RNB HALL OF FAME 2019

Phil Perry™ is a renown singer, songwriter, and actor, who has recorded a vast discography of songs since 1969 in the R&B & JAZZ genres, and who is known for his soulful and captivating stage performances throughout the world. On June 23,  Phil Perry was rewarded for his 50-years of recorded music excellence, by inducting him into the RHYTHM AND BLUES HALL OF FAME  along with Ray Parker Jr., and Stephanie Mills.

Perry was nearly 17 when his first song was recorded - "HEY YOU DON'T FIGHT IT"- as a member of the soul vocal group The MONTCLAIRS, writing & singing lead on a multitude of classic love songs, since sampled by a host of rapper, and enjoyed by the discovery - through social networking - among an ever-growing millennial fan base. 

Born in East St. Louis, Illinois in 1952, Perry was a member of the Montclairs from 1971 to 1975 and appeared on such recordings as "Dreaming's Out of Season," "Prelude to a Heartbreak," and "Begging's Hard to Do." 

After the group broke up, Perry relocated to Los Angeles joining forces w/the groups guitarist & co-lead singer, Kevin Sanlin. They released two albums, including a single "Just to Make You Happy," (written by Perry with the legendary Les McCann) on Capitol in 1980. This got the attention of the Hollywood music community, and led Perry to write songs for Aretha Franklin, Noel Pointer, as well as for his own duo projects with Sanlin.

By the early '80s, Perry had launched a lucrative career as a freelance songwriter, producer, and studio singer, appearing on albums with such luminaries as Quincy Jones, CeCe Winans, David Benoit, Russ Freeman, Lee Ritenour, Vesta Williams, Anita Baker, June Pointer, George Duke, Melba Moore, Bobby Womack, David Garfield, Ernie Watts, Kim Waters, Najee, and many others. 

In 1991, six years after years of encouragement to 'go solo' from his wife, he launched his own recording career with the release of his debut album, on Capitol in 1991,  The Heart of the Man, featuring his first #1 Hit,, CALL ME - an Aretha & Carolyn Franklin favorite.  Perry choose this #cover as his personal 'thank you' to the Queen of Soul for previously recording 3 of his songs

More solo albums followed, many featuring vocal lead & backing vocal contributions from his wife, vocalist Lillian Tynes Perry, including 1994's Pure Pleasure, 1998's One Heart, One Love (a Top5 entry onto Billboard's Contemporary Jazz chart), and the award winning project,  ~My Book of Love~.

The day of the anticipated release of his 5th album  ~Magic~ Perry was scheduled to perform 2 lunchtime concerts at the World Trade Center, and 2 concert cruises around Chelsea Pier, the evening on September 11th. A change of plans caused him to escape the devastation of 911 at the WTW, as his sound check had been scheduled at the time of the attack on the first tower. However, subsequently suffering from depression Perry spent several years away from recording and performing. 

The depression ended when his friend Don (& brother Dave Grusin) invited Perry to join  the acclaimed ensemble production of "THE HANG", featuring musical greats from the GRP glory days. Perry sang the Don Grusin ~WOMAN~ on the show, and brought the house down. The song is recorded on Perry's first solo album, as well. 

Coaxed back into the studio by producer Chris "Big Dog" Davis, Perry released (2006) ~Classic Love Songs~ on Shanachie Entertainment. He continued his fruitful relationship w/ the label, through unsigned one-offs, by delivering a handful of well received projects including (2007) ~A Mighty Love~, (2009) ~Gift of Love~, (2011) ~Ready For Love~, & (2013) ~Say Yes~. 

~A Better Man~ debuted at number one on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz Chart in 2015. 

In 2017, Perry returned w/ ~Breathless~, featuring renditions of Lee Ritenour's cover hit "Is It You?" & the 5th Dimension's "One Less Bell to Answer".