Bill Howl-N-MADD Perry was born in Tula, Mississippi on August 20, 1947. He was a fine guitar player and a spectacular singer who is earthy voice was custom made for storytelling. His spectrum of music stylings went everywhere from downhome country blues, to soul music, to pop ballads. Whatever he played, no matter what style, his delivery was pure Mississippi grit. Bill’s moniker elusively betrayed his sweet, relaxed, humorous personality. He spent some time in Chicago during the 1960s pursuing his musical dream, but his home state of Mississippi lured him and his family back. Bill and his daughter Shy (aka Sharo) Perry toured the world together, often times picking up a local drummer to complete the band. He put out numerous CDs and collaborations, appeared in film and documentaries, and was loved by his many fans all around the world. Bill passed away at age 75 on May 8, 2023 while returning home from a jazz festival in Africa, where he and his family performed. Thank you, Shy Perry for many of these photos from her personal collection.
Bill and his daughter Shy Perry.
Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry at the Rhythm Room. Photo by Dave Blake.
Bill Perry’s early gospel group.
Shy and Bill Perry at Ground Zero, Clarksville, Mississippi.
Some Bill Perry nostalgia from the family scrapbook.
Early publicity photo.
Shy Perry, Bob Corritore, Bill Perry at Hopson’s Plantation, Clarksdale, Mississippi.
Shy and Bill Perry.
Bill Perry at the Rhythm Room performing at Bob Corritore’s birthday party. Photo by Marilyn Stringer.
B.B. King and Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry.
Bill Howl-N-Madd Perry encouraged everyone to vote.
Shy Perry Lee Williams and Bill Perry performing at Ground Zero, Clarksdale, Mississippi. Photo of Marilyn Stringer.
The Perry family, Billie Jr, Shy, Bill, Pauline!
Malachi Johnson, Shy Perry, Bill Perry, Bob Corritore at Tempest Recording. Photo Clarke Rigsby.
Bill and his daughter Shy Perry.
Bob Corritore - Official Website 