He is a legendary Delta and Chicago blues pianist. He worked with John Lee Hooker and Muddy Waters, among others.
Won the following Grammy Awards; 2005 Lifetime Achievement; 2007 and 2009 for Best Traditional Blues Album.
When he received his 2009 Grammy Award in February 2010, he became the oldest Grammy winner at age 97.
Inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame in 2003.
Won 12 consecutive Blues Music Awards from The Blues Foundation as best blues pianist from 1992-2003. The following year his name was removed from competition and the award was renamed the Pinetop Perkins Piano Player of the Year.
As of November 2009, was living in Austin, TX, and playing the blues in clubs and festivals. He is believed to be the oldest of the Delta blues musicians who is still active.