PINETOP PERKINS DEAD AT 97

Legendary Mississippi bluesman Willie “Pinetop” Perkins has died. The Belzoni-born pianist died at his home in Austin, Texas, today at the age of 97, according to a statement from his management. The official cause of death is not yet known, but is believed to be cardiac arrest.

Perkins, whose signature style had influenced several generations of blues pianists, remained a busy and successful artist until the end, continuing to perform and record. In February, Perkins became the oldest Grammy award winner in history when Joined at the Hip, his LP with fellow veteran Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, took home the trophy for Best Traditional Blues Album.