About King Perry
Lived 1914 – 1990 (aged 75). King Perry was an American saxophonist, bandleader, conductor and jazz musician.
Oliver Hazart "King" Perry (October 10, 1914 – February 5, 1990) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist, arranger, and bandleader.
Biography Perry was born in Forrest City, Arkansas, United States. He played violin as a child, but switched to alto saxophone, after witnessing Johnny Hodges playing with Duke Ellington's Orchestra, and then wishing to join a local band. He attended Starr College in West Virginia, studying piano there, and had his own band in Gary, Indiana, by 1940. In 1945, he relocated to Los Angeles, appearing in a show with Dorothy Donegan and Nat King Cole; while there he made his first recordings in July that year as a leader.
He later moved into selling real estate. He died in Bakersfield, California, aged 75.
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Important facts
People in King Perry's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped King Perry's
Frequently asked questions
Who was King Perry?
American musician (1914–1990)
When was King Perry born?
King Perry was born on 10 October 1914 in Forrest City.
When did King Perry die?
King Perry died on 5 February 1990 in Bakersfield.
What was King Perry's occupation?
King Perry was a saxophonist, bandleader, conductor and jazz musician.
What nationality was King Perry?
King Perry was American.
Sources & further reading
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). King Perry. https://biography.guide/king-perry/
MLA: "King Perry." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/king-perry/.
Chicago: "King Perry." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/king-perry/.
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