Bill Perkins died yesterday in L. A. Details as to cause, etc., will be posted as known. To anyone who came of age jazzwise in the 50s, Perkins was one of *the* great tenor players. Very well-known in those days; unfortunately, less so in later years, though many will remember him from his baritone/occasional tenor chair in Tonight show band. I recall clearly the first time I heard him play in person - with Stan Kenton in Dallas in the mid/late 50s. I also recall that night trying my first-ever Bloody Mary - because I saw *him* drinking one at intermission! (strange, the things one remembers...) R. I. P.