Perkins was born in Chicago, Illinois, to Gussie and Oscar Perkins on June 30, 1929.[4][1] Some sources also state that she was born in 1941; Grant was said to have lowered her age early for reasons related to her career.[5][6] Her father was a self-taught pianist and master barber, and her mother worked for Stanley Products.[3] She began studying music with double-bass lessons at her elementary school.[7] Grant first took piano lessons at the age of eight, and the next year took acting lessons with Susan Porché. After high school, her cousin, film actress Jeni Le Gon took her under her wing when Grant moved to Los Angeles.[3] Following graduation from Englewood High School in Chicago, Grant studied at the Chicago School of Music and attended the University of Illinois, which she left after three years to move to New York City.[7] Years later she went back to school and graduated from Lehman College in 1994 with a degree in English and Theatre, summa cum laude.[8][9] In 2015, Lehman College awarded her the degree of Doctor of Fine Arts, honoris causa.[10]
Much of her early work was done with director Vinnette Carroll,[12] the first African-American woman to direct on Broadway. They collaborated on Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope,[13] in which Grant starred and for which she wrote the music, book and lyrics, and Your Arms Too Short to Box with God, for which Grant wrote additional lyrics and music.[14] Both enjoyed critical acclaim and long Broadway runs. She was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority.[citation needed]
In the first story line written for an African-American in a daytime soap opera, Grant portrayed attorney Peggy Nolan on Another World (1966–1973).[7] She later appeared on The Edge of Night replacing Billie Allen as Ada Chandler [15] and was in the cast of Guiding Light (1982–1984). She also had a brief stint as host of Around the Corner, a children's show on CBS.[7]
Radio
In her early days in New York City, Grant sought to supplement her income by working as a receptionist at a radio station. A meeting with a top executive at the station diverted her attention to working on the air. Readings and Writings featured Grant performing material that she compiled from research at a public library.[16]
Personal life and death
Grant married television news film editor Ray McCutcheon in 1966. They were married for 12 years before divorcing in 1978.[7] Grant died on August 22, 2021, at the age of 92 in Manhattan, New York City.[1]
Recognition
Grant received a 1972 Obie Award for Music and Lyrics for her work on Don't Bother Me, I Can't Cope.[17]
Writing credits
"Pink Shoe Laces" (1959), pop song, recorded by Dodie Stevens, reached number 3 on the U.S single charts. A Spanish-language version was number 1 in Mexico for 9 weeks.
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