Red Perkins

Red Perkins (Musician)

Red Perkins was an American musician, bandleader, and singer prominent in the Western Swing genre, primarily active from the 1930s to the 1950s.

  • Career: Perkins formed and led the popular Western Swing band "Red Perkins and His Texas Tophands." The band became a significant regional act, particularly in Oklahoma and Texas, during the golden age of Western Swing. They were known for their lively performances, blending elements of country, jazz, and blues, characteristic of the genre.
  • Radio Presence: Red Perkins and His Texas Tophands maintained a strong presence on regional radio, notably through stations like KOMA in Oklahoma City, which helped solidify their fan base and spread their music across the Southwest.
  • Recordings: The band made recordings for various labels, including Okeh Records and Columbia Records, contributing to the catalog of early Western Swing music. Their sound, featuring fiddle, steel guitar, and a driving rhythm section, influenced many aspiring musicians in the region.
  • Legacy: Perkins and his band are remembered as important contributors to the development and popularization of Western Swing music, particularly its regional variations and live performance traditions.

Red Perkins (Baseball Player)

Richard Charles "Red" Perkins (January 2, 1899 – October 26, 1976) was an American professional baseball pitcher who had a brief career in Major League Baseball (MLB).

  • Born: January 2, 1899, in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Died: October 26, 1976, in Baltimore, Maryland
  • Playing Career: Perkins was a right-handed pitcher who played for the St. Louis Browns in 1924. He made his MLB debut on September 9, 1924, and appeared in three games during that season. In his major league career, he pitched a total of 6.1 innings, recording a 0-0 win-loss record with a 2.84 earned run average.
  • Minor League Career: Before and after his short stint in MLB, Perkins had a more extensive career in minor league baseball, playing for various teams in different leagues. He continued to pitch in the minors for several seasons, showcasing his skills at that level.
  • Post-Baseball Life: After his professional baseball career concluded, Perkins retired from the sport and lived out the remainder of his life in his hometown of Baltimore.

References

  • Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum archives (for musician)
  • Allmusic.com (for musician)
  • Baseball-Reference.com (for baseball player)
  • Major League Baseball Official Website (MLB.com) (for baseball player)
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