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Bill Perry Obituary

Blues guitarist Bill Perry died Monday. He was 48. Unconfirmed reports indicate the cause of death was heart attack. Perry had long-suffered from congestive heart failure and diabetes. The local community, including our thriving music scene, mourns his loss.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Herald-Record on Jul. 18, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Bill Perry

479 Entries

Fallou gallas

July 8, 2022

Just saw him once live in concert, in a little club in Toulouse FRANCE on June 7th of 1999. If I remember it was a Chesterfield cafe tour. Exceptionnel concert, one of the greatest I ever seen. The crowd was absolutely in love with his guitar playing and voice, the set was really incredible everything was perfect. The encore was Voodoo Chile.... When I am on the road Bill's CD are often in my ears. I miss this guy so much.
RIP my friend

April 27, 2020

I never knew Bill, but wish I had. I learned of him when I bought a Gibson acoustic guitar on line from a music store in Newberg, NY. The store said it used to belong to Bill. Great guitar, with a repaired hole in the side. Wish I knew the story. My thoughts and condolences to his friends and family.
Thad M, Katy, TX

Marlene Delade

June 27, 2018

Miss you cuz love all the fun we had with you now you can play and happy anniversary in heaven RIp ❤ Now you and George can have fun up there love you both

June 21, 2018

I saw Bill several times at Paula Jeans on long island. Great show RIP Bill, we miss you

John aka HarpoJon Fliss

September 24, 2014

Bill was one of the most talented guitar players ever. He was kind to let me sit in on Harp at Manny's Car Wash. He got better every year and I'll miss his riffs and him a lot.

Dave Freytag

November 25, 2011

I still have a little Fender amp Billy gave me over 30 years ago...and it still works perfect! I'll never part with it! Rock on Bro!

November 24, 2011

nothing like Bill with his grey Stetson hat----------Yeah-I have and will travel with that hat--------you are still going places--even if it is on my and within my head. D.

November 24, 2011

Christmas Baby Blues----------fast fingered bill.......deb and dane

bill b

May 23, 2011

Bill was special, i think of him every few days - i'm a guitar player 30yrs - i really know bill didn't really get his due - he was one of the greats - really something special - better than people knew, he had it all - soul-edge-style-tone-i would drop everything and bring all my best friends when bill came to town - i remember an old friend of mine (who had seen all the greats) standing with me at the front of the stage, as bill was soloing i ask my friend , "what do you think?", he never looked away from bill and said " i was unprepared for this!" that's how i felt the first time i saw bill - I will carry you w/ me always..

Pilar Morera

December 25, 2010

Wherever you are, Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday. I miss you, love

Matthew Parker

September 10, 2010

You will be missed Bill, you were such an amazing musician I will never forget listening to you in Middle Town, NY.

Marlene DeLade

June 20, 2010

Hey cous I was sitting and listening to your cd dancing like i always do my granddaughter she 3 just love the music and started dancing she know good blue too I miss you so much and the tune.
Love your cous Marlene

PHIL DIIORIO

June 18, 2010

I FIRST MET BILL PERRY IN A BLUES CLUB IN WILLAMSBURG, VA.( J.M. RANDALLS ) I WAS RUNNING SOUND AND HAD BEEN DOING GIGS AND SOUND FOR YEARS. I LOVED WHAT HE BROUGHT AND HOW HE DELIVERED IT ! A SHORT MEETING BUT A MEMORY I WILL NOT SOON FORGET...I PLAY AS OFTEN AS I CAN AND TAKE BILL AND SO MANY OTHERS WITH ME WHEN I PLAY ! THANK YOU ,WE WILL MEET AGAIN. PHIL~ IN CA.

debbie lbaker

March 23, 2010

bill---I am sitting here with your stetson hat on my head and shedding tears... tears for the joy u brought me and tears for the sorrow in my heart in the way that i miss u. loved u. Deb

Brenda Hicks-Hush

December 28, 2009

Hey , Hey Cousin Bill sorry I did not write Happy B day on Christmas. You were in my thoughts. Listen to this. Me and my husband bought a Kirby Vaccum Cleaner. This salesman asked if We know any one from Warwick or Sugarloaf.I said Bill Perry was my cousin. Salesman said WHAT he said he played in you band a couple of times. The man and his wife had dinner with us and we talked about you. He gave us a discount on the vaccum cleaner! What are the odds of this happening. I miss you and think about the good old days in Greycourt Ave. in Chester. You practicing in Aunt Bessies pourch and getting out the the little Bar B Q Grill.

Cathy Vanacore

December 25, 2009

Happy Birthday in Heaven. I still think of you so often. Thanks for the gifts you left us, especially your music. You are forever in my heart.

Clarence Perry

December 20, 2009

Happy Birthday, Christmas Baby. Always thinking of You And John. Your Brother Pidge

William Barrett

October 7, 2009

I miss this man and his music so much that I couldn't adequately describe it. His untimely passing shocked family, friends and fans alike. So I am going to share one specific memory of a chance meeting with Bill.
My one, and sadly, only meeting with Bill was a few years back at a festival in downtown Tulsa, Oklahoma. It was the first night of the festival and my two pals and I had decided while between acts, to leave the comfort of our lawn chairs located by the main festival stage and foray out to one of the side tents and see what was being offered. Before we even made it inside the perimeter of the tent, the band that was playing froze us in our steps. "Whoa!" "Who the heck is this dude?" The guitar work, the voice, the energy, I mean it grabbed on to you and demanded your attention. After staring with our jaws agape through completion of the song, a short conversation found rapid concensus and we looked for an opportune spot to hear the rest of the set. We spotted some seats all the way on the other side of the tent right in the front row. Excellent! We hurriedly circled back around the tent for the prime real estate taking the longer, but less congested route. I apologize now to anyone I may have sternly nudged out of the way. We were on a mission and it was urgent and those seats weren't going to stay empty for very long. Fortunately, we had only missed a few songs out of his set so we got to hear several more. This very first exposure to Bill Perry had me besides clicking my fingers and tapping my feet, shaking my head in astonished appreciation. The saying may be over used but, what a rush! Everyone in my trio felt the same way and Bill's name would come back up in conversation throughout the rest of the night. I vowed then and there that I would research this "Bill Perry" guy and acquire some of his music. Strangely enough, my research efforts started sooner than I expected. The Friday portion of the weekend festival had ended for the night at midnight and it was after 1:00 AM when I made my way into the lobby of the downtown hotel that I was calling home for the weekend. As I went to ride up the lobby escalator, I noticed that there was a solo person riding down and to my astonishment, it was none other than Bill Perry himself. So, I dallied a little bit because I wanted to convey to him how very much I appreciated his performance earlier that night. However, Bill wasn't even down the escalator all the way when he spoke to me like I was his long time friend. He said "is it true what they are telling me?" Well, I had no clue what "they" had been telling Bill or who "they" even were. In my head I am thinking to myself, "This sounds serious, Oh God, I hope someone didn't blow up another building someplace". I reply to Bill with intense concern, "I don't know if it's true, what is it that they are telling you?" Bill then says to me, "that it's too late to go get a drink around here?" I had to chuckle. I was actually relieved that there wasn't a major crisis, just a minor one. But here I am, about to have this fortuitous chance meeting with the guy I have been raving about all evening and now the very first thing I am going to get to say to him will be bad news. Unfair! Unfair! Well, Tulsa being in the middle of the Bible Belt, it was my sad duty to confirm Bill's fears. "Things lock down pretty early in old T-Town" I told him. Then after shamelessly heaping my praises on Bill's talent, I conveyed to him that he and his band members were welcome to come to my room where I already had some friends coming over. That I had my CD player with plenty of blues CDs with me and several large bottles of white zifindel that needed consumption. I really didn't expect him to come to some stranger's room at 2:00 AM but still sincerely extended the invitation none-the-less and gave him my room number. To my surprise, Bill and bassist Tim Tindall appeared about 20 minutes later. Introductions around were made, the cork screw got a workout, and Hound Dog Taylor & The Houserockers were the first CD to kick off the party. Fast-forwarding, the party broke up just before the sun was about to make an appearance. After all, we still had another day of festival music to enjoy. It was a fantastic evening of conversation, music and wine drinking. And of course, what happens on the road, stays on the road. Actually, the evening was mostly congenial conversation about blues music and all things related. It was quite an enjoyable event although I must admit that my memories of that last hour were shrouded in a fog produced by lack of sleep and considerable wine consumption.
Still, It was from that setting that I became a Bill Perry fan. Through the course of the evening and it's many discussions, I extended a promise to Bill that I would actively acquire his music and listen to it. That immediately drew a comment from Tim to the effect that everyone pretty much says that but few follow through. I quietly assured them that wouldn't be my case. That wasn't a hard promise to make as what I had seen on stage told me I couldn't go wrong. Tim suggested in my ear that I start with Love Scars. That turned out to be the third CD I acquired as I had to go online to find it. But the strongest impact Bill had upon me that evening was with his strength of character, the type of person he was. First and foremost, his behavior was that of an easy going gentleman, pre and post wine. Upon that, he was consistently gracious and humble. Throughout the night Tim, attempting to provide me a clearer picture of the topic at hand, would keep leaning over and whispering clarifying comments in my ear. Comments that Bill himself was much too humble to say. The man was a class act. Over the few years that passed after that evening of brief encounter and his passing, I collected his music as promised. I collected it, I listened to it, I loved it, and I continually promote it. And it is there, within the music, along with the great blues licks and the perfect gravelly blues voice of his, that you will be exposed to certain songs that reflect the strong social conscience that burned inside the heart and mind of Bill Perry. That is an aspect of Bill Perry's character that his inner circle knew, but you wouldn't necessarily pick up on during a 3 hour, after performance chill down. So, it is from my one evening of wine & song with Bill, combined with the messages and melodies of his music, that I formed a strong respect and affinity for Mr. Bill Perry. You see, right from that first meeting, I fully intended to see Bill Perry again. To let him know that I kept my promise and that I was now in a better position to talk intelligently about his music. I felt in my heart that we would share more conversation somewhere down the road. I felt so sure that our paths would cross again, and Bill being the congenial person he was, we would talk face-to-face, maybe over coffee or a beer. I expected to enjoy conversation and company once more with the soulful, compassionate, high integrity person that was Bill Perry. I met Bill only once. It wasn't hardly enough, but I'll gladly hold on to it. I love his music and most of all, I truly liked Bill Perry the man. I can only imagine the loss felt by those who were much closer to him. As like so many others that I am sure feel the same way, Bill lives on with us through his music, yet the sense of loss does not seem to fade with time. I help keep his spirit alive in me by passionately exposing as many people to Bill's music that I can. I feel like it is a natural extension of the promise I made to him to collect and listen to his creative works. Like myself initially, not enough people ever had the pleasure of being exposed to Bill Perry and his talent. Some friends of mine have a pretty decent blues band, good enough to have made it to the annual IBC challenge a few years back. I gave them a mass exposure to Bill's music. After a few weeks, the band's front man said to me, "this guy (Bill) is unbelievable. Listening to one of his CDs is like getting a text book primer in the blues. He does it all!" Amen to that.
Bill Perry, I thank you so much for the personal time you shared with me and for your spiritual and musical gifts that will out live us all.
Rest in peace Bluesman.

September 12, 2009

Horrific as the memories of September 11, 2001 are; I can't help but reflect on the joy of the night before. September 10, 2001 was the night I met you. You are forever in my heart, my wonderful & talented friend. I miss you terribly.
Love Always,
Georgette

August 6, 2009

Yeah, the Christmas Baby blues

deb baker

August 6, 2009

I have the Christmas baby Blues..............Debbie

Mary-Ellen Betterton

July 21, 2009

Hurts like it was yesterday... miss u Bro.... Much Love

Lisa

July 20, 2009

Missing the fun and excitment of going to see you play, each time better then the last. Thinking of you with much love......

Marlene & George Delade

July 19, 2009

I still miss you but i listen to your music and what a joy you had gave me.I have all the your orignal cd.They are so special to me.I will remember you on july 26 i will be there cuz.
Love you Cuz
Marlene

Dave Freytag

July 18, 2009

Billy "Bro" Perry.......hope you're jammin' with all the great bluesmen in the sky.... you're not forgotten!

Cathy Vanacore

July 18, 2009

I was thinking of Billy just the other day and went on you tube to watch some of his videos and listen to some of his great music. I can't think of him in the past tense because he is very much alive in his music. He shared this with us and left it for us to help us remember. To all of his family and friends, listen to his music, sing along, dance, watch him play that guitar on videos, listen to his voice as he sings, he gave this to us, so today and everyday lets celebrate his music, and his life.

Edwin "East" Couser

July 17, 2009

Today is the second anniversary of Bill's passing. What a sad, sad day it is. I've been watching youtubes of Bill all day, in between the tears.

RIP Bill.

martin perry

July 17, 2009

well its been 2 years we all miss him
come celebtate the legecy of bill on
july 26 in sugar loft bands will be playing some of his music

PILAR MORERA

July 17, 2009

Después de dos años sigo pensando en tí Bill. En tu mirada, en tu sonrisa, no nos hacían falta palabras. En esa paz y tranquilidad que tú dabas...Te quiero Bill.

July 17, 2009

Después de dos años Bill,sigo pensando en tí.En tu sonrisa, en tu mirada. No nos hacían falta palabras. Esa paz,esa tranquilidad que tú dabas... Te quiero Bill

DEBBIE BAKER

March 28, 2009

Yeah, I saw Billy in the raw. RAW DEAL was one of his best CD"s that had a raw feeling but tenderness. Listen to his message. d.

guillaume HEE

March 23, 2009

Bill Perry was my favorite modern blues player because he played with his heart, and had that deep sound I've never found elsewhere. I saw him several times in Paris (New Morning) and in Bordeaux. I miss this guy !

Brenda Hicks-Hush

March 21, 2009

It is hard to believe I can't see you
playing, read about you in the paper
but I will never forget you and your
Love for people and your sharing of
your music . Peace and love Billy
your spirit lives on. Cuz Brenda

Debbie Baker

March 18, 2009

Billy always watched other people playing as he derived much of his own leads from it.

Peace--a sign with the fingers in many ways would describe Bill Perry. Debbie Baqker

Elizabeth Rose

March 14, 2009

Leafing through my current issue of Elmore Magazine, I just learned that Bill Perry died. I'm so sad. It's a great loss.

It was always a joy to be with Bill and to play with him was something else. He was a guitarist's guitarist. He used to lead the jam session at Manny's Car Wash in NYC on Sunday nights. He inspired the musicians in his band and he was gracious to the players of all abilities, who got on stage. When the jam ended at 2am or so, Bill and his band would pack up and head another 1 1/2 hours back home to Middletown.

Bill always invited me to sit in with his band. The last time I got to see him was at the Callicoon Saloon in Calicoon, NY. He invited me up to play with his trio. I didn't have my guitar so he gave me his. I was a bit disappointed because I really wanted to play with him. So I played a shuffle with his band and he stood by - attentive, thoughtful and studying. He always studied everyone's playing. He was always learning - although I can't imagine what he could learn from me. Afterwards, he spoke some complimentary words in his soft spoken way. He was a classy guy.

I always felt that Bill deserved wider recognition than he got. I attribute this to his natural shyness, lack of self-promotional energy and real focus on what was important: the music. As an acoustic player, he warmed up any space. Electrically, he burned up the stage. He was confident, technically on top of his game but never a "show off". He was a great musician who sang and played with depth and versatility. His was the soul of the blues.

He was a wonderful player, a sweetheart of a human being, easy going and a major talent. I'll miss him.

PILAR MORERA

December 25, 2008

EN ESTE DÍA QUE ES NAVIDAD,
MI CORAZÓN TRISTE ESTÁ.
ES TU CUMPLEAÑOS Y ESE FAX Y ESA LLAMADA NO LAS PODRÉ REALIZAR.
DESPUÉS DE TANTO TIEMPO ME ATREVO A ESCRIBIR UN POQUITO
PARA TÍ.
EN TUS CANCIONES Y EN TUS TRABAJOS NOS DEJASTE LO MEJOR DE TÍ. GRACIAS BILL
A LA MÚSICA MUCHAS COSAS LE AGRADEZCO Y LA MÁS EL HABERTE CONOCIDO A TÍ.
ARE YOU ON SOMETHING? DO YOU REMEMBER?
I MISS YOU. LOVE

Cathy E.

December 11, 2008

This is the time of year when I start to miss you the most.

D. B

December 2, 2008

Billy---- your spirit is strong in so many of us. D.

Debbie Baker

November 26, 2008

To the Perry family---Thanks for a comment about your family member---Bill. I still have a PIECE OF HIS SOUL AND VISE VERA, dEBBIE

Dave Freytag

November 12, 2008

I have a very special Fender amp that's been mine for 30 yrs. I'll never get rid of it, because it was given to me by Billy! Still thinking of you, Bro!

Rene Risher-Kelly

November 11, 2008

Bill and I met at Chester Elementary school... I remember his guitar playing even back then when we were kids. I remember him winning our talent show in the 6th grade. We met again while I was attending S.U.N.Y. at New Paltz and his band was performing at a local club. It was wonderful to see him and the band was great...this was sometime in the late 70's early 80's. He proclaimed to have always had a crush on me at the time. We always were fond of eachother. Many years later he was playing not too far from me at a blues club in Maine...I was so excited to go surprise him after the gig but I had to leave town at the last minute for a funeral so we never hooked up. A few years after that which was a couple of years ago now...I wanted to get in touch with him to compose some music for a show I was producing...the next time I thought about it and tried to track him down I read he had pased away! I was shocked and so sad I never made the contact earlier. He was a very special talent and my prayers and thoughts go out to all that loved him.

martin perry

September 11, 2008

i would like to thank everyone who knew bill for the great response in this guess book i know he loves it
so thanks again from the whole perry family

Therese Quinn

July 30, 2008

Hey Bill, A year since you left us and it feels so unreal. I know you are lovin' that guitar sculpture in Sugar Loaf! We're keeping an eye out for Aaron, Carla and Joshua...It ain't been an easy year there...Hope you're watching over all of us! Sending HUGS to Heaven. Love,
Therese and Rachel

Debbie Brodeur

July 21, 2008

dEAR bILL---THANKS FOR LEAVING US WITH YOUR MUSIC IN THE HANDS OF "lITTLE jOHN". oLD SOULS SUCH AS YOURS ALWAYS COMEBACK TO US WHEN WE LEAST EXPECT IT. fIRE IT uP. DANE @ d.

Cathy Vanacore

July 18, 2008

I can't believe its been a year already, it seems like only yesterday you were here with us, making music and making us smile. I still smile when I think of you, I can't help it, its a natural reaction when I think of all the good times we shared over the years. I know many of your friends and family feel the same way. I will always remember you and the gift of music you gave to all, so unselfishly. Through your music and our memories, you will live forever in our hearts...

Marlene DeLade

July 17, 2008

miss you bill on your 1 yrs in heaven playing music for the good people up there with you I still listen to your cd and think of you all
the time and you will always be in my thought
love and miss you.

Warren

July 17, 2008

It's been a long year. I think of Bill often. I sometimes find it hard to listen to his music, but it always inspires me. I continue to play his music and try to do it justice.

I love you bill and miss you very much.

RIP.

Ed "East" Couser

July 16, 2008

A year! A very tough year. I spent yesterday viewing some youtube performances of Bill. It was tearful, but sweet. I won't be able to be there for Mary-Ellen's memorial gathering (unemployed and broke at the moment) but I will be with you in spirit. I don't think a day goes by that I don't remember how my life was touched by knowing Bill. I still cry when I think that perhaps he didn't know how much I loved him.

To those of you who remember Bill in those "in-between" bands such as Candle, Bullit and Brimstone, let's share a big, cosmic hug....another tear...and a hopeful smile.

Mary-Ellen Betterton

April 15, 2008

To honor Billy's memory and all he stood for we would like to have a memorial picnic on or near the anniversary of his passing. Billy loved when everyone was together and he will love that we are doing this.
I will send an email to those who gave me their info ...
anyone else interested in helping, participating, jamming or just attending can email me at:
[email protected].
Hope to see u in July. Peace

Milt and Sue Taylor

April 13, 2008

The last time we saw/talked with/listened to Bill was New Years morning 2007. He had just finished a set (wee hours) at Puck's in Doylestown, PA. and I asked him why he played no BILL PERRY stuff, and he said he gets tired of his stuff and needed to just relax and JAM...and jam he did!!! As I write this, Bill Clinton is jamming (on sax with Sophie B. Hawkins at the same club!!! If they only knew that Bill Perry's energy is there forever! We first saw him about 7 or 8 years ago in mid-town Manhattan (Hearld Square, I think. Being a life-long guitarist, and a Hendrix freak, I knew Bill was the REAL DEAL right away. Got to chat guitars for a few minutes, bought his Live at the Car Wash CD and became a fan for life!! Saw him again in Doylestown at Cafe Classics, (later known as Maggies Place) and also at Warmdaddys' in Phila.
Bill, we miss you and were lucky to have met you!!

Pen Pal

February 14, 2008

Thanks Billy for writing "Man On The Side". Allright play it______.
"best kept secret" The universe will miss you. Love, your penpal

Brenda Hush

January 19, 2008

HAPPY BIRTHDAY IN HEAVEN. THOUGHT
ABOUT YOU CHRISTMAS DAY AND SAID A
PRAYER. WE ALL MISS YOU AND LOVE
YOU. YOU WERE SUCH AN INSPIRATION TO PEOPLE ALL OVER THE WORLD. WHAT A TESTAMENT. CUZ BRENDA..

Kitt Potter

January 17, 2008

I can listen to the world, but can still hear you! Grateful for the gifts you gave during the wonderful times I was blessed with your presence, you have a reserved a very beautiful place in my heart and in the music of my mind. Remembering you with a smile Billy! A smile that will last to eternity. Thank you! Oh how much we all miss you! Til we meet again my friend. Aho!

DenimEd

January 14, 2008

Bill I just want to say, thanks for believing in me, my music and sound. There will always be an empty space in our hearts, mine Wendys and the boys miss you so very much. Thanks Bill.

Marlene DeLade

January 14, 2008

Happy bday I miss you alot and all the good time we have.
I play you cd all the times reminds of all the fun we have .
Love and miss you
you cuz Marlene

Mary-Ellen (Eberle) Betterton

January 12, 2008

Cheers My Dear Friend!!!!! We remembered your Birthday/Christmas Parties at my parents house this Christmas Eve and toasted a life time of great times .... guitar birthday cakes and breaking every possible rule then making up rules to break ... u will never be forgotten.
There is a big hole where u once were .... I will see u again.

Stephen Whitehouse

January 11, 2008

Such a huge loss to the blues music. I've seen him twice here in CT. at the German Club in Mystic and at Burke's Tavern in Niantic. He will truely be missed. He "faded to blue".

Linda (Custard) Curcio

December 26, 2007

We raised our glasses and toasted your birthday at Christmas dinner at Mom's house yesterday. You are always on our minds and in our hearts and are sadly missed by our family.

martin perry

December 26, 2007

bill just wanted to say happy birthday and we all miss you alot tell john we miss him to take care and we wil all meet again

Gregg Van Gelder

December 25, 2007

Billy,
Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday.
Rest In Peace.
Gregg Van Gelder

Pat and Orlo Clark

November 5, 2007

My family and I had one of our most memorable days at Millbrook Winery. Bill's band played on the hill and everyone, young and old, was up and dancing. Bill Perry gave me a real feel for the blues with his awesome guitar style and lust for life. He will be missed. Godspeed.

Clarence Perry

October 9, 2007

Miss you BRo, still hard trying to listen to your music,first Johnny then you, we will all meet someday and have a heck of a party, miss you, your Brother Pidge

Merv Osborne

September 19, 2007

Bill, it was great to meet you and talk at Bishopstock in England but for me it has always been a greater pleasure to listen to your music. That will live on for ever. God bless you

Babs

September 8, 2007

I heard Bill play for the first time at The German Club in Mystic CT. I am so sad he was not here Art Festival Weekend this year. He will be missed by his fans and friends in this neck of the woods.

Godspeed Bill

Jim Abrahamsen

September 1, 2007

I was reminded of Bill as I was listening to an Albert King album in which he plays with Stevie Ray Vaughn. Mr King said to Stevie "...there's alots of guitar players out here...they play fast but they don't concentrate on no soul but you got 'em both." SRV wasn't the only one. No doubt that my interest in the blues was sparked by Bill as well as my very audible enthusiastic response to his incredible talent when I'd see him play. Sometimes over enthusiastic response...but I couldn't help it when his music would dive down my neck,grab my soul and shake it around. His body may have left us but we still get to listen to his recorded musical notes that are so generously soaked with his mind bending riffs,the blues and his enduring SOUL. Good Lord, I miss you Bill.

Tony Lewis

August 28, 2007

I remember when I was about 15 years old...jammin’ with Billy (and others) in my basement in Arcadia Hills. Although it happened just a couple of times, the experience is one of the finest moments/memories I have of him. Playing on the CHS basketball team with Billy is another highlight. I stayed in touch with him as often as possible, but this loss proves how we must continually embrace loved ones as often as possible. There is no doubt that God will continue to bless Billy and all of his countless family and friends, near and far, for ever.

God Bless You.

Pat Fincham

August 26, 2007

Here I am again feeling compelled to add another notation to Bill's legacy book.
I was one of the many people at Bodles Friday night. It was a bitter-sweet evening for me, it felt surreal. It is still hard for me to believe Bill is gone.
Seeing and hearing John and Rob play brought tears to my eyes. It was comforting, knowing so many others felt the same as I did, yet it was my way of saying good-bye, and I hate good-byes.
Everyone I spoke to had wonderful things to say about Bill. They were kind enough to share their stories. I only hope Bill knew how loved he was.
All the performers played their hearts out in honor of him. Bill's music and spirit will remain with me forever, he was that special person we rarely come across in our lives, gifted, caring, humble. I was one of the lucky people to have met him. He was a beautiful person, I will always miss Bill.

August 25, 2007

The Blues Great:

They all came out in your honor tonight. All your guys followed by Levon, Sammy, Jimmy. They Rambled on for you for hours. Levon was drenched from the August heat. Mike Hill and his bunch. Jimmy played some more. The Prodigy, Jared was following Jimmy’s lead and playing lead himself as I left at 1:30 am. Almost all your fans were there. There were folks who traveled to Chester from Maine. Numerous more great musicians were in the house that will play in your honor tonight. Bodles could have made a three-day affair out it.

Tonight was your last scheduled gig at Bodles. The love for you and your music was everywhere.
It might be cool if Pat leaves that empty mic on the stage for you always.

Most important Aaron is basking in your greatness. He is really proud of his Dad.
R.I.P.

Veronica DiFalco (Sheehan)

August 17, 2007

You are with the Musical Angels now Billy. Thank you so much for letting everyone share your gift and love for music. But most of for being the kind, gentle person you always were and will be. Growing up in Chester with your family was fun. Play some music for my mom when you see here. May God Bless you and wrap his arms around you for ever.
Too the Perry Family, friends and band members my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Veronica DiFalco (Sheehan)

August 16, 2007

Goodbye Sweetie.
XXOO
S.

August 16, 2007

Bye Sweetie.
XXOO
S.

August 16, 2007

Goodbye Sweetie
XXOO
S.

Sheila Hicks-Kornegay

August 12, 2007

I'm really going to miss Billy. I can't believe he has passed on. It doesn't seem real to me yet, and I don't think it ever will. We lived next door to each other growing up, his parents both passed away at an early age. We played together, walked to the bus stop together, went to school together, laughed and cried together. What good times we had! I can rememember when Billy got his first guitar. It was on Christmas, which was also his birthday. The next year he received a wooden guitar then an electric one. Boy, he could play like no other person I had ever heard. He was the best! Billy loved his family and friends. He never forgot where he came from. Greycourt, Avenue Chester, N.Y. That's where the name of his album Greycourt Lightning came from. His smile, music and memories will live in my heart. You have made us proud, very proud! R.I.P. sleep with the angels! Love your cousin Sheila-Hicks Kornegay

Randy Crosby

August 7, 2007

I first saw Bill in Kirksville, MO at the Round Barn Blues Festival and was amazed by his performance. From the moment he and his band struck the first lick he was totally in the groove, no build up, it was right there - awesome! I loved his Hendrix renditions and went to see him as many times as I could. I bought the live CD and to this day it is the best live recording that I have ever heard. I have been wondering about Bill for some time now and my heart is saddened by his passing. He was a humble, loving guy and I enjoyed seeing and hearing him play so, so much.
My sympathies to the family and to all his blues brothers, he was a true bluesman.

Neil Leichman

August 6, 2007

I just got back from vacation and heard this sad news. I only got to hear Bill the last 3 or 4 years because of his Corner Stage gigs.
A true talent and (at least my 2 cents) all around nice guy. In the back of my head I hear him singing HoneyPie and it makes me smile inside. Thanks Bill! Peace

bill nitopi

August 5, 2007

I'd like to thank everyone for writing such warm thoughts about a great man. He was the best person, with the best friends. We are all blessed to be alive at this period in time to have known him and hear his music. A great light has gone out on earth, but be damn sure a brighter one is shining in heaven.
Voodoo Child, The Spirit Lives On.

Eric B.

August 4, 2007

Bill hope ya see a few Tye Dyes on the way home.Slow E.

Dave Boim

August 4, 2007

I first saw Bill at the Taylor Michigan Blues Festival where he scorched the stage. I bought Greycourt Lighning there which he signed and spent time with each fan. I then saw him at Sisko's in Taylor. This winter, I happened to be in Chicago and saw him at Buddy Guy's Blues Legends. Another great, great show. I introduced myself to him, shook his hand, as a huge fan and Bill was humble, friendly, and a true gentleman. I logged on to see his schedule and was shocked and saddened. "The Bluesman" will live on forever in memory, song, and legacy.

Lori House - Brown

July 31, 2007

I was so sad to hear the news! I know you are in a wonderful place now. It has been many years since I last saw you. We lost touch when I moved away from Chester so many years ago, but I did take with me many memories of good times and the not so good in good ole Chester NY. Lately, I have been thinking about you a lot because our 50th birthday was coming up and I went to your website to see about getting in touch. Much to my dismay I found out you had left this Earth. I have always thought about on Christmas Day and I will always. December 25, 1957 brought us a special bond. No matter how much time or distance separates, there are people who cross your path in this life that you never forget and you Bill Perry are one of those people. I send much sympathy to your family and your friends. I pray they will all find comfort in the loving arms of Jesus and know you are with Jesus now and smiling. Until we meet again...

Kathy Coyne

July 31, 2007

Though I have not seen Bill in may years, I will always remember his smile and his gentle soul. His talent will not be forgotten. Play on Bill, and smile.

debbie kibzey

July 31, 2007

it was so sad to hear that bill is gone.i feel i'm one of the luckyest people to meet him.i got so excited when he gave me his broken guitar string. and a autograph picture,that still hangs on my wall.bill you will be missed but not forgoten.your music will live on.

Michael Katzman

July 31, 2007

Bill,

Thank you! Words couldn't express the feelings about your new journey. For me and my freinds, being musicians ourselves, you gave us hope and dreams. We traveled to see you all over the county, Bodles, The Caboose, Downtown, Brother's, and even into Manhatten to see you jam at Manny's. Your music inspired and will live forever. Your talent is incredible, one of a kind! We will miss you. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Take it light!

John & Maureen Blue

July 29, 2007

We were shocked to here of Bill's passing. He was kind and genuine. He will be greatly missed on the festival scene, but will be jammin' with some of the best on the other side. Our condolences to his family, especially Alex.

Lynne Hill

July 27, 2007

My sincere condolences to your family and I'm sure God will enjoy your playing as much as everyone else has. God Bless.......

marie terrain conklin

July 27, 2007

although you have passed onto a much better place thank you bill for your music.

danny draher

July 26, 2007

Bill was a good guy & a great player, sad to see him go!

Clifford Rockey

July 26, 2007

My name is Rockey.. I live in South Florida. I had the privilege of playing w/ Bill one night up in Chester NY in a small club in Sugar Loaf... Every time I go up to NY, I look him up and see him play. It's so sad to hear this.. Bill, you will be missed by all.. I love you my good friend... Rockey

Christine DeSantis

July 25, 2007

I am deeply saddened with the loss of Bill Perry....Although it's been years since I last seen him play, I will never forget his music and how much it touched all of those around him. Some of my fondest memories are of Billy's gigs... from the wedding in Providence to seeing him jam with Richie Havens in New Brunswick, NJ and every place in between.
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family and friends of Bill. He is the "Pride & Joy" of Chester and all of Orange County.

Sincerely,
Christine

Karen Reidy-Miller

July 25, 2007

I heard my friend was gone today. The last time he called he had alot to say. Indeed never once was it about how great he could play. Just mostly how is your day? I loved the way he could tell a joke in his shy way. He asked when ya gonna send me more tye dye this way? He said, you have been out west way to long. It's time you came home where you belong. I told him my teens drive me crazy. He said stay up one your toes, in a few more years you can be lazy!
Our past kept us close and he sure loved Sugar Loaf! He loved his son Aaron and always made time for his old friend Karen....Your out of this world. Touching new hearts and souls. You will be missed by many and leave us a true legacy....xoxoxox

Arnie, Henry, Pete & Ed (the golfers)

July 24, 2007

We saw you at the Corner Stage by chance a few years back, whlie we were doing our annual golf outing. I think my friends would agree that listening to your music became the highlight of our trip the last few years. You took the time to talk with everyone which was nice, but the music.....just outstanding!!! Sorry to hear the bad news...you'll be missed.

connie tanner

July 24, 2007

We would like to send our sympathy and love to BILLS' FAMILY AND FRIENDS.We heard BILL for the first time at the orange classic,my son and brother-in-law ran that day many years ago.He was unbelievable.We were amazed,My husband and i through the years saw them him when we could.There was another time when my oldest son went with us and heard him on mountain lodge road and so again it was another family memory.Bill and the band were always terrific.His friendship was the same way as he was a very special friend to my sister Sparky and brotherinlaw,Ken.He never forgot his friends and where he came from.BILL WAS THE REAL DEAL.WE DO REGRET THAT WE CAN'T HEAR HIM ONE MORE TIME,BUT HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN,HE WAS A LEGEND AND RIGHTFULLY SO.HE WILL BE MISSED BY MANY.WE KNOW HE IS UP ABOVE AND WILL PLAY THROUGH ETERNITY, SINCERELY CONNIE AND JOHN TANNER

Tom Taylor

July 24, 2007

Bill,
It took me time to get my composure to put a goodbye together you deserve. With the fact I lost my brother Bill on March 20th 2007. To great men with the name "BILL" who left us to early and Heartbroken!! I never forget when you came up to me after a set 8 years ago in Middletown N.Y. and asked me how my brother was; and I said he wasn't doing so well. You cut your intermission short and said I going to play your brothers favorite song..Words can't say how down to earth you were. You made everyone feel so good when you were on stage. It was a honer to be in the crowd and say to someone I know that man. One thing I can say, I know my brother was there to greet at the gates of heaven and your music will rain and shine upon us from above. As you know Bill your legacy will always live on, But be terribly missed!!!
From a friend and Fan, I'm sorry your both gone..

Joe Barone

July 24, 2007

Bill, learning of your passing rips away at all our very souls. But at the same time it brings back some very special memories. To me, memories of great times with great friends who loved seeing you jam out across the Hudson Valley in the 80's. Unfortunately, I haven't seen you play since those long gone days spent with good friends & a keg at Round Lake. But it comes as no surprise that you were still rocking & had remained true to your passion. When you played, it was always pure, from the heart. It was amazing to see you perform up close. It was a priviledge to have witnessed your genius & to have partied in your presence. My prayers are with you & your family. You've touched so many lives Bill, you'll be sorely missed by all of us. Bro, you may not remember me, but I will never forget how you could rock the house down each time you picked up an instrument as we downed a few cold ones & left life's problems at the door. They're celebrating in Heaven this week... Jimi & Stevie Ray have a new jam partner. Thank You Bill for making all our lives better with your extraordinary talent & humility.

Marcy & Joe Crocco

July 24, 2007

It was always a great night of music when Bill played. Quiet and unassuming, Bill let his music say it all. Bill played and sang with so much soul, not only did you hear it, you felt it. He was truely a great muscian and a great person. He left us with the legacy of his music and his music left us with a window to his soul. We will surely miss him.

Pat Mazo

July 24, 2007

I feel sadness for those of us who will miss seeing him here in Chester and Sugar Loaf on a daily or weekly basis, that's going to be the hard part. I feel sadness for his son, brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles and others that won't be able to see him across the table at Thanksgiving, that, too will be the hard part. But I feel happiness that there's so many pieces of him here on this Earth; Aaron and his uncanny resemblance of his dad as well as his mannerisms and talents he has yet to discover; Johnny, Dan, John, Nick and all the hundreds of guitarists that he gave his time, advice, talents & riffs to; and to clubs like Bodles that will never be the same but would never have been as good without him and his incredible talents that he gave of so freely.
Back in 2004 when Bodles almost had to close the doors and when a "Save The Music" benefit CD was suggested, Bill was the first to give his song "Faded To Blue" and that song will always live in our hearts as a gift from Bill. When benefit concerts were scheduled, he immediately said "YES, absolutely!, I'll play" and he did.
Bill helped me to understand & cope with this crazy business, in so many ways; he showed me that there were people in this business that were true and honorable; that there were people in this business for the right reasons; and that you could count on these people when you needed them. I am grateful for my experience of Bill, he is one of the most talented and generous people I have had the pleasure of knowing, and I hope to see him again someday.
I am a big believer in Karma and what goes around, comes around, so I find solace in the fact that because Bill gave so much of himself, that he has found his peaceful eternity!

Esther (Levine) Halt

July 24, 2007

I just heard the news today...The last time I saw Bill was at the 5 O'Clock Club in Sarasota. I saw his name in the paper and I ran down there to see him. It was about 8 or 9 years ago. We spoke of old times and how much fun we had with old friends that neither of us had seen in a while. I've looked for his name to return ever since. My condolences to his family, bandmates (current and former) and friends.

Richard Krug

July 24, 2007

I will really miss him! Meet him in 1996 opening for Rick Derringer at the Stering in Greenwood lake where I have a summer home. Convinced him then about something called the internet and a web site so that all could share of his existence. Rest well! Peace

Chris Jordan

July 24, 2007

Bill,

When I first heard you I was in high school in Warwick in 1975. You jammed with a friend of mine's band called Toejam. You just blew everybody away. I particularly enjoyed when you played Hendrix and Stevie Ray! Now you are up there with both of them! Long live the blues! Chris

Keith DeGennaro

July 24, 2007

Some of our favorite memories of Bill:
I met Bill when he came to one of my annual New Years day jam parties (about 18 years ago) to jam with “James Barry” Studin & Steven “Fig” Belfiglio, whom he had met & played music with at varies open mic nights in the area. Bill came in and started to jam with my 75-year-old father who was playing older songs on the clarinet. I’ll never forget that night for the music, memories & friendships made.
Bill, Barry & Steve meshed so well musically that they decided to form a corporation known as Blue North Productions, Inc. (BNP). Based out of Barry’s house on Yankee Lake. The objective of BNP was to write and produce radio and TV jingles to sell to major corps. So they went to work and produced 5 jingles to try to sell to Ford, Bold detergent, Kodak, Levis and Met Life. We mixed them down at Ernie’s studio in Scotchtown, man are they hot! (Still have the tapes for any anyone interested)
Things were going so well with BNP that Barry, Bill and Steve asked me to design a sound/recording studio at Barry’s house and to be their studio Tech. So I went to work and designed a really great studio to accommodate BNP and any musician’s interested in laying down tracks. Construction about to begin tragedy struck “James Barry” past away from complications from diabetes’s at the age of 38, ending the dreams of Blue North Productions. Bill, Steve and myself were pallbearers at his funeral.
The reason we include this in our tribute is because we know this is a little known part of Bill’s life and we wanted to show that he was going to great places before he went to great places as one of the most talented musicians there was.
Our love and Prays to his family. Bill will be dearly missed but never forgotten as with
“ James Barry”. We find comfort knowing that Bill and Barry are writing and playing music together in a better place………..
I write this tribute for those who can’t:
“ James Barry” Studin, deceased
Steven “Fig” Belfiglio, unavailable
And for myself who can:
Keith DeGennaro

Al Foley

July 23, 2007

Bro,
If I can't see you no more in this world, I'll see you in the next...and don't be late.
Al

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