William "Smitty" Smith facts for kids

William Daniel "Smitty" Smith (born August 30, 1944 – died November 28, 1997) was a talented Canadian musician. He was especially known for playing keyboards and working as a "session musician." This means he played on many recordings for different artists without being a permanent member of their band. Smitty helped create music for some very famous singers and groups.

Smitty's Musical Journey

William Smith first met fellow musician Steve Kennedy in 1964 at a club called the Blue Note. They quickly became friends and decided to form a band. This led to them joining a group called The Soul Searchers. In this band, Smitty played the Hammond B3 organ and sang background vocals. Other members included Eric "Mouse" Johnson, Steve Kennedy, and Terry Logan. The band often performed with singers Diane Brooks and Eric Mercury.

After The Soul Searchers, Smitty and Steve Kennedy joined another group called Grant Smith & The Power. Later, in 1969, Smitty and Kennedy formed a new band called Motherlode. This band became very successful, reaching number 18 on the U.S. music charts with their song "When I Die." Motherlode broke up in 1970, and Smitty briefly led a second version of the band.

Playing with Famous Artists

After his time with Motherlode, William Smith became a busy "session musician." This meant he was hired to play keyboards and sing background vocals on recordings for many different artists. He worked with some of the biggest names in music.

Some of the famous musicians Smitty played for include Bob Dylan, Billy Joel, The Pointer Sisters, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Rod Stewart, and Tracy Chapman. He also played on albums for Eric Mercury and Ricky Lee Jones.

Smitty also released his own solo albums. These included A Good Feelin' in 1976 and Smitty in 1978. On his Smitty album, he co-wrote a song called "Sweetie Pie" with Eric Mercury. In the early 1980s, Smitty was also a keyboardist and background singer for Mike Finnigan and The Right Band.

Smitty's Albums

William Smith released music both as a solo artist and as a sideman, meaning he played on other artists' albums.

As a Solo Artist

• A Good Feelin' – Released by Warner Bros in 1976.
• Smitty - Released by A&M Records in 1978.

As a Sideman

• 1975: See How The Years Have Gone By – for Valdy
• 1976: Some People Can Do What They Like – for Robert Palmer
• 1986: Crossroads – Original Movie Soundtrack – for Ry Cooder

Remembering Smitty

William Smith passed away in 1997 at the age of 53. He was a talented musician who left a lasting mark on the music world through his work with many famous artists and his own recordings.