco jukebox ($7,000-$10,000) that 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.

• A set of bongo drums ($1,000-$1,500) from the late-night gatherings at Perry’s home that Ringo Starr was known to play.

• A Martin & Co ukulele ($2,000-$3,000) played by Harry Dean Stanton and other celebrities during gatherings at Perry’s home.

• Richard Perry’s coveted music industry awards, including a Grammy Trustees Award ($7,000-$10,000) for lifetime achievement and Recording Industry Association of America gold record awards for Carly Simon’s “You’re So Vain” ($3,000-$5,000) and Leo Sayer’s “You Make Me Feel Like Dancing” ($1,000-$2,000) commemorating the sale of over one million copies of the hit singles.

• A bronze sculpture titled “Wedding” ($1,000-$2,000), believed to have been gifted by actress Elizabeth Taylor, adding a note of Hollywood history and personal provenance to the collection.

• Other notable items and fine art, including signed “Thoroughbreds (Pur-Sang)” oil on board by Louis Icart ($40,000-$60,000); signed “Art Deco Landscape” pastel and charcoal by Fritz Winold Reiss ($10,000-$20,000).

In 2015, Perry was honored with the Grammy Trustees Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the field of recording. He was also among the few producers to earn No. 1 hits across the pop, R&B, dance and country charts, underscoring both his versatility and far-reaching influence in American music.

“What makes this auction especially compelling is the sense of personal history behind the objects,” said Patrick Abell, vice president of Abell Auction Co. “These are not simply keepsakes from Richard Perry’s remarkable career. They carry the stories of late-night music sessions, remarkable friendships and unforgettable moments in time.”

Auction Date & Time
May 21, 2026, with live online bidding starting at 10 a.m. PDT

Preview Exhibition
May 13-14 and May 18-20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Abell Auction Co.’s Los Angeles gallery, 6620 Telegraph Rd., Los Angeles, CA 90040.

Registration & Bidding
Register in advance and explore auction items at www.abell.com. Buyers may place absentee bids with Abell directly, bid via telephone or bid online at www.abell.com, LiveAuctioneers.com or Invaluable.com.
To speak with an auctioneer, call 310.858.3073.

Visuals
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