Phil Perry, born on January 12, 1952, in Springfield, Illinois, is an accomplished American R&B singer, songwriter, and musician. His career spans decades, marked by soulful ballads, collaborations with renowned artists, and personal triumphs over adversity.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Perry's musical journey began in East St. Louis, where he sang high masses in his Catholic Church and performed in high school talent shows. His talent was discovered by Catholic nuns, leading to his first single, "Hey You," with The Montclairs. The group, also based in East St. Louis, signed with Archway Records just before Perry turned 17 in 1969.
The Montclairs Era (1971-1975)
From 1971 to 1975, Perry was a member of the soul group "The Montclairs." In 1972, The Montclairs recorded under the Paula label with minor soul ballads that included "Dreaming's Out Of Season", "Prelude to a Heartbreak", and "Begging's Hard To Do". Perry wrote these songs. The Montclairs left Paula Records, and a second album was produced and recorded featuring Perry and his songs, but it was shelved in 1974. The group disbanded in 1975, but the songs were later discovered in 2001.
Collaboration with Kevin Sanlin
After The Montclairs disbanded in 1975, Perry moved to California with former Montclair, Kevin Sanlin. Perry and Kevin Sanlin teamed up as a duo, which resulted in two albums at Capitol Records in the early 1980s produced by Chuck Jackson and Dr. Cecil Hale. One song 'Just to Make You Happy' had a respectable level of success in radio.
Solo Career Breakthrough (1991)
In 1991 Perry released his first solo album on Capitol Records, and toured with label mate Dave Koz for the next two years. In the 1990s, he achieved significant success with the number-one R&B hit "Call Me" (previously recorded and written by Aretha Franklin), a remake of the 1970 hit. He also had top forty R&B singles "Amazing Love" and "Forever" (written by Brenda Russell), all from the hit album, Perry's first solo release The Heart of the Man (1991).
Read also: Kessel's Diet and Workout
Collaborations and Session Work
Phil Perry is featured on many GRP Records projects, with guitarist Lee Ritenour in particular. He is a featured vocalist on recordings by Michel Colombier, Don Grusin, Dave Grusin, Freddie Hubbard, George Duke, Najee, Bill Withers, Barbra Streisand, June Pointer, Johnny Mathis, The Benoit-Freeman Project (David Benoit & Russ Freeman), Sergio Mendes, Bobby Womack, Chaka Khan, Fourplay, George Benson, and Will Downing, to name a few. Other film song credits include 'Roots", "Pretty in Pink", "Short Circuit", "Mr. Wonderful", "Nice Girls Don't Explode", Riding Bean, "Captain Ron" and a cameo appearance in the 2009 release of the Harrison Ford film "CROSSING OVER". Perry composed, wrote and performed several songs for the Japanese anime OVA Riding Bean with friend and co-writer, David "Creatchy" Garfield. Perry, Kevin Sanlin, James Ingram, and Howard Hewett are singing the background vocals on the Carl Carlton hit, "She's a Bad Mama Jama". In 1992, Phil traveled to Japan to perform in the Earth Voice Concert with Lee Ritenour, Lisa Fischer, Brenda Russell, James Ingram, Michael McDonald. etc. Phil sang background vocals on songs the artist perform.
Personal Life and Family
In 1985 he married singer Lillian "Tang" Tynes, and began a marriage partnership that has lasted ever since. As vocalists, the Perrys are featured singing background for numerous projects and TV/Radio jingles, as well as in a duet titled 'Do Not Disturb' on the One Heart One Love album, released in 1998. 'Lill' Perry is also featured on the background vocals of Perry's first five solo albums. The nearly 25 year marriage has produced four children, Joseph, Paloma, Philip II, and Jacob. He is the father of rapper Oliver the 2nd.
September 11, 2001, and Artistic Depression
On September 11, 2001, Perry was scheduled to perform at the World Trade Center, for the lunch hour jazz concerts between 11 am and 1 pm. His 5th solo album Magic was released that day, as well. As fate would have it, Perry was spared the devastation of the terrorist attacks on the two towers. However, for the next few years, he sunk into an artistic depression, and did not record again until invited by longtime friend, Don Grusin, whom he joined in September 2003 for a collaborative venture titled "The Hang". This CD/DVD project was nominated for a Grammy, and included Dave Grusin, Harvey Mason, Patti Austin, Natali Renee, Abraham Laboriel, Alex Acuna, Ernie Watts, Lee Ritenour, and others.
Comeback and Later Career
In 2006, former co-producer of the Magic album, Chris 'Big Dog' Davis, urged Perry to record a collection of R&B hits, titled Classic Love Songs as an independent one-off project for Shanachie Records. Since that time, Perry has recorded four projects for Shanachie with 'The Big Dog', including the recent duo project with the great Melba Moore. In 2007 he toured the country with saxophonist Dave Koz. That same year he released his acclaimed album "Mighty Love," for which he was voted the 2007 Male Vocalist of the Year, in the SoulTracks Readers' Choice Awards. In 2008, Perry recorded a duo album with Tony Award winning vocalist, Melba Moore, titled "The Gift of Love". The album was voted Duo Album of the Year award in the SoulTracks Readers Choice Awards.
Health Scare and Continued Success
After returning from South Africa Perry became ill during a performance with Pieces of a Dream, in October 2009 at Southern Connecticut State University. False rumors began to circulate that he had died. While there is no definitive medical reason for the collapse, Perry was treated at a local New Haven hospital, and released with the strong recommendation that he take some time off and rest. His fan base nearly doubled after the incident. In 2010, "Ready For Love' was released by Shanachie. Inspired to write, after his health warning, this excellent album featured more Phil Perry originals than in any of his earlier releases, which pleased Perry, the songwriter, immensely.
Read also: Coffee Diet Explained
Recent Albums and Recognition
March 2013 heralded the release of "Say Yes", the 10th solo album, and the 5th on Shanachie. The album charted in the Top Ten on Billboard and A.C. Smooth Jazz charts, as well as receiving Smooth Jazz TOP VOCAL credits. Two years after its release, Say Yes continued its steady climb to become one of Billboard's 2014 top smooth jazz singles, featuring Perry in a classic duet cover of Where Is the Love? The newest release from Perry on the Shanachie label - "A Better Man" - was #1 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart the first week. The album is being described as possibly Phil Perry's greatest creative endeavor, and in defiance of recent health issues, 'The Maestro' features flawless vocal performances of original and classic RnB compositions which continue to place the Legendary singer/songwriter, in a class all his own.
Album Discography
Solo albums
- “The Heart of the Man” (1991); Capitol 92115
- “Pure Pleasure” (1994); GRP/MCA 4026
- “One Heart One Love” (1998); Private Music/Peak 82163
- “My Book of Love” (2000); Private Music/Peak 82181
- “Magic” (2001); Peak 8504
- “Classic Love Songs”(2006); Shanachie 5139
- “A Mighty Love” (2007); Shanachie 5153
- “Ready for Love” (2008); Shanachie 5164
- “The Gift of Love” (2009) with Melba Moore; Shanachie 5176
- “Say Yes” (2013); Shanachie 5401
- "A Better Man" (2015); Shanachie
Session
As The Montclairs featuring Phil Perry:
"Dreaming Out of Season" (1972) Paula Records 2216
As Perry & Sanlin:
“For Those Who Love” (1980); Capitol"We're The Winners" (1981); Capitol
Read also: Experience a Luxurious Escape at The Inn at Perry Cabin
As Phil Perry & David Garfield:
"Together in the Arms of Love";"Deep Within Each Man"; presented by Shorinji Kenpo (Japan)
Movie soundtracks
"Road Buster," "King of the Road," & "Runnin' the Road" (1989) Riding Bean anime soundtrack"The National Anthem," as performed in CROSSING OVER, a Harrison Ford film, available on DVD
Perry songs recorded by other artists:
"Last Chance For Love", Maysa Leak featured on BACK 2 LOVE album, Shanachie 2015"Perfect Island Nights", Bobby Caldwell (2007 - title song)"Romance the Night Away", Najee (2007)"United Together", "Take Me With You", "Together Again", Aretha Franklin's ARETHA album (1981)
Overcoming Weight Challenges: A Personal Perspective
Perry's personal experiences with weight management offer insights into the mental and emotional aspects of achieving a healthy lifestyle. He acknowledges a predisposition to obesity, a struggle shared by his family. However, he distinguishes himself through his belief in deserving good health, longevity, daily activity, and a positive body image.
The Power of Belief
Perry emphasizes the importance of believing in one's worthiness of a healthy life. He asserts that individuals often attain what they believe they deserve. This belief is the foundation for creating different outcomes and achieving weight loss goals.
The Role of Action and Effort
While belief is crucial, Perry acknowledges that it requires work. He highlights the principle that "winners do things losers don't," emphasizing the need for consistent effort and action to achieve desired results.
Envisioning Success
Perry encourages envisioning the positive changes that come with weight loss, such as comfortable clothing, increased energy, and improved self-image. This "20/20 foresight" provides motivation and clarity, increasing the likelihood of achieving long-term success.
Learning from Past Mistakes
Perry recognizes that many individuals have experienced failures in their weight loss journeys. He suggests that these past mistakes hold valuable clues for achieving success in the future. By analyzing and understanding these mistakes, individuals can develop more effective strategies.
Addressing the Cycle of Obsession
Perry cautions against obsessive dieting and compulsive behaviors related to weight. He shares the story of his nephew, who was approaching 500 pounds and expressed a desire for change. This example illustrates the importance of addressing the emotional and psychological aspects of weight management.
Readiness for Change
Perry emphasizes the significance of being truly ready to make a change. He suggests that individuals who are sick and tired of the diet roller coaster are more likely to succeed. This readiness involves a commitment to long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.
Cognitive, Behavioral, Environmental, Social, and Nutritional Strategies
Perry advocates for a comprehensive approach to weight loss that encompasses cognitive, behavioral, environmental, social, and nutritional strategies. These strategies work together to create a supportive and sustainable environment for achieving health goals.