R.I.P. “Pinetop” Perkins

Muddy Waters With Pinetop Perkins In Concert - Champagne and Reefer, Blow Wind Blow

another blues legend gone.

There are so few left and with the death of legendary piano player Joseph “Pinetop” Perkins at the age of 97 it’s one less.

Though in his late nineties, Perkins was not content to join the ranks of his peers at their nightly bingo games, but until his death he usually performed a couple of nights a week at jazz bar, Nuno’s, in his hometown of Austin, TX. In 2005, Perkins received the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.

Famous for his cover of Clarence “Pinetop” Smith’s “Pinetop’s Boogie Woogie” recorded at Sun Records in 1953. He would replace Otis Spann in Muddy Waters band in 1969, which meant he played on the great late 70s early 80s albums Muddy recorded for the “Blue Sky Records” label that were produced by Johnny Winter.

The three studio recordings – “Hard Again” (1977), “I’m Ready” (1978), “King Bee” (1981) – along with 1979’s live recording “Muddy “Mississippi” Waters Live” are must own blues albums.

One Reply to “R.I.P. “Pinetop” Perkins”

  1. I’m just a bit bass player in the grand scheme of things but’ in the mid 90’s to 2000
    I had the honor and good fortune to play many shows with pinetop in the Chicago area.
    It was the greatest experience of my life and I will treasure the memory for the rest of my days. Pinetop was the nicest and humblest person I have ever known.
    We will miss him more than he can know.
    Thank You Pinetop and God Bless You.

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