Perry Bradford (February 14, 1893 – April 20, 1970) was a pioneering African American composer, songwriter, and vaudeville performer, known for his significant contributions to the development of blues music in the recording industry. Born in Montgomery, Alabama, and raised in Atlanta, Bradford began his career in minstrel shows in 1906. He worked as a solo pianist in Chicago by 1909 and moved to New York City in 1910.

Bradford is best remembered for his role in breaking racial barriers in the music industry. He was instrumental in persuading Okeh Records to record Mamie Smith, leading to her historic 1920 recording of "Crazy Blues," the first vocal blues recording by an African American singer. This success demonstrated the commercial potential of African American music and paved the way for other Black artists in the recording industry.

Throughout his career, Bradford worked with notable musicians like Louis Armstrong, Alberta Hunter, and James P. Johnson. Despite his early successes, Bradford's influence waned during the Great Depression, and he faded into obscurity. However, his legacy lived on, with his song "Keep A Knockin'" becoming a hit for Little Richard in 1957. Perry Bradford passed away in New York City in 1970, leaving behind a lasting impact on American popular music.