Chuck Perkins

Biography

Chuck Perkins is an acclaimed American spoken word poet, orator, narrator, and activist, born Charleston Perkins on August 25, 1965, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised in a culturally rich but challenging environment, Perkins was shaped by the rhythms and vernacular of New Orleans, which would later become central to his artistic identity. His early life was marked by both academic promise and the realities of growing up in a neighborhood deeply affected by social and economic struggles. After graduating high school in 1983, he served in the Marine Corps before pursuing higher education, eventually graduating from college in 1992.

Perkins' career as a poet and performer is distinguished by his dynamic fusion of jazz, blues, and the spoken word tradition, often addressing themes of race, class, and the lived experience of New Orleans. His performances are known for their passionate delivery and incisive social critique, earning him the moniker 'Poet Laureate of New Orleans.' He has performed internationally, sharing stages with luminaries such as Amiri Baraka and appearing at venues like London's South Bank Centre, as well as in Paris, Toulouse, Manchester, Liverpool, Cambridge, and Amsterdam. Perkins' work is deeply rooted in the cultural and historical tapestry of New Orleans, and he is recognized for infusing his poetry with the city's unique rhythms and spirit.

Perkins' legacy lies in his ability to bridge the worlds of poetry, music, and activism, using his art to amplify the voices and stories of his community. He continues to be a vital presence in both local and international literary scenes, and is currently working on his first book of poetry, 'Beautiful and Ugly Too.'

Fun Facts

• Chuck Perkins is a twin and grew up with three brothers and a sister in New Orleans.
• He credits a playground supervisor, Mr. Mims, as a formative influence and 'second father' to many local children.
• Perkins' first exposure to poetry was through activist Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael), and his favorite Gil Scott-Heron song is 'Winter in America.'
• He is currently working on his first book of poetry, 'Beautiful and Ugly Too.'

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Gil Scott-Heron - Major stylistic influence; inspired Perkins to blend poetry with music and address social issues (Influence evident in Perkins' musical spoken word style) [1990s–present]
• Kwame Ture (Stokely Carmichael) - Activist and intellectual inspiration; encouraged Perkins to read widely and engage with history (Personal conversations and lectures attended by Perkins) [1980s–1990s]

Key Collaborators

• Amiri Baraka - Shared the stage at London's South Bank Centre, performing spoken word together (Live performances) [2000s]
• Kevin Flanagan Quartet - Provided musical backing for Perkins' spoken word performances in the UK (Live performances in Manchester and other UK cities) [2000s]
• Sheila Donohue - Teammate on the Chicago slam team and instrumental in producing Perkins' CD (Chicago Slam Team (Portland, 1996), CD production) [1996–late 1990s]

Artists Influenced

• Young Identity (Manchester poets collective) - Inspired and supported local young poets during UK performances (Collaborative performances in Manchester) [2000s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. One Time Thing (End the Wars)
2. Jazz Funeral (Raiding the Crates)
3. Beauty (Beauty)
4. Lil Liza Jane (Melody Makers) (A Love Song For Nola)
5. We Don't Fear The Water (A Love Song For Nola)
6. We Ain't Done Yet (On My Way Back Home)
7. Jazz Funeral (Raiding the Crates)
8. Jazz Funeral (A Love Song For Nola)
9. Whoa Lil Brother (A Love Song For Nola)
10. I Like Ya Flow (A Love Song For Nola)

External Links

• Spotify