Bennie Smith facts for kids
Bennie Smith (born October 5, 1933, in St. Louis, Missouri – died September 10, 2006, in St. Louis, Missouri) was an American blues guitarist. He was known as one of the most important electric blues musicians in St. Louis.
His unique sound helped define the St. Louis blues style for over 50 years. He worked as a mentor, performer, and recording artist from the early 1950s until his death.
Because of his big impact on blues music in St. Louis, the mayor, Francis Slay, honored him. On October 5, 2003, it was declared 'Bennie Smith Day' in the city. The city council also called him the "Dean of St. Louis Electric Guitarists." Mayor Slay honored Bennie again on September 2, 2006, during the Big Muddy Blues Festival, making that day 'Bennie Smith Day' too.
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Bennie Smith's Music Career
Bennie Smith worked as a session musician on many recordings. A session musician plays music for other artists' songs or albums. He also released three of his own albums. These were The Urban Soul of Bennie Smith (1993), Shook Up (2001), and The Bennie Smith All Star Session (2006).
In 1958, Bennie Smith played guitar on what would be Tina Turner's first recording. The song was called "Boxtop." It featured Ike Turner with 'Little Ann' (who was Tina Turner) singing in the background. Bennie also played with famous guitarists like Hubert Sumlin, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, B.B. King, and Grant Green.
Bennie Smith's Discography
This is a list of Bennie Smith's albums and songs he played on.
Albums by Bennie Smith
- The Urban Soul of Bennie Smith (1993)
- Shook Up (2001)
- Bennie Smith All-Star Sessions (2006)
Besides his own albums, Bennie Smith played lead and rhythm guitar on many other songs and albums.
Songs Bennie Smith Played On
- "Boxtop" by Ike Turner (with Tina Turner), 1958
- "Mistreated" by Clayton Love with the Roosevelt Marks Orchestra, 1958-59
- "Condition Your Heart" by Little Herbert and the Arabians, 1961
- "Shook Up Over You" by Jimmy "Soul" Clark, 1963
Albums Bennie Smith Played On
- Mean Disposition by Big Bad Smitty, 1991
- Cold Blood by Big Bad Smitty, 1997 (Bennie Smith shared lead guitar with Hubert Sumlin on this album.)
Bennie Smith's Guitar Style
Bennie Smith said that Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown and Matt "Guitar" Murphy were his two biggest influences. They helped shape his guitar playing style.
Bennie Smith's Death
Bennie Smith passed away on September 10, 2006. He had a heart attack at his home after being sick with lung cancer.
