One of the reasons why it's in my top movie selection is because of the Singer/Actress Perry Blackwell.
She only had one scene in the movie and she sang for most of that scene, but what she did with her expressions and mannerisms spoke much much more. She was also in the 1960 movie "Dead Ringer" with Bette Davis and Karl Malden. There is not much info on her available, but I did discover via a message written by her daughter, that she is a classically trained Pianist and self taught organist.
She played Hammond Organ for years. Also she played with Sonny Stitt, Wes Montgomery Bros. , Roy Milton and Louis Jordan.
She worked many gigs around such people as Nancy Wilson, Aretha Franklin, Quincy Jones, Joe Williams, Freddie Hubbard, Jackie Wilson and Red Foxx.
She worked on the New York jazz scence for a few years, Best known for her 7 year stint at The Parisian Room in Los Angeles and her fantastic wigs.
As of 2009, she lives with her daughter, RonE Lee in AZ.
Thanks for introducing me to Perry Blackwell. I have seen Pillow Talk (many, many, many moons ago) as a child. Unfortunate-for-me, I do not recall seeing Ms. Perry's scene. Guess I'll have to see if the movie is available on Netflix and fast forward to her scene or see if I can find a video of her on Youtube.
ReplyDeletedbg
I found the scene on YouTube.
ReplyDeletedbg
okok
DeleteThat's my favorite scene from the movie. I'm glad you found it.
ReplyDeleteHad not heard of her and had not seen Pillow Talk. That was a wonderful scene. Thanks Debbie. I little ironic that you are discussing her now considering the Rock Hudson and Doris Day 12" dolls just became available. Your painting of Ms. Perry Blackwell is spot on.
ReplyDeleteCouldn't sleep tonight & caught the movie Pillowtalk. I especially enjoyed the scene with Perry Blackwell & that's how I found this blog, wanting to see if there were any other movies with her in them. Thanks for taking the time to write this up. I would love to find any albums she may have done.
ReplyDeleteI'm watching Pillow Talk on MeTv as I type and had to look up the actress/singer who played the lounger singer. It's too bad there isn't more of her "out there". I thought that she, in her short scene, gave much-needed life to this trite little bit of Hollywood fluff.
ReplyDeleteI agree, the scene with Perry Blackwell is one of my favorites, and some of my most memorable in movies. Pillow Talk is fluff, but that as it may be still won an Oscar for it's original screenplay, and Doris Day and Thelma Ritter were each nominated for best actress and best supporting actress respectively . I guess miracles never cease!
DeleteHello:
DeleteYes, thats my grand mother’s work. I am
here with her now and I asked her “do you remember Son’s of Ellis?” She says YES! She remembers those that have taken the time to remember her... she grew up in a time where the passiveness in black people does not exists with me- her name sake. She tells me I am my ancestors dream and how proud she is... Thank you all for loving her and keeping her alive.
She gets no residuals from any work she did: That just how it was, shes content with what she has (I am not). Sister Sledge says it best: Respect Yo-Self. Her 2Daughter, 2sons are alives and their offspringsare well and I jist introduced her to my 5month old baby. SHES A GREATGRANDMA X 2 now-
Love-
Exodus (Perri)
Sure wish Miz Perry would cut a dvd reminiscing and singing! I love Pillow Talk, and have watched the piano bar clip to hear her wonderful voice and piano! Tell Miz P that we love her!!!
DeleteLoving your mother in Dead Ringer (1964) starring Bette Davis. I was pleasantly surprised that at the time of this post, she is still alive and hopefully well. I took a pic of my screen but can’t post here.
DeleteWatching Pillow Talk now. Apparently this is a common search when watching this movie-- Who is the singer/piano player in Pillow Talk??
ReplyDeleteI love your representation of Perry Blackwell!! A great tribute to her and her memorable scene. Thanks for the info about her!
Her name is Big P, thats my grandma and his likeness is SUPER CLOSE to the real thing
DeleteThank you so much.
DeleteWelcome. I told her about this site this weekend and she remember the art work and was so happy to know folkscare about her.
DeleteLove that scene. She was amazing. I always rewind it over and over.
Deletethat funny just after watching that film pillow talk and that part stood out to me to what seemed to me such a lovely and humble woman and singer and performer love her
DeleteI am her granddaughter and she would love to know there is a fan club out there. These comments warm my heart.
ReplyDeleteFavorite scene from Pillow Talk is with your grandmother! She is so talented and beautiful!
DeleteI’m totally late to this discussion but I watched pillow talk so so SO many times as kid (in the 80s) and any time my sister got in trouble I used to sing the ‘you lied’ song to her. I found this awesome image online today and sent it to her. Now my sister wants it framed (that’s how much your grandmother was part of our childhood!) sonofellis do you sell prints?
DeleteI’m totally late to this discussion but I watched pillow talk so so SO many times as kid (in the 80s) and any time my sister got in trouble I used to sing the ‘you lied’ song to her. I found this awesome image online today and sent it to her. Now my sister wants it framed (that’s how much your grandmother was part of our childhood!) sonofellis do you sell prints?
DeleteWe love Ms. Blackwell here.
ReplyDeleteShe loves you all. Her 91 bad is coming up. I want her to be alive at leadt another 10yrs.
ReplyDeleteThats awesome, Tell her we LOVE her. Especially me. :-)
DeletePlease do a Wikipedia article on her. She was significant and should not be forgotten. One of the most memorable scenes in the movie. I was a child when I saw this movie. Still one of my favorites.
Delete
DeleteHow does one do Wikipedia? I would
be willing to answer any question. especially since she told me she work and was BEFRIENDED BY DINAH WASHINGTON AND THAT SHE SAVED MY GRANNY FROM THEN LOVER Johnny Kirkwoods aggression and removed him back to LA-
Can you please ask about her memories of Dinah Washington and Rock Hudson and Doris Day and the others in the movie? Thanks
DeleteSince it says she reads this and replies by email, it's msiegel@rogers.com. would love to hear from her
DeleteI've tried to create a Wikipedia page and it's not been accepted as they say it needs more references to published sources. If anyone reading this could help me by pointing out places where Ms Blackwell appears in books or articles, this would be much appreciated! She certainly deserves to be celebrated in this way.
DeleteI think it's wonderful that you are attempting to create a well-deserved Wikipedia page for Ms. Perry Blackwell. I've done some research and am providing some information that I'm hoping will be helpful.
DeleteAt YouTube, I've posted 2 clips from the Pillow Talk movie that show Ms. Perry Blackwell singing and playing the organ. They are:
https://youtu.be/RvKf7zcd3jM
~~and~~
https://youtu.be/K7VdRuaofLM
The movie Dead Ringer at Wikipedia shows her name listed as the last one in the Cast in the middle of this web page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dead_Ringer_(1964_film)
Also, a few lines below that shows her name as the electronic organist.
The movie Pillow Talk at Wikipedia also shows her name listed in the Cast and under Songs has more information about her appearance in this movie:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pillow_Talk_(film)
In the Dead Ringer movie, Perry is shown singing and playing the organ as well as continuing to be heard in the background through other scenes from 22 minutes through 40 minutes into the movie.
I hope that any of this information may be helpful in securiing a spot for our precious Perry at Wikipedia or anywhere else. (Chase)
How wonderful to know that she is still with us. I believe I read on a forum discussion board regarding the Doris Day/Rock Hudson classic `Pillow Talk` that Ms Blackwell had passed away a year or two ago. Evidently that info was wrong. Hope that she is doing well . I enjoyed her warm smile and presence on film.
ReplyDeleteShe reads this blog folks. she text and emails. I will screen shot this to her. Yes she know how to screen shot etc
ReplyDeleteWe fell in love with her!
DeleteI am working on a second DVD (all proceeds to benefit the Doris Day Animal Foundation and help with animal welfare). I have been looking for your grandmother for a long time now. I would love to interview your grandmother for the DVD about her experience working on that film Pillow Talk with Doris Day--if you think she might be up for it..? Her work is so incredible in that film. What a singer and what an amazing re-actor actress she is! Is there any way that we might be able to communicate off this chat thread?
DeleteThe best place to email me is info@scottdreier.com
Thanks so much and hope to hear from you soon! Glad to hear that your grandmother is happy and well!
Scott
DeleteShe does not email- I can however connect you and she can answer for her self (be gentle shes 93)
text me 3474500351 (google voice number) I will reach back to your inquiry
I searched all over to found out who she was with that infectious smile! First saw her in Pillow talk, then Dead Ringer and never forgot her!!!! Wish there was more on her. Beautiful, talented lady who in just a few seconds, stole my heart.
ReplyDeletehttp://youtu.be/EFi9baTKxrg one of her tracks on her album.
ReplyDeleteAwesome..I love it!!!!!
Deletecurrently watching Pillow Talk...again...and still love that scene....Perry Blackwell has an amazing voice and her part in that scene made it...much appreciation to her
ReplyDeletejust add me to the list of Perry Blackwell fans. I wish there was more info on her.
ReplyDeletewow, i had to go through so many website contortions but i was finally able to find her one album on dot records...under the name Perri Lee. can't wait to hear it. love her singing and acting in pillow talk and can't wait to hear more.
ReplyDeleteI have all 4 albums contact me
Deletei was able to get
ReplyDeletePerri Lee - At The Parisian Room (LP) (Dot Records - DLP 3729)
she has a CRAZY great wig on the album cover.
some nice info here..still looking for this album:
https://krtu.trinity.edu/news/vinyl-vault-perri-lee
As soon as I can locate them I can send you the music I have which is all 4 studio albums
DeleteI have been unable to locate one of what I fear are only three existing albums that feature her:
DeletePresenting Perry Lee Blackwell on Combo records. Anyone have any leads? The above referenced Parisian room is FAB; the second of the three albums, the Count Basie album, is great, but disappointingly, all instrumental.
Contact me I have all her albums
DeleteMy wife and I are are big Doris fans and the scene with Perry Blackwell is by far one of our favourites, she always makes us giggle with her expressions of disapproval for Rock Hudson's naughtiness. She completes the illusion the film portrays of a nicer world. Please give her a hug from us.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I I introduced my husband to pillow talk and then our children. And now our grandchildren. My kids would quote you liked you dog and you’ll be soo-ah-ry.....lol. Love her. The movie wouldn’t be the same without that song. Lol.
DeleteShe was so natural and talented! Just saw the movie!
ReplyDeleteglad she knows people still appreciate her. she really brought something kinda special to her scene. hope she's doing well.
ReplyDeleteI really love her. Would have loved a true duet between her and Doris Day, who is also one of my all time favorite ladies. Thank you so much for the information on her. I have wondered about her since I was a kid. Just curious if that song "Roly Poly" was the choice of Ms. Perry B's (one of her standards), or if the studio chose it for the film? Thanks again I appreciate it!!
ReplyDeleteThey were as close as to wen could be atthat time
DeleteI also have loved Ms Perry, but never found anything about her. It has been so disappointing. I found Doris when I was 5 yrs old watching her movies. I am 62 yrs old now. It is so wonderful to know that you, Ms Perry, are still here to see how much people love you and have wanted to know more about you. We love you!!
ReplyDeleteHey playing a record ...vinyl titled "the funky jazz of the Perri Lee trio" i am led to believe is the very same Ms Perry ....... "a night at count basie's" great recording still enjoyable to this day....
ReplyDelete
DeleteYes this is her music
The film is on right now on TCM! So great to hear about the talented Perry Lee Blackwell, albeit late in life. Best wishes!
ReplyDeleteI just watched it too!
DeleteI own the Doris Day 3 DVD collection and these 3 movies are 3 of my favorites. Send Me No Flowers, Lover Come Back, & Pillow Talk. All 3 feature Doris Day, Rock Hudson, & Tony Randall. Just watched Pillow Talk, again, & I rewound that scene, as I do everytime, where Ms. Perry is at the piano, &she absolutely steals the show. Love when Doris Day THANKS HER with, "thanks, Perry, thank you!" when she hands her back the sheet music after they're done...used her REAL name. Sad she didn't get royalties for that. And they credited her in the end credits...!!
ReplyDelete
DeleteHello:
most black actors did not receive residuals and she did not for scoring music either- she worked at the credit union. Doris and my grandmother had a special relationship. they were good friends not in the twisted racial ways of American Hollywood but Doris was a good human- My Mom knew her and told me she was a nice person who was aware. The jewlery my granny wears Doris owned. My grandmother told us once Doris gave her that necklace and told her you’ll never be paid what you’re worth.
I am so glad your granny owns and wears something of Doris's. Doris has always had the biggest and best heart.
ReplyDeleteEsmael Gonzales:
Isn't that a cool "catch" about Doris using Perry's real name? That is my favorite part in Pillow Talk. Doris makes me giggle and outright laugh when she laughs anyway, so it is the happiest part of the movie! 😄❤
I have FINALLY located the beautiful musician in one of my favorite movies...I have watched PILLOW TALK with my Mother and my daughter with me...when the movie reaches the beginning of the plot reveal....OMG...you hear this piano intro...then " a close up, in beautiful technicolor of this confident,sexy woman...and my jaw drops" I loved her expressions of acknowledgement of what is REALLY going on, and how she was folded into the main characters lives in that scene! She could surely have been in more scenes. But it was 1959. NO MATTER the final cut decision, that scene was owned by Perry,and the leading lady was a bigger star by allowing her to have her moment. THANKS FOR PROVIDING THIS FORUM
ReplyDeleteYAH YAH ROLY..POLY
You lied...you dog...and you'll be so-orry...you lied...you hound.... Yep. Best part of a much-loved film.
ReplyDeleteAgreed! Beautifuly done
DeleteWhen i listened the song " You Lied" on the movie, i just paused and got online searching for the song on YouTube. And then i got here. Amazing performance and beautiful song. Love to Perry Lee Blackberry from fan from Portugal !
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Love Perry and am so disappointed she wasn't in more or wasn't paid what she deserved. Doris was a wonderful actress and a good person who knew Perry's talent and worth....it's so awful that Hollywood refused to acknowledge it. She is a wonderful singer and I am glad she is still with us.....she will live on as a legend forever in the best scene of Pillow Talk, all because of her talent.
ReplyDeleteGreat Post. Just watching Pillow Talk again after many, many years..... The Internet is a wonderful thing. ☺️
ReplyDeleteGreat Post. Just watching Pillow Talk again after many, many years..... The Internet is a wonderful thing. ☺️
ReplyDeleteWow. That is so nice of Urban Giggle granddaughter to share her thoughts and graciousness. Thanks. I too play "You Lied" in my head over and over again.
ReplyDeleteThank u all for the great posts and sharing information! I just watched Lover Come Back, Send Me No Flowers and lastly Pillow Talk. What a gem! The
ReplyDeleteRolley Polley singing around the piano was so delightful. Hugs to Miss Perry from NY!
I have fallen in love with the music of Miss Perri Lee Blackwell as well, as a result of seeing her perform in the film "Pillow Talk," which aired on TCM recently. I am disappointed that her albums have not been released in CD format as yet. Hopefully this will change soon, as there is definitely a demand! Hugs to you Miss Perri from Vancouver, Canada
ReplyDeleteWatching Dead Ringer now. Just noticed her with the musicians.
ReplyDeleteI will need to rewatch Dead Ringer! I paid so close attention to Bette that I didn't notice much else! I will have to find her albums! ❤❤❤ I know we'd be good friends.
ReplyDeleteNice story about yr grandmother & Doris but I only wish our society was such that it was yr grandmother giving the jewelry & advice to Doris. Pillow Talk is one of my favorite movies because everyone & everything is perfect in it (script, costumes, sets, acting, etc.) ESPECIALLY your Gma. When she sings “You DOG!” to Rock, it’s sublime. Every part of that movie fits together like a Swiss watch. Also love the irony of a gay man playing a straight man playing a gay man. May yr grandmother’s beautiful light never fade
ReplyDeleteThank you very much she reads these comments as well
DeleteAnd as I am currently watching the film on the TCM app, I just now realized that I had forgotten your grandmother is not only singing, but playing the piano as well!!
ReplyDeleteClassically trained hamon organ playing Jazz woman
ReplyDeleteThank you, Urban Giggle!
DeleteWow!!! So very talented!!(Also, my above comment was typed after a much longer post I typed and submitted, but seems to have been lost as I was being verified- I hope to find it somewhere, or will attempt to re-write and submit.)
Every time Pillow Talk airs on TCM, the comments here light up.. It should be noted that when the TCM hosts introduce the movie, they single out the nightclub scene as the highlight of the movie, citing Perry's performance (she sings, she plays, and she has a couple of lines of dialogue with Doris and a priceless "silent conversation" with Rock Hudson (just the look and the nod she gives him as she sings, "you lied -- you dog -- and you'll be sorry! -- and the wink he replies with) , great stuff.
ReplyDeleteAnd she gets zero residuals. 32 words and 2 full songs
DeleteThat is sad and wrong. Too bad she didn't have an agent who asked for residuals. But your grandmother has a lot of pride and joy and love from us, her fans. ❤😀
ReplyDeleteAssumptions- Mildred did pursue more money. She was a black actor not allowed in the guild but scored music its called systemic racism
DeleteI'm so sorry. 😒I hope and pray President Biden's policies and choices will help start a new beginning. ❤
ReplyDeleteI watch "Pillow Talk" mostly because of supporting players, Ritter and Randall, and especially Perry Blackwell. The bar scene is still a hoot, and I love Ms. Blackwell's music.
ReplyDeleteI just tried sending a message to Perry Blackwell's granddaughter, "Urban Giggle." I really hope she gets it because I'm suddenly a great fan of both Perry Blackwell and her granddaughter.
ReplyDeleteOn TCM tonight, my wife and I just watched “”Pillow Talk” for the first — and I just HAD to find out who that singer was...and found this bog. Thank you all for your great information. Thank you so much Perry’s granddaughter for finding us! Please give her all our love, all our respect and all of our best wishes for the joy she gave us. Steve Forry
DeleteHey...Perry Blackwell is awesome! Love the movie Pillow Talk and she rocked that movie...wish they had given her a longer part...glad to know she is still alive in 2021! Blessings and 💘
ReplyDeleteYep, here because of TCM. Loved the Perry Blackwell scene.
ReplyDeleteMs. Perry Blackwell is definitely one of my most-treasured celebrities. Her smile is so contagious that adds to her charm. Both movies "Pillow Talk" from 1959 and "Dead Ringer" from 1964 spell this out without requiring a definition. I only wish there would have been more scenes highlighting her excellent talent and charisma. Please extend my love and best wishes to her with a gentle hug of great appreciation. :) (Chase)
ReplyDeleteI screen shot the comments to her
ReplyDeleteUrban Giggle, From the bottom of my heart, thank you so very much for doing this for me. Her loving kindness is reflected both by her and by you. Again, thank you. :) (Chase)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteUrban Giggle, I posted above this, but this early morning I processed a quip from the "Pillow Talk" movie and posted it on YouTube--my way of expressing my deep appreciation for your precious Grandmother. I hope you won't mind sharing this with her for me. Hugs of Gratitude, (Chase) -- Here's the link:
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/RvKf7zcd3jM
Thank you J just show her great grand THANK YOU
DeleteGod bless you dearly for sharing my gift with your Great Grand. I enjoyed preparing it and believe countless others will eventually be enjoying it; since, it's a perfect reflection of our treasured Loved One. You and your Great Grand sure added smiles for starting my day, today. :) (Chase)
DeleteI'm sending hugs for both of you. I sure don't mean to keep adding posts, but I think you and your Grandmother will enjoy another 4-minute video quip I took from the "Pillow Talk" movie to share with her and all of Ms. Perry's fans: (Chase)
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7VdRuaofLM
Please give your grandmom a hug for me. Wish I could tell her myself what joy she brought to Pillow talk. I love her singing. I think often about how Doris Day gave your grandma some of her own jewelry. Doris was the momof my heart since I saw her in a movie. My childhood was bad, but Doris taught me to sing, to smile and laugh. I got to tell that to Doris in a letter. She tried after to call me, but I wasn't there to get it. I will regret that the rest of my life. Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteRebecca Noel
Regarding my post of September 5th, at that YouTube video, someone posted this note; so, I thought I'd ask here for him and hope someone can help us: (Chase)
ReplyDelete"JohnnyChicago
Does ANYONE have the complete version of Perry's "You Lied"??
Been looking forever for this song!
Thanks...)
Belated Happy Birthday to Perry Blackwell from me (Chase). Also, from my YouTube channel, here's a note for you from Xyere:
ReplyDeleteXyere
2 hours ago (edited)
❤ love you Mrs. Perry Black and HAPPY 97TH BIRTHDAY. My mother was born in 1925 as well...Gary Indiana loves you too! Loved you in "Dead Ringer" also.
This item can be seen at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7VdRuaofLM&lc=Ugz2bif2SRd-kbqBK5d4AaABAg
Can you tell me the surname of her last husband. Happy she is still with us but I can't find her in the records. There is not Perry Blackwell at 98 living in Arizona or maybe she is living under another name?
ReplyDeleteThis is because she is not in Arizona. She is else
DeleteWhere and has not consented to disclosure :-)
Watching Pillow Talk and loving Ms Blackwell! What a wonderful performer. I understand she's in her late 90s now and I pray she is well. Sending my best wishes.
ReplyDelete