In the 1940s, Mr. Perkins accompanied Sonny Boy Williamson on the popular King Biscuit Time radio show broadcast on KFFA in Helena, Ark. He toured with Ike Turner in the 1950s and joined Waters’s band in 1969.
“He is the blues; he is the epitome of it,’’ Southard said. “He lived it, breathed it.’’
Mr. Perkins won a Grammy in February for best traditional blues album for “Joined at the Hip: Pinetop Perkins & Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith.’’ That win made Mr. Perkins the oldest Grammy winner, edging out the late comedian George Burns, who was 95 in 1990, when he won in the spoken category for “Gracie: A Love Story.’’
Mr. Perkins also won a 2007 Grammy for best traditional blues album for his collaboration on the “Last of the Great Mississippi Delta Bluesmen: Live in Dallas.’’ He also received a lifetime achievement Grammy in 2005.
Even at his age, he was a regular fixture at Austin blues clubs, playing regular gigs up to last month. He had more than 20 performances booked this year, Southard said. After they won the Grammy this year, Smith and Mr. Perkins discussed recording another CD.
Mr. Perkins was born in Belzoni, Miss., and was believed to be the oldest of the old-time Delta blues musicians still performing.
In an 80-year career, he played at juke joints, nightclubs, and festivals. He did not start recording in his own name until he was in his 70s and since 1992 had released more than 15 solo records.
That drive to keep playing the blues is what kept him alive, Southard said.
Mr. Perkins also loved fast food and was a smoker until the day he died.
“Two cheeseburgers, apple pie, a cigarette, and a pretty girl was all he wanted,’’ Southard said.
Mr. Perkins had no survivors. An Austin tribute will be planned to honor his life and music, Southard said.
