Speckled Red, born Rufus Perryman on October 23, 1892, in Monroe, Louisiana, was a blues and boogie-woogie pianist whose flamboyant style and spirited performances made him one of the enduring figures of early American blues music. Nicknamed for his freckled complexion and reddish hair, Speckled Red began his music career playing in barrelhouses and on riverboats along the Mississippi River. His rolling piano style, characterized by a strong left hand and a lively right, drew from the rich traditions of ragtime and became a staple in the development of boogie-woogie piano.

Speckled Red's recording career began in the late 1920s, with his first and most famous recording, "The Dirty Dozens", laying down a marker for his playful, improvisational style and quick-witted vocal delivery. Though his recording career experienced fits and starts, his influence on the blues and boogie-woogie genres is undeniable, with albums such as "Red & His Dirty Dozens" and "Barrel House Piano 1929 - 1938" showcasing the depth and breadth of his talent. His work, captured in collections like "The Barrel-House Blues of Speckled Red", serves as an enduring testament to the joy and vitality that Speckled Red brought to the blues. Despite his passing on January 2, 1973, Speckled Red's musical legacy continues to influence musicians and entertain audiences around the world.

Genres

Boogie-woogie

Piano Blues

Latest Release

Red & His Dirty Dozens

Speckled Red

Album - 12 Tracks - Released March 25, 2022