For over three decades, Kathleen Perry has developed a solid and devoted following locally and internationally. Now residing in Las Vegas, NV. with her husband Drummer/Percussionist Arthur Perry.They continue to teach and produce beautiful music together. "I was very fortunate that I grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area," says the three-octave range versatile singer," All the great singers and musicians came there to perform.I remember attending great concerts of Aretha Franklin at the Fillmore West, Frank Sinatra, Miles Davis, McCoy Tyner, Patti Labelle, Etta Jones, Gladys Knight.They were my teachers before I started studying forcefully.
I was born in 1950 in Vallejo California, where my 3 sisters, 1 brother and I were all encouraged to play a musical instrument and perform by our parents. My father was a government supervisor at the Oakland Army Terminal and a Jazz aficionado. My mother was a housewife who dreamed of singing. She died at the early age of 41 never to realize her dream but one of the many values she taught us was to practice your instrument daily to be a great musician. There was always music in our home. Growing up I watched my sister and brother’s singing duet practice and perform. I would emulate them and constantly ask to sing. They received a recording contract with Columbia records. Unfortunately my sister Joyce passed away at 16. However my brother Chuck Brown continued in his musical career playing drums attending Berkelee School of Music in Boston Mass. His talent led him to work with jazz greats such as Nancy Wilson, Lou Rawls, now he is a famous drum teacher (30 years) known throughout the world for his style and teaching such famous artist as Terry Bozzio and David Garibaldi.My other sister played accordion with Dick Contino and the other sister studied dance.
I began my music career playing classical piano at the age of 7 andperforming with the Gospel youth choir at McGee Avenue Baptist church in Berkeley CA. Performing throughout my youth for many radio shows, fashion shows, government conventions and school productions. During this time encouraged by my elementary school principal I entered a talent contest sponsored by a group called "The Limeliters." The Limeliters were a famous folk group of the fifties recording on RCA Victor records. I won the contest and recorded my first album with the Limeliters titled "Through Children's Eyes" at the age of 10 singing with the youth choir.
I vigorously pursued my musical career attending San Francisco State University majoring in music and later on studying voice privately with Claudine Spindt and cynthia Bythell.When I turned twenty-one I began to perform in California bistros, bars, clubs and halls the list would fill pages.I married my husband Arthur a well-known drummer and the son of a Baptist Minister.We can proudly say we have been together now for 40 years! Arthur and I produced, directed and performed in a musical jazz revue in 1970 titled "Freedom in my Soul" after our original composition. Opening to notable revues from the San Francisco Examiner at the Encore Theater in San Francisco.During that time our home was the place known in San Francisco as the famous Haight Ashbury district a place for many musical jam sessions. It was a musical nirvana with many drop in performances by the likes of jazz giants like Bobby Hutcherson, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Mongo Santamaria, Ray Drummond, to name just a few. My husband Arthur and I appeared at many memorable San Francisco jazz clubs, Jazz festjivals and restaurants. Most Jazz music aficionado's world wide recognize Enricos, Rolands, The Cypress Club, Milestones, Both-And, Washington Square Bar and Grill, Harris' Restaurant, and The famous IronHorse Jazz Club which turned into a four year engagement. The annual Union Street Fair and the Ironhorse Jazz festival,KGO radiothon as special guest artists and " West Coast Live " a worldwide radio broadcast.
We continued to perform together as the Arthur & Kathleen Perry Quintet headlining "First Night Monterey" appearing before 12,000 people at the 1994 New Years Eve celebration. During this time I was honored when requested to sing the Star Spangled Banner at Kesar Stadium for the opening of the Rugby games.I was honored to sing at Golden Gate Fields to honor the famous racehorse jockey now deceased Mr. Bill Shoemaker. Arthur Perry was born in 1938 in Brooklyn New York. He began performing in a church sponsored drum and bugle corps at the age of eight.He studied drums with, Dad Hines the father of the famous Gregory and Maurice Hines until the age of 15.At the age of 16 Arthur formed a singing group called the "Montclairs" they performed at the historic Apollo Theater amateur contest and won first prize.The "Montclairs" went on to record under the Wildwood Record label and gained much success with their single recording of "Your in my every dream" written by Arthur. Arthur has worked with such great artist as James Brown, Papa John Creech, Big Joe Turner, Jessica Williams, Rahsaan Roland Kirk and Bobby Timmons and many more.Arthur performed on channel 13 for a Public Television special with Rahsaan Roland Kirk, which is now a TV Jazz classic.
In 1991 The Arthur & Kathleen Perry Quintet was invited to perform in Europe.This changed their lives. Kathleen and Arthur first appeared at Villa Florio in Palermo Sicily. "Our relationship with the wonderful European audiences never ended.We toured throughout Europe performing in Cathedrals, Famous Villas, Jazz clubs and concert halls from 1991 to date." "As a vocalist I never stop enjoying the European audiences they are true lovers of American music and have always supported my distinct flare to sing jazz, R&B and Gospel." During this time Kathleen performed with the Jazz great Lee Konitz. Kathleen also taught vocal lessons at the Scoula Popolare Di Musica, for The Brass Group of Italy,One of their great gospel concerts was held at the Cathedral of San Gerlando in Agrigento Italy for RAI television.It was a benefit for the children of Bosnia in 1994 that due to popular request of the Italian people has been aired annually at the Christmas season.
Arthur and Kathleen Perry produced and recorded "Bounasera Misilmeri, Live in Europe" with Italian jazz greats Vito Giordano, Ricardo LoBue and Diego Spitaleri. Kathleen, had the great pleasure in 2002 to sing with the great Italian jazz vibraphonist Enrico Randisi at the first Windsurf World jazz festival sponsored by ESPN in Mondello, Italy.On September 11, 2002 The Arthur and Kathleen Perry Quintet was honored to perform for the International Red Cross and Papiacomunicare in Castigilone delle Stiviere, Italy. "Per non dimenticare" was the theme "Let us not forget" dedicating the night to the victims of September 11th.The Arthur & Kathleen Perry Quintet also was requested to perform for the Provincia of Brescia during this period for the annual International World Celebration 2002 for the "Year of the mountains" Kathleen and Arthur continue to return to Europe as often as possible most recently in 2004 performing at Villa Lampedusa.
Recently , Kathleen and Arthur Perry produced several soundtracks for the Las VegasUnderground films festival. Kathleen, was hired to be the Associate musical Director with a cameo appearance in the film "Siren" featuring a song composed by Arthur and Kathleen Perry titled "Starting Over". Today they are passing on the knowledge learned throughout the years opening a Vocal Studio in Las Vegas over the past 8 years teaching the new up and coming talented singers. The lastest CD "Familia" features Kathleen Perry with the Art Perry ensemble, featuring several original songs written by Arthur and Kathleen. as well as some great jazz standards. "Familia" has become a jazz classic available on Amazon.com. Kathleen and Arthur continue to perform in Las Vegas and touring in Europe.
Kathleen....."Like most Artist, I am continually a work in progress. Always desiring to create the best sound possible, perfecting my vocal instrument"
"FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS & WATCH OUT FOR THE DREAMKILLERS"
