Bill Perkins has been played on NTS in shows including Whodis? w/ 56 DJs, featured first on 23 September 2021. Songs played include Joao.

Born in 1924. Highly accomplished jazz tenor and baritone saxophonist, bass clarinetist, flautist and arranger. Strongly influenced by Woody Herman, however, from the late 60s, his tenor sound was influenced by Sonny Rollins.

He has performed in the swing, bop and cool genres, and in both large and small ensembles. His primary instrument was the tenor saxophone, which he played for many years as a member of the "Tonight Show" orchestra.

Arguably, Quietly There, recorded for Riverside in November 1966, is his finest album. All of the pieces were composed by Johnny Mandel.