May 1, 2023
May 1, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday sir!!!
Leroy "Fantastic L'Roy" Perryman Jr., a veritable legend of Chicago's South Side blues scene, was born on May 1, 1945, in Vance, Mississippi. The beloved son of Leroy Sr. and Willie (Sykes) Perryman, he was the second of twelve children, brought up on his family's cotton and soybean fields. His musical talents blossomed in this nurturing environment, laying the groundwork for his future musical journey.
Despite his education being delayed due to the demands of farm work, Leroy found solace and delight in performance, often appearing at churches, parties, and talent shows during his high school years. Following his graduation in 1966, he migrated north to Chicago, carrying with him the dreams of a brighter future.
In 1968, Leroy reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Ruby, in Chicago, where they both had moved separately after school. This reunion culminated in marriage and the beginning of their own family. Over their 30-year union, they welcomed four children into the world, their firstborn being the twins, Marvin and Marcus Perryman. As he raised his family, Leroy worked industriously as a contractor and electrician, ensuring his family's stability while pursuing his own musical ambitions.
Leroy was the charismatic frontman of the Fantastic L'Roy and the Bulletproof Band, entertaining Chicago's South Side with old-school blues every Monday night at Linda's Place. He won over audiences with his powerful voice and dynamic charisma. He later married Linda, the bar's owner, in 2005, deepening his connection with this beloved musical haunt.
Despite his undeniable talent, Leroy never signed with a major record label. His overlooked status was lamented in a 2002 Chicago Reader article that questioned the blindness of the Chicago blues recording industry. The article, however, celebrated Leroy's proficiency in R&B, soul, and jazz, acknowledging his diverse range and true musicianship.
Away from the limelight, Leroy was a devoted father who emphasized the importance of education to his children. As his daughter Damaris noted, Leroy read the daily newspaper religiously and passed on his love of reading to his children, always reminding them that school was their primary job.
The world lost a remarkable talent when Leroy died on March 26, 2020, due to pneumonia from a COVID-19 infection. His final performance, less than three weeks prior to his passing, was at the Back of the Yards on Chicago's South Side.
Leroy "Fantastic L'Roy" Perryman Jr.'s legacy lives on, not only in his music but also in the hearts of his family and community. His journey, punctuated by musical triumphs and boundless dedication to his loved ones, is a testament to a life well-lived.
Tributes
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March 30, 2023
March 30, 2023
3 years and I still miss you and think of you often. I know you are with God and in his presence singing away. Jane and I miss you and love you.
Carl and Jane
Carl and Jane
March 27, 2022
March 27, 2022
Wow, 2 years went fast. Still miss him and his corny jokes. He wax such a light to this world. Miss his smile and his beautiful voice. He will forever be in our hearts.
May 1, 2021
May 1, 2021
We truly miss you L'Roy. When asked how you were feeling you would say, "if I felt any better I would be twins" even when you weren't feeling your best. If it wasn't for you, I'd be living in a swimming pool. Thanks for all you've done. Happy Heavenly Birthday and Rest on peacefully in Paradise.
Always
Always
March 26, 2021
March 26, 2021
I cannot believe it's been a year. I still miss him, it seems like it's only been a few months. Me and my wife talk about him so often. Every time something breaks down we said boy we need EL Roy about now. Or we say El Roy would know what to do or how to fix this. Sometimes we tell his jokes to each other and crack up laughing. He is greatly greatly missed and I will never forget my friend. I am so glad , and feel so blessed to have known his light.
God bless him always. You are missed my friend!!!
God bless him always. You are missed my friend!!!
June 30, 2020
June 30, 2020
L'Roy was my neighbor. I live across from him. I was so shocked when I heard the news. I had just talked to him 5 days before to let him know I dropped off a case of water for him and Linda. He said he would see me soon, he was fighting the flu and would be home soon. I never thought I would never see him again. I miss his greatly, he was my friend, I literally talked to him just about everyday even if it was just a hello or a wave. He had fixed so many things on my house. He would sing and work. We would laugh about the silliest things. I was so depressed for the first month I just could not believe it. It was so hard for me to look at the house without crying. I know he is with God and I have his CD to always here that beautiful voice. I miss my friend and will forever remember what an amazing person he was and such a light to so many. Rest in heaven my friend
May 6, 2020
May 6, 2020
My dear big brother, words can't express how much I miss you. Your presence was magnetic! If you entered a room you were noticed immediately. Your corny jokes always made me laugh; as a matter of fact, I am smiling now. I am so happy that God chose to give me such a cool, handsome, and giving big brother. I will always love you and keep you alive in my heart and memories. You will never die as long as we remember you and speak of you. I love you and there's nothing that you can do about it!!! Your litter sister, Shelia Y. Perryman-Rivers
April 30, 2020
April 30, 2020
The Fantastic L'Roy was not only a terrific singer but he could fix anything. If it wasn't for him it would still be raining in my house. He fixed and connected my washer and some electrical work. You will be truly missed L'Roy. God has gained a Crooner and a carpenter. RIH my friend.
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
Only met a couple of times, but always felt so loved being around all of the family. God Bless all of the family during this difficult time.
April 18, 2020
April 18, 2020
RIP DAD! THANKS FOR EVERYTHING... YOU ARE MISSED.
LOVE YA
LOVE YA
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Recent Tributes
May 1, 2023
May 1, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday sir!!!
March 30, 2023
March 30, 2023
3 years and I still miss you and think of you often. I know you are with God and in his presence singing away. Jane and I miss you and love you.
Carl and Jane
Carl and Jane
March 27, 2022
March 27, 2022
Wow, 2 years went fast. Still miss him and his corny jokes. He wax such a light to this world. Miss his smile and his beautiful voice. He will forever be in our hearts.
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Linda's lounge review timeout.Com
April 13, 2020
By midnight, the singer Leroy perryman L’Roy will be standing behind this red-painted bar, wearing a red leather cap and crisp denim jacket, nodding approvingly at his Bullet Proof Band. Linda—the bar’s namesake and mother hen—will arrive, perhaps bearing bottles of sparkling wine and Crown Royal, giving warm hugs to everyone. Couples and friends will mingle around the pool table, snacking on bowls of chili, dancing to the rock and blues standards. It will all happen, just as it has every Monday since Linda’s Place opened its unmarked door on a bare stretch of 51st Street in the Back of the Yards neighborhood two decades ago.