Willie Lee Perryman (October 19, 1911 – July 25, 1985), usually known professionally as Piano Red and later in life as Dr. Feelgood, was an American blues musician, the first to hit the pop music charts. He was a self-taught pianist who played in the barrelhouse blues style (a loud percussive type of blues piano suitable for noisy bars or taverns). His performing and recording careers emerged during the period of transition from completely segregated "race music" to rhythm and blues, which was marketed to both white and black audiences. Some music historians credit Perryman's 1950 recording "Rocking With Red" for the popularization of the term rock and roll in Atlanta. His simple, hard-pounding left hand and his percussive right hand, coupled with his cheerful shout, brought him considerable success over three decades.
Links to Peel[]
Peel first played Piano Red in the early 70's, as well as his Dr Feelgood With The Interns group according to available tracklistings on this site and had the musician do a session for his show in 1977, when he was touring the UK.
Sessions[]
1. Recorded: 1977-09-28. First Broadcast: 10 October 1977
- Shake Rattle And Roll / Pinetop Boogie / Dr. Feelgood / St. Louis Blues / I'm Leaving / Goodbye / Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone / It's A Sin To Tell A Lie / Blues Blues Blues / The Right String But The Wrong Yo-Yo
Other Shows Played[]
- 17 April 1973: Red’s Boogie (album - "Dr. Feelgood" All Alone With His Piano) Arhoolie 1064
- 08 February 1984: Blang Dong
- Dr. Feelgood With The Interns
- 05 February 1976: Right String But The Wrong Yo-Yo (7" - What's Up, Doc) Okeh 4-7156