MS SC672

Mourns the passing of Willie "Pinetop" Perkins, legendary Mississippi bluesman and keyboardist for Muddy Waters, who died on March 21, 2011, in Austin, Texas.

Recognizes Perkins' career beginning in the late 1920s as one of the most enduring and influential blues pianists, playing with Sonny Boy Williamson, Robert Nighthawk, Earl Hooker, and most notably Muddy Waters for 12 years starting in 1969.

Notes Perkins' late-career success as a solo artist starting in the 1980s, including release of 15 solo records between 1992 and 2007 and multiple Grammy nominations for "Born in the Delta" (1997), "Legends" (2000), and "Ladies Man" (2005).

Acknowledges Perkins' 2011 Grammy win in February for best traditional blues album for "Joined at the Hip," making him the oldest Grammy winner at age 97, and his lifetime achievement award and National Heritage Fellowship recognition.

Extends the Legislature's sympathy to Perkins' surviving family and directs the resolution be presented to his family, forwarded to the Mississippi Arts Commission, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.