Lucy Smith Collier facts for kids

Lucy Smith Collier (1925 – 2010) was a talented gospel singer, pianist, organist, and composer. Many people knew her as "Little Lucy" Smith. She led her own gospel group, The Little Lucy Smith Singers. She also sang and played for the famous Roberta Martin Singers. Lucy started playing the organ at her grandmother's church when she was just twelve years old. Her grandmother, Elder Lucy Smith, was a well-known preacher. Some of Lucy's most famous songs include "Oh My Lord, What a Time" and "What a Blessing in Jesus." Her song "He's my Light" became a big hit for the Roberta Martin Singers.

Growing Up and Music

Lucy Smith was born in Chicago in 1925. Her mother passed away when Lucy was only two years old. After that, her father and her grandmother, Elder Lucy Smith, raised her. To tell them apart, everyone called her "Little Lucy Smith." This nickname stuck with her throughout her music career.

Little Lucy loved music from a young age. When she was ten, her grandmother sent her to learn piano. Her teacher was Roberta Martin, a famous gospel musician. In just two years, Lucy became a very skilled piano player for gospel music. Her grandmother asked her to play the organ at her church. Lucy also helped lead the music program there.

Church and Radio

Elder Smith, Lucy's grandmother, started the All Nations Pentecostal Church. This was the first church in Chicago founded by a woman pastor. Little Lucy's amazing organ playing helped bring even more people to the church. In 1933, the church began broadcasting its services on the radio. This program was called "Glorious Church of the Air." It was one of the first times a Black church broadcast its services. Through the radio, many people beyond Chicago heard Little Lucy Smith's music.

Music Career

In 1948, Lucy Smith wrote and published her first gospel song. It was called “What a Blessing in Jesus I’ve Found."

The Little Lucy Smith Singers

When she was a teenager, Lucy formed a group called the Lucy Smith Trio. This group later became known as the Little Lucy Smith Singers. Other members included Catherine Campbell, Gladys Beamon Gregory, and Sarah McKissick Simmons. By the mid-1950s, they became very popular. Their song "Somebody Bigger Than You and I" was one of their most famous recordings. They also recorded songs like “Come Unto Me” and “Jesus, Lover of My Soul.”

Roberta Martin Singers

In the late 1950s, Little Lucy Smith joined the Roberta Martin Singers. She helped arrange much of their music. She also sang and played both piano and organ for the group. People really loved her organ playing. In 1962, she released her own solo album of gospel songs. It was called "Little Lucy Smith at the Organ."

Later in her life, Lucy had a stroke. This meant she could no longer play music professionally. However, she continued to sing. In 1981, the Smithsonian Institution honored the Roberta Martin Singers. Many of Lucy's gospel songs became part of the Smithsonian's collection.

Her Legacy

Lucy Smith Collier passed away in 2010 at 85 years old. A gospel music producer named Anthony Heilbut said she was "one of the most influential gospel pianists who ever played." Many other musicians were inspired by her unique style of playing. These included James Cleveland and Richard Smallwood. Her music is still featured on many music collections today. One such collection is "The Great Gospel Women," released by Shanachie Records in 1993.

See also

• Gospel Music
• The Roberta Martin Singers