BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The family of arguably one of the best unsung guitar players to come out of Alabama is raising money to both honor his life and celebrate his musical legacy.
Wayne Perkins, a guitarist who played with everyone from Bob Marley to the Rolling Stones and many more, died March 16 after suffering a stroke earlier that month, as well as dealing with other health issues over the years. Perkins, who was born in Birmingham and spent his final years with his family in Argo, was 74 years old.
“Despite his immense talent and contributions, Wayne lived a humble life and did not have the financial means set aside for end-of-life arrangements,” a GoFundMe set up by his sister, Nadine Sims, read. “His family is now faced with the difficult task of honoring his memory and organizing a memorial service that reflects the beauty and spirit he brought into the world.”
Growing up in Center Point, Perkins picked up the guitar when he was 12 and honed his playing style by sitting in with bluegrass players in his neighborhood. By the time he was 17, he had made his way to Muscle Shoals, where he played sessions at Quinvy’s and Muscle Shoals Sound Studio. These experiences led him to contribute guitar with some of the biggest names in music looking to play with “The Swampers,” backing up people like Joe Cocker, Percy Sledge, and Leon Russell, whom he would tour with for much of the 1970s…