Jump to content

Pinetop Perkins: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
→External links: add category
m Changing short description from "American blues pianist" to "American blues pianist (1913–2011)"
 
(23 intermediate revisions by 14 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|American blues pianist}}
{{Short description|American blues pianist (1913–2011)}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Infobox musical artist
{{Infobox musical artist
Line 24: Line 24:


==Life and career==
==Life and career==
[[File:Pinetop Perkins 2.jpg|alt=A black-and-white photo of Perkins seated at a piano|thumb|right|Perkins in 1976]]

===Early career===
===Early career===
Perkins was born in [[Belzoni, Mississippi]] and raised on a plantation in Honey Island, Mississippi.<ref name="nytobit">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/arts/music/pinetop-perkins-delta-boogie-woogie-master-dies-at-97.html?mcubz=1 |title=Pinetop Perkins, Delta Boogie-Woogie Master, Dies at 97 |first=Bill |last=Friskics-Warren |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=A25 |date=March 21, 2011}}</ref> He began his career as a guitarist but then injured the [[tendon]]s in his left arm in a knife fight with a chorus girl in [[Helena, Arkansas]].<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic|class=artist|id=pinetop-perkins-mn0000349439 |tab=biography |pure_url=yes}} |title=Pinetop Perkins Biography |first=Bill |last=Dahl |publisher=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> Unable to play the guitar, he switched to the piano at about 12 or 13 years old.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.elmoremagazine.com/2006/11/influences/ike-turner-pinetop-perkins|title=Ike Turner & Pinetop Perkins: Student and Teacher|date=November 1, 2006|website=Elmore Magazine}}</ref> He also moved from [[Robert Lee McCollum|Robert Nighthawk]]'s radio program on [[KFFA (AM)|KFFA]] to [[Sonny Boy Williamson II|Sonny Boy Williamson]]'s ''[[King Biscuit Time]]''.<ref name="russell">{{cite book| first= Tony| last= Russell| year= 1997| title= The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray | publisher=Carlton Books| location= Dubai| isbn= 1-85868-255-X| page= 154}}</ref> He continued working with Nighthawk, however, accompanying him on "Jackson Town Gal" in 1950.
Perkins was born in [[Belzoni, Mississippi]] and raised on a plantation in Honey Island, Mississippi.<ref name="nytobit">{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/03/22/arts/music/pinetop-perkins-delta-boogie-woogie-master-dies-at-97.html?mcubz=1 |title=Pinetop Perkins, Delta Boogie-Woogie Master, Dies at 97 |first=Bill |last=Friskics-Warren |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=A25 |date=March 21, 2011}}</ref> He began his career as a guitarist but then injured the [[tendon]]s in his left arm in a knife fight with a chorus girl in [[Helena, Arkansas]] in the 1940s.<ref name="Allmusic">{{cite web |url={{AllMusic |class=artist |id=pinetop-perkins-mn0000349439 |tab=biography |pure_url=yes}} |title=Pinetop Perkins Biography |first=Bill |last=Dahl |publisher=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> Unable to play the guitar, he switched to the piano.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://www.elmoremagazine.com/2006/11/influences/ike-turner-pinetop-perkins |title=Ike Turner & Pinetop Perkins: Student and Teacher |date=November 1, 2006 |website=Elmore Magazine}}</ref> He also moved from [[Robert Lee McCollum|Robert Nighthawk]]'s radio program on [[KFFA (AM)|KFFA]] to [[Sonny Boy Williamson II|Sonny Boy Williamson]]'s ''[[King Biscuit Time]]''.<ref name="russell">{{cite book |first=Tony |last=Russell |year=1997 |title=The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray |publisher=Carlton Books |location=Dubai |isbn=1-85868-255-X |page=154}}</ref> He continued working with Nighthawk, however, accompanying him on "Jackson Town Gal" in 1950.


In the 1950s, Perkins joined [[Earl Hooker]] and began touring. He [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] "[[Pinetop's Boogie Woogie]]" at [[Sam Phillips]]'s [[Sun Studio]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]. The tune was written by [[Pinetop Smith]], who created the original recording in 1928. Perkins didn't write; he "got as high as third grade in school."<ref name=":0" /> He learned to play-off Smith's records. As Perkins recalled, "They used to call me 'Pinetop' because I played that song."<ref name="NEA">{{cite web |url=https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/joe-willie-pinetop-perkins |title=Joe Willie 'Pinetop' Perkins: Blues Piano Player |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=www.arts.gov |publisher=National Endowment for the Arts |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref>
In the 1950s, Perkins joined [[Earl Hooker]] and began touring. He [[sound recording and reproduction|recorded]] "[[Pinetop's Boogie Woogie]]" at [[Sam Phillips]]'s [[Sun Studio]] in [[Memphis, Tennessee]]. The tune was written by [[Pinetop Smith]], who created the original recording in 1928. Perkins didn't write; he "got as high as third grade in school."<ref name=":0" /> He learned to play-off Smith's records. As Perkins recalled, "They used to call me 'Pinetop' because I played that song."<ref name="NEA">{{cite web |url=https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/joe-willie-pinetop-perkins |title=Joe Willie 'Pinetop' Perkins: Blues Piano Player |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=n.d. |website=Arts.gov |publisher=National Endowment for the Arts |access-date=December 31, 2020}}</ref>


Perkins then relocated to [[Illinois]] and left the music business until Hooker persuaded him to record again in 1968. Perkins replaced [[Otis Spann]] in the [[Muddy Waters]] band when Spann left the band in 1969.<ref name="russell"/> After ten years with that organization, he formed the [[The Legendary Blues Band|Legendary Blues Band]] with [[Willie "Big Eyes" Smith]], recording from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.<ref name="russell"/>
Perkins then relocated to [[Illinois]] and left the music business until Hooker persuaded him to record again in 1968. Perkins replaced [[Otis Spann]] in the [[Muddy Waters]] band when Spann left the band in 1969.<ref name="russell"/> After ten years with that organization, he formed the [[The Legendary Blues Band|Legendary Blues Band]] with [[Willie "Big Eyes" Smith]], recording from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.<ref name="russell"/>


===Later career===
===Later career===
Perkins played a brief musical cameo on the street outside Aretha's Soul Food Cafe in the 1980 movie ''[[The Blues Brothers (film)|The Blues Brothers]]'', having an argument with [[John Lee Hooker]] over who wrote "[[Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker song)|Boom Boom]]." He also appeared in the 1987 movie ''[[Angel Heart]]'' as a member of guitarist Toots Sweet's band.
Perkins played a brief musical cameo on the street outside Aretha's Soul Food Cafe in the 1980 movie ''[[The Blues Brothers (film)|The Blues Brothers]]'', having an argument with [[John Lee Hooker]] over who wrote "[[Boom Boom (John Lee Hooker song)|Boom Boom]]". He also appeared in the 1987 movie ''[[Angel Heart]]'' as a member of guitarist Toots Sweet's band.


Perkins was a [[sideman]] on countless recordings but never had an album devoted solely to his artistry until ''[[After Hours (Pintop Perkins album)|After Hours]]'', released by [[Blind Pig Records]] in 1988.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blindpigrecords.com/artists |title=Pinetop Perkins Profile |website=[[Blind Pig Records]] |access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> The tour in support of the album featured [[Jimmy Rogers]] and guitarist [[Hubert Sumlin]].
Perkins was a [[sideman]] on countless recordings but never had an album devoted solely to his artistry until ''[[After Hours (Pintop Perkins album)|After Hours]]'', released by [[Blind Pig Records]] in 1988.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blindpigrecords.com/artists |title=Pinetop Perkins Profile |website=[[Blind Pig Records]] |access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref> The tour in support of the album featured [[Jimmy Rogers]] and guitarist [[Hubert Sumlin]].


The death of Perkins's common law wife, Sara Lewis, in 1995, triggered a depression and periods of drinking.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-pinetop-perkins-obituary-20110322-column.html |title=Delta blues legend won a Grammy at age 97 |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=March 22, 2011 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 2, 2021}}</ref> In 1998, he released the album ''Legends'', featuring Sumlin. In 2001, Perkins performed at the [[Chicago Blues Festival]] with [[Ike Turner]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-06-08-0106080247-story.html|title=Chicago Blues Fest turns 18|last=Kening|first=Dan|date=June 8, 2001|website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Turner credited Perkins with inspiring him to play piano.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/chicago-blues-festival-2001/Content?oid=905592|title=Chicago Blues Festival 2001|last=Dahl, Bill|first=Whiteis, David|date=June 7, 2001|website=Chicago Reader}}</ref>
The death of Perkins's common law wife, Sara Lewis, in 1995, triggered a depression and periods of drinking.<ref name=":1">{{Cite news |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-pinetop-perkins-obituary-20110322-column.html |title=Delta blues legend won a Grammy at age 97 |author=<!--Staff writer(s)/no by-line.--> |date=March 22, 2011 |work=Chicago Tribune |access-date=April 2, 2021}}</ref> In 1998, he released the album ''Legends'', featuring Sumlin. In 2001, Perkins performed at the [[Chicago Blues Festival]] with [[Ike Turner]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-2001-06-08-0106080247-story.html |title=Chicago Blues Fest turns 18 |last=Kening |first=Dan |date=June 8, 2001 |website=Chicago Tribune}}</ref> Turner credited Perkins with inspiring him to play piano.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/chicago-blues-festival-2001/Content?oid=905592 |title=Chicago Blues Festival 2001 |last=Dahl, Bill |first=Whiteis, David |date=June 7, 2001 |website=Chicago Reader}}</ref>
[[File:Honeyboy and Pinetop.jpg|alt=The two musicians onstage: Edwards standing and Perkins seated at a keyboard|thumb|right|Perkins with the other final living Delta blues musician, [[David "Honeyboy" Edwards]], in 2008]]

Perkins was driving his automobile in 2004 in [[La Porte, Indiana]], when his car was hit by a train. The car was wrecked, but the 91-year-old driver was not seriously hurt. Until his death, Perkins lived in [[Austin, Texas]]. He usually performed a couple of nights a week at Momo's, on Sixth Street.
Perkins was driving his automobile in 2004 in [[La Porte, Indiana]], when his car was hit by a train. The car was wrecked, but the 91-year-old driver was not seriously hurt. Until his death, Perkins lived in [[Austin, Texas]]. He usually performed a couple of nights a week at Momo's, on Sixth Street.


Line 46: Line 46:
::How'd you write that first boogie woogie
::How'd you write that first boogie woogie
::The one they named after you
::The one they named after you
As he aged, Perkins's hearing declined.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news|last=Moser |first=Margaret |date=April 22, 2011 |title=Last of the Delta Bluesmen|url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2011-04-22/last-of-the-delta-bluesmen/|access-date=April 2, 2021 |work=The Austin Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref>
As he aged, Perkins's hearing declined.<ref name=":2">{{Cite news |last=Moser |first=Margaret |date=April 22, 2011 |title=Last of the Delta Bluesmen |url=https://www.austinchronicle.com/music/2011-04-22/last-of-the-delta-bluesmen/ |access-date=April 2, 2021 |work=The Austin Chronicle |language=en-US}}</ref>


===Death===
===Death===
On March 21, 2011, Perkins died in his sleep of cardiac arrest at his home in Austin, Texas at the age of 97.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=BBC/> Multiple memorial services were held in Perkins's honor in cities throughout the United States. The [[Ground Zero Blues Club]] in [[Clarksdale, Mississippi]] held a dedicated jam on March 31, 2011 for friends and fans of Perkins.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CLARKSDALE: Pinetop Perkins Funeral Arrangements, etc.|url=http://msbluestrail.org/announcements/clarksdale-pinetop-perkins-funeral-arrangements-etc|access-date=2021-02-27|website=msbluestrail.org}}</ref> A music-filled open-casket funeral for Perkins was held in Austin, Texas on March 29, 2011, and was attended by several fellow musicians including Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and [[Bob Margolin|Bob Margolan]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Corcoran|first=Michael|title=Austin bids Pinetop Perkins a heartfelt farewell|url=https://www.austin360.com/article/20110329/ENTERTAINMENT/303299737|access-date=2021-02-27|website=Austin 360|language=en}}</ref>
On March 21, 2011, Perkins died in his sleep of cardiac arrest at his home in Austin, Texas at the age of 97.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=BBC/> Multiple memorial services were held in Perkins's honor in cities throughout the United States. The [[Ground Zero Blues Club]] in [[Clarksdale, Mississippi]] held a dedicated jam on March 31, 2011, for friends and fans of Perkins.<ref>{{Cite web |title=CLARKSDALE: Pinetop Perkins Funeral Arrangements, etc. |url=http://msbluestrail.org/announcements/clarksdale-pinetop-perkins-funeral-arrangements-etc |access-date=2021-02-27 |website=Msbluestrail.org}}</ref> A music-filled open-casket funeral for Perkins was held in Austin, Texas on March 29, 2011, and was attended by several fellow musicians including Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and [[Bob Margolin]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Corcoran |first=Michael |title=Austin bids Pinetop Perkins a heartfelt farewell |url=https://www.austin360.com/article/20110329/ENTERTAINMENT/303299737 |access-date=2021-02-27 |website=Austin360.com |language=en}}</ref>


Perkins was laid to rest in the [[McLaurin Memorial Garden]] cemetery in Clarksdale on April 2, 2011 following a final open-casket "homegoing" celebration.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pinetop Perkins (1913-2011) - Find A Grave...|url=https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/67330426/pinetop-perkins|access-date=2021-02-27|website=www.findagrave.com|language=en}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> The finally laying to rest was ministered by [[Henry Espy|Henry Epsy]], the first Black mayor of Clarksdale, and the altar display included Perkins's favorite meal: a McDonald's Big Mac and apple pie.<ref name=":2" />
Perkins was laid to rest in the [[McLaurin Memorial Garden]] cemetery in Clarksdale on April 2, 2011, following a final open-casket "homegoing" celebration.<ref name=":2" /> The final laying to rest was ministered by [[Henry Espy]], the first Black mayor of Clarksdale, and the altar display included Perkins's favorite meal: a McDonald's Big Mac and apple pie.<ref name=":2" />


At the time of his death, he had more than 20 performances booked for 2011. Shortly before he died, while discussing his late career resurgence with an interviewer, he conceded, "I can't play piano like I used to either. I used to have bass rolling like thunder. I can't do that no more. But I ask the Lord, please forgive me for the stuff I done trying to make a nickel."<ref name="teletrib" /> Perkins and [[David "Honeyboy" Edwards]] were the last surviving original [[Delta blues]] musicians. Perkins was also one of the last surviving bluesmen to have known [[Robert Johnson]].<ref name="teletrib">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8397463/B.B-King-leads-tributes-to-Pinetop-Perkins.html|title=B. B. King Leads Tributes to Pinetop Perkins |first=Martin |last=Chilton |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=March 22, 2011}}</ref>
At the time of his death, he had more than 20 performances booked for 2011. Shortly before he died, while discussing his late career resurgence with an interviewer, he conceded, "I can't play piano like I used to either. I used to have bass rolling like thunder. I can't do that no more. But I ask the Lord, please forgive me for the stuff I done trying to make a nickel."<ref name="teletrib" /> Perkins and [[David "Honeyboy" Edwards]] were the last surviving original [[Delta blues]] musicians. Perkins was also one of the last surviving bluesmen to have known [[Robert Johnson]].<ref name="teletrib">{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/music/music-news/8397463/B.B-King-leads-tributes-to-Pinetop-Perkins.html |title=B. B. King Leads Tributes to Pinetop Perkins |first=Martin |last=Chilton |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |date=March 22, 2011}}</ref>


==Legacy==
==Legacy==


=== Influence ===
=== Influence ===
[[Bruce Iglauer]], founder of Chicago's [[Alligator Records]], stated Perkins was "absolutely the premier blues piano player." He added, "His career spanned literally over 80 years. He was the symbol of a whole generation of musicians."<ref name=":1" /> Perkins influenced blues musicians such as [[Ike Turner]], who he taught how to play piano.<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/takinbackmynamec00turn/page/25|title=Takin' Back My Name: The Confessions of Ike Turner|last=Turner, Ike|first=Cawthorne, Nigel|publisher=Virgin|year=1999|isbn=9781852278502|location=London|pages=25–27}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> "Pinetop would be the birth of rock 'n' roll, because he taught me what I played," Turner said.<ref name=":1" /> Perkins collaborated with various bluesmen, including [[Muddy Waters]], [[Robert Nighthawk]], [[Earl Hooker]], and [[B.B. King]].<ref name=":1" />
[[Bruce Iglauer]], founder of Chicago's [[Alligator Records]], stated Perkins was "absolutely the premier blues piano player." He added, "His career spanned literally over 80 years. He was the symbol of a whole generation of musicians."<ref name=":1" /> Perkins influenced blues musicians such as [[Ike Turner]], who he taught how to play piano.<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://archive.org/details/takinbackmynamec00turn/page/25 |title=Takin' Back My Name: The Confessions of Ike Turner |last=Turner, Ike |first=Cawthorne, Nigel |publisher=Virgin |year=1999 |isbn=9781852278502 |location=London |pages=25–27}}</ref><ref name=":0" /> "Pinetop would be the birth of rock 'n' roll, because he taught me what I played," Turner said.<ref name=":1" /> Perkins collaborated with various bluesmen, including [[Muddy Waters]], [[Robert Nighthawk]], [[Earl Hooker]], and [[B.B. King]].<ref name=":1" />


==== Pinetop Perkins Foundation ====
==== Pinetop Perkins Foundation ====
In the last musicians honor, the Pinetop Perkins Foundation holds annual workshops for young musicians interested in Blues and Jazz music.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|title=Pinetop Perkins Foundation - WORKSHOP|url=https://pinetopperkinsfoundation.org/workshop|access-date=2021-02-28|website=pinetopperkinsfoundation.org}}</ref> The workshop, which usually occurs in Clarksdale, Mississippi but was made virtual during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], provides young musicians master classes with some of the best living talent in the traditional Blues and Jazz genres, and culminates in a performance at the Ground Zero Blues Club by the students.<ref name=":3" /> The other arm of the foundation provides financial relief to aging musicians through a program called the Pinetop Assistance League; with a goal of ensuring that elderly musicians who can no longer earn an income can pay their housing and medical costs in order to have comfort and dignity in their later years.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Pinetop Perkins Foundation - PINETOP ASSISTANCE LEAGUE|url=https://pinetopperkinsfoundation.org/pinetop-assistance-league|access-date=2021-02-28|website=pinetopperkinsfoundation.org}}</ref>
In the late musician's honor, the Pinetop Perkins Foundation holds annual workshops for young musicians interested in Blues and Jazz music.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |title=Pinetop Perkins Foundation - WORKSHOP |url=https://pinetopperkinsfoundation.org/workshop |access-date=2021-02-28 |website=Pinetopperkinsfoundation.org}}</ref> The workshop, which usually occurs in Clarksdale, Mississippi but was made virtual during the [[COVID-19 pandemic]], provides young musicians master classes with some of the best living talent in the traditional Blues and Jazz genres, and culminates in a performance at the Ground Zero Blues Club by the students.<ref name=":3" /> The other arm of the foundation provides financial relief to aging musicians through a program called the Pinetop Assistance League; with a goal of ensuring that elderly musicians who can no longer earn an income can pay their housing and medical costs in order to have comfort and dignity in their later years.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pinetop Perkins Foundation - PINETOP ASSISTANCE LEAGUE |url=https://pinetopperkinsfoundation.org/pinetop-assistance-league |access-date=2021-02-28 |website=Pinetopperkinsfoundation.org}}</ref>


=== Awards and honors ===
=== Awards and honors ===
Line 72: Line 72:
In 2008, Perkins, together with [[Henry Townsend (musician)|Henry Townsend]], [[Robert Lockwood, Jr.]] and [[David "Honeyboy" Edwards]], received a [[Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album]] for ''[[Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas]]''.<ref name="nytobit"/> He was also nominated in the same category for his solo album ''Pinetop Perkins on the 88's: Live in Chicago''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/pinetop-perkins |title=Grammy Awards for Pinetop Perkins |website=[[The Recording Academy]] |access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>
In 2008, Perkins, together with [[Henry Townsend (musician)|Henry Townsend]], [[Robert Lockwood, Jr.]] and [[David "Honeyboy" Edwards]], received a [[Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album]] for ''[[Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas]]''.<ref name="nytobit"/> He was also nominated in the same category for his solo album ''Pinetop Perkins on the 88's: Live in Chicago''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.grammy.com/grammys/artists/pinetop-perkins |title=Grammy Awards for Pinetop Perkins |website=[[The Recording Academy]] |access-date=August 25, 2017}}</ref>


At the age of 97, Perkins won a [[Grammy Award]] in the category [[Best Traditional Blues Album]] for ''Joined at the Hip'', which he recorded with [[Willie "Big Eyes" Smith]], thus becoming the oldest winner of a Grammy Award,<ref name=BBC>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12814133 |title=Blues Pianist Pinetop Perkins Dies Aged 97 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date= March 22, 2011}}</ref> edging out the comedian [[George Burns]], who had won in the spoken word category 21 years earlier.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1178717/pinetop-perkins-oldest-grammy-winner-dead-at-97 |title=Pinetop Perkins, Oldest Grammy Winner, Dead at 97 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=March 22, 2011 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref>
At the age of 97, Perkins won a [[Grammy Award]] in the category [[Best Traditional Blues Album]] for ''Joined at the Hip'', which he recorded with [[Willie "Big Eyes" Smith]], thus becoming the oldest winner of a Grammy Award,<ref name=BBC>{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-12814133 |title=Blues Pianist Pinetop Perkins Dies Aged 97 |publisher=[[BBC News]] |date=March 22, 2011}}</ref> edging out the comedian [[George Burns]], who had won in the spoken word category 21 years earlier.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.billboard.com/biz/articles/news/1178717/pinetop-perkins-oldest-grammy-winner-dead-at-97 |title=Pinetop Perkins, Oldest Grammy Winner, Dead at 97 |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |date=March 22, 2011 |issn=0006-2510}}</ref>


==Documentaries==
==Documentaries==
Perkins has been the subject of two documentary films: ''Born in the Honey'' (2007) and ''Sidemen: Long Road to Glory'' (2016).<ref name="nytobit"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/17/movies/sidemen-long-road-to-glory-review.html?mcubz=1 |title=Once Simply 'Sidemen,' Now They're the Stars |first=Jeannette |last=Catsoulis |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=C6 |date=August 17, 2017}}</ref> He also appeared in [[Clint Eastwood]]'s 2003 documentary ''[[Piano Blues (film)|Piano Blues]]''.<ref name="PBS Piano Blues">{{cite web | title= Piano Blues: Directed by Clint Eastwood |url= http://www.pbs.org/theblues/aboutfilms/eastwood.html| author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.-->| publisher= PBS | access-date= December 14, 2017 }}</ref>
Perkins has been the subject of two documentary films: ''Born in the Honey'' (2007) and ''Sidemen: Long Road to Glory'' (2016).<ref name="nytobit"/><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2017/08/17/movies/sidemen-long-road-to-glory-review.html?mcubz=1 |title=Once Simply 'Sidemen,' Now They're the Stars |first=Jeannette |last=Catsoulis |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=C6 |date=August 17, 2017}}</ref> He also appeared in [[Clint Eastwood]]'s 2003 documentary ''[[Piano Blues (film)|Piano Blues]]''.<ref name="PBS Piano Blues">{{cite web |title=Piano Blues: Directed by Clint Eastwood |url=http://www.pbs.org/theblues/aboutfilms/eastwood.html |author=<!--Staff writer(s); no by-line.--> |publisher=PBS |access-date=December 14, 2017}}</ref>


==Selected discography==
==Selected discography==
Line 100: Line 100:
* 2010: ''Joined at the Hip'', with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
* 2010: ''Joined at the Hip'', with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
* 2012: ''Heaven'', with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on one track and liner notes by Justin O'Brien
* 2012: ''Heaven'', with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith on one track and liner notes by Justin O'Brien
* 2015: ''Genuine Blues Legends'', Pinetop Perkins and [[Jimmy Rogers]] with [[Little Mike and the Tornadoes]]<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discogs.com/Pinetop-Perkins-Jimmy-Rogers-with-Little-Mike-And-The-Tornadoes-Genuine-Blues-Legends/release/7942747|title=Pinetop Perkins & Jimmy Rogers with Little Mike and the Tornadoes – Genuine Blues Legends|publisher=discogs|access-date=October 15, 2017}}</ref>
* 2015: ''Genuine Blues Legends'', Pinetop Perkins and [[Jimmy Rogers]] with [[Little Mike and the Tornadoes]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.discogs.com/Pinetop-Perkins-Jimmy-Rogers-with-Little-Mike-And-The-Tornadoes-Genuine-Blues-Legends/release/7942747 |title=Pinetop Perkins & Jimmy Rogers with Little Mike and the Tornadoes – Genuine Blues Legends |publisher=discogs |access-date=October 15, 2017}}</ref>
'''With [[Carey Bell]]'''
'''With [[Carey Bell]]'''
*''[[Carey Bell's Blues Harp]]'' (Delmark, 1969)
*''[[Carey Bell's Blues Harp]]'' (Delmark, 1969)
Line 127: Line 127:
==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Pinetop Perkins}}
{{commons category|Pinetop Perkins}}
* {{Official website|http://www.pinetopperkinsfoundation.org/}}
* {{Official website}}
* {{Discogs artist|1313534-Pinetop-Perkins}}
* {{Discogs artist|1313534-Pinetop-Perkins}}
* {{IMDb name|0674031}}
* {{IMDb name|0674031}}
Line 156: Line 156:
[[Category:Guitarists from Mississippi]]
[[Category:Guitarists from Mississippi]]
[[Category:Telarc Records artists]]
[[Category:Telarc Records artists]]
⚫
[[Category:20th-century African-American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American singers]]
[[Category:21st-century American singers]]
[[Category:21st-century African-American male singers]]
[[Category:20th-century American male musicians]]
[[Category:21st-century American male singers]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century male singers]]
[[Category:Black & Blue Records artists]]
[[Category:Black & Blue Records artists]]
[[Category:Blind Pig Records artists]]
[[Category:Blind Pig Records artists]]
[[Category:20th-century male singers]]
[[Category:African-American pianists]]
[[Category:African-American singers]]
[[Category:The Legendary Blues Band members]]

Latest revision as of 10:15, 13 October 2024

Pinetop Perkins
Perkins at the Riverwalk Blues Festival in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 2006
Background information
Birth nameJoe Willie Perkins
Born(1913-07-07)July 7, 1913
Belzoni, Mississippi, U.S.
DiedMarch 21, 2011(2011-03-21) (aged 97)
Austin, Texas, U.S.
GenresPiano blues, boogie-woogie, Delta blues, Chicago blues
Occupation(s)Musician, singer
Instrument(s)Piano, vocals, keyboards
Years active1920s–2011
LabelsBlind Pig, Antone's

Joe Willie "Pinetop" Perkins (July 7, 1913 – March 21, 2011) was an American blues pianist. He played with some of the most influential blues and rock-and-roll performers of his time and received numerous honors, including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame.

Life and career

[edit]
A black-and-white photo of Perkins seated at a piano
Perkins in 1976

Early career

[edit]

Perkins was born in Belzoni, Mississippi and raised on a plantation in Honey Island, Mississippi.[1] He began his career as a guitarist but then injured the tendons in his left arm in a knife fight with a chorus girl in Helena, Arkansas in the 1940s.[2] Unable to play the guitar, he switched to the piano.[3] He also moved from Robert Nighthawk's radio program on KFFA to Sonny Boy Williamson's King Biscuit Time.[4] He continued working with Nighthawk, however, accompanying him on "Jackson Town Gal" in 1950.

In the 1950s, Perkins joined Earl Hooker and began touring. He recorded "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie" at Sam Phillips's Sun Studio in Memphis, Tennessee. The tune was written by Pinetop Smith, who created the original recording in 1928. Perkins didn't write; he "got as high as third grade in school."[3] He learned to play-off Smith's records. As Perkins recalled, "They used to call me 'Pinetop' because I played that song."[5]

Perkins then relocated to Illinois and left the music business until Hooker persuaded him to record again in 1968. Perkins replaced Otis Spann in the Muddy Waters band when Spann left the band in 1969.[4] After ten years with that organization, he formed the Legendary Blues Band with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, recording from the late 1970s to the early 1990s.[4]

Later career

[edit]

Perkins played a brief musical cameo on the street outside Aretha's Soul Food Cafe in the 1980 movie The Blues Brothers, having an argument with John Lee Hooker over who wrote "Boom Boom". He also appeared in the 1987 movie Angel Heart as a member of guitarist Toots Sweet's band.

Perkins was a sideman on countless recordings but never had an album devoted solely to his artistry until After Hours, released by Blind Pig Records in 1988.[6] The tour in support of the album featured Jimmy Rogers and guitarist Hubert Sumlin.

The death of Perkins's common law wife, Sara Lewis, in 1995, triggered a depression and periods of drinking.[7] In 1998, he released the album Legends, featuring Sumlin. In 2001, Perkins performed at the Chicago Blues Festival with Ike Turner.[8] Turner credited Perkins with inspiring him to play piano.[9]

The two musicians onstage: Edwards standing and Perkins seated at a keyboard
Perkins with the other final living Delta blues musician, David "Honeyboy" Edwards, in 2008

Perkins was driving his automobile in 2004 in La Porte, Indiana, when his car was hit by a train. The car was wrecked, but the 91-year-old driver was not seriously hurt. Until his death, Perkins lived in Austin, Texas. He usually performed a couple of nights a week at Momo's, on Sixth Street.

The song "Hey Mr. Pinetop Perkins", performed by Perkins and Angela Strehli, played on the common misconception that he wrote "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie":

Hey Mr. Pinetop Perkins
I got a question for you
How'd you write that first boogie woogie
The one they named after you

As he aged, Perkins's hearing declined.[10]

Death

[edit]

On March 21, 2011, Perkins died in his sleep of cardiac arrest at his home in Austin, Texas at the age of 97.[7][11] Multiple memorial services were held in Perkins's honor in cities throughout the United States. The Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale, Mississippi held a dedicated jam on March 31, 2011, for friends and fans of Perkins.[12] A music-filled open-casket funeral for Perkins was held in Austin, Texas on March 29, 2011, and was attended by several fellow musicians including Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and Bob Margolin.[13]

Perkins was laid to rest in the McLaurin Memorial Garden cemetery in Clarksdale on April 2, 2011, following a final open-casket "homegoing" celebration.[10] The final laying to rest was ministered by Henry Espy, the first Black mayor of Clarksdale, and the altar display included Perkins's favorite meal: a McDonald's Big Mac and apple pie.[10]

At the time of his death, he had more than 20 performances booked for 2011. Shortly before he died, while discussing his late career resurgence with an interviewer, he conceded, "I can't play piano like I used to either. I used to have bass rolling like thunder. I can't do that no more. But I ask the Lord, please forgive me for the stuff I done trying to make a nickel."[14] Perkins and David "Honeyboy" Edwards were the last surviving original Delta blues musicians. Perkins was also one of the last surviving bluesmen to have known Robert Johnson.[14]

Legacy

[edit]

Influence

[edit]

Bruce Iglauer, founder of Chicago's Alligator Records, stated Perkins was "absolutely the premier blues piano player." He added, "His career spanned literally over 80 years. He was the symbol of a whole generation of musicians."[7] Perkins influenced blues musicians such as Ike Turner, who he taught how to play piano.[15][3] "Pinetop would be the birth of rock 'n' roll, because he taught me what I played," Turner said.[7] Perkins collaborated with various bluesmen, including Muddy Waters, Robert Nighthawk, Earl Hooker, and B.B. King.[7]

Pinetop Perkins Foundation

[edit]

In the late musician's honor, the Pinetop Perkins Foundation holds annual workshops for young musicians interested in Blues and Jazz music.[16] The workshop, which usually occurs in Clarksdale, Mississippi but was made virtual during the COVID-19 pandemic, provides young musicians master classes with some of the best living talent in the traditional Blues and Jazz genres, and culminates in a performance at the Ground Zero Blues Club by the students.[16] The other arm of the foundation provides financial relief to aging musicians through a program called the Pinetop Assistance League; with a goal of ensuring that elderly musicians who can no longer earn an income can pay their housing and medical costs in order to have comfort and dignity in their later years.[17]

Awards and honors

[edit]

Perkins was named a National Heritage Fellow by the National Endowment for the Arts in 2000.[5]

In 2003, Perkins was inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame.[18]

In 2005, Perkins received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.[1]

In 2008, Perkins, together with Henry Townsend, Robert Lockwood, Jr. and David "Honeyboy" Edwards, received a Grammy Award for Best Traditional Blues Album for Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas.[1] He was also nominated in the same category for his solo album Pinetop Perkins on the 88's: Live in Chicago.[19]

At the age of 97, Perkins won a Grammy Award in the category Best Traditional Blues Album for Joined at the Hip, which he recorded with Willie "Big Eyes" Smith, thus becoming the oldest winner of a Grammy Award,[11] edging out the comedian George Burns, who had won in the spoken word category 21 years earlier.[20]

Documentaries

[edit]

Perkins has been the subject of two documentary films: Born in the Honey (2007) and Sidemen: Long Road to Glory (2016).[1][21] He also appeared in Clint Eastwood's 2003 documentary Piano Blues.[22]

Selected discography

[edit]

With Carey Bell

With Earl Hooker

With Muddy Waters

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Friskics-Warren, Bill (March 21, 2011). "Pinetop Perkins, Delta Boogie-Woogie Master, Dies at 97". The New York Times. p. A25.
  2. ^ Dahl, Bill. "Pinetop Perkins Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  3. ^ a b c "Ike Turner & Pinetop Perkins: Student and Teacher". Elmore Magazine. November 1, 2006.
  4. ^ a b c Russell, Tony (1997). The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray. Dubai: Carlton Books. p. 154. ISBN 1-85868-255-X.
  5. ^ a b "Joe Willie 'Pinetop' Perkins: Blues Piano Player". Arts.gov. National Endowment for the Arts. n.d. Retrieved December 31, 2020.
  6. ^ "Pinetop Perkins Profile". Blind Pig Records. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  7. ^ a b c d e "Delta blues legend won a Grammy at age 97". Chicago Tribune. March 22, 2011. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  8. ^ Kening, Dan (June 8, 2001). "Chicago Blues Fest turns 18". Chicago Tribune.
  9. ^ Dahl, Bill, Whiteis, David (June 7, 2001). "Chicago Blues Festival 2001". Chicago Reader.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ a b c Moser, Margaret (April 22, 2011). "Last of the Delta Bluesmen". The Austin Chronicle. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  11. ^ a b "Blues Pianist Pinetop Perkins Dies Aged 97". BBC News. March 22, 2011.
  12. ^ "CLARKSDALE: Pinetop Perkins Funeral Arrangements, etc". Msbluestrail.org. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  13. ^ Corcoran, Michael. "Austin bids Pinetop Perkins a heartfelt farewell". Austin360.com. Retrieved February 27, 2021.
  14. ^ a b Chilton, Martin (March 22, 2011). "B. B. King Leads Tributes to Pinetop Perkins". The Daily Telegraph.
  15. ^ Turner, Ike, Cawthorne, Nigel (1999). Takin' Back My Name: The Confessions of Ike Turner. London: Virgin. pp. 25–27. ISBN 9781852278502.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  16. ^ a b "Pinetop Perkins Foundation - WORKSHOP". Pinetopperkinsfoundation.org. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  17. ^ "Pinetop Perkins Foundation - PINETOP ASSISTANCE LEAGUE". Pinetopperkinsfoundation.org. Retrieved February 28, 2021.
  18. ^ O'Neal, Jim (November 10, 2016). "Pinetop Perkins – Inductee". Blues Foundation.
  19. ^ "Grammy Awards for Pinetop Perkins". The Recording Academy. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  20. ^ "Pinetop Perkins, Oldest Grammy Winner, Dead at 97". Billboard. March 22, 2011. ISSN 0006-2510.
  21. ^ Catsoulis, Jeannette (August 17, 2017). "Once Simply 'Sidemen,' Now They're the Stars". The New York Times. p. C6.
  22. ^ "Piano Blues: Directed by Clint Eastwood". PBS. Retrieved December 14, 2017.
  23. ^ "Eye to Eye". Valley Entertainment. Retrieved August 25, 2017.
  24. ^ 10 Days Out: Blues From The Backroads at Discogs
  25. ^ "Pinetop Perkins & Jimmy Rogers with Little Mike and the Tornadoes – Genuine Blues Legends". discogs. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Pinetop Perkins.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Pinetop_Perkins&oldid=1250922982"