Willie "Big Eyes" Smith facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
Smith at the 2008 Master Musicians Festival
Background information
Birth name	Willie Lee Smith
Born	(1936-01-19)January 19, 1936 Helena, Arkansas, U.S.
Died	September 16, 2011(2011-09-16) (aged 75) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres	Blues
Occupation(s)	Singer, musician, bandleader, composer
Instruments	Harmonica, drums
Years active	1954–2011
Labels	Rounder, Hightone, Electro-Fi, Telarc, Big Eyes
Associated acts	Muddy Waters

Willie Lee "Big Eyes" Smith (born January 19, 1936 – died September 16, 2011) was an American blues musician. He was a talented singer, harmonica player, and drummer. Willie Smith was famous for playing with the legendary Muddy Waters band. He joined them many times starting in the early 1960s.

Willie Smith's Early Life and Music

Willie Lee Smith was born in Helena, Arkansas. When he was 17, he moved to Chicago, Illinois. There, he learned to play the harmonica. He listened to old records and a radio show called King Biscuit Time. This show helped him discover blues music. He saw famous musicians like Joe Willie Wilkins and Sonny Boy Williamson II.

In 1953, his mother took him to hear Muddy Waters play. The harmonica player in Muddy's band, Henry Strong, inspired Willie to learn the instrument. In 1956, when he was 18, Willie started his own band. He played harmonica, Bobby Lee Burns played guitar, and Clifton James was the drummer.

Willie also played harmonica on a song called "Diddy Wah Diddy" for Bo Diddley in 1955. Soon, drummers were more needed than harmonica players. So, Willie switched to drums. He then started playing with the Muddy Waters band.

Playing with Muddy Waters

In 1961, Willie Smith became a full-time member of Muddy Waters' band. The band included other great musicians like George "Mojo" Buford and Otis Spann. Willie left the band for a while in the mid-1960s to work as a cab driver.

But he rejoined Muddy's band in the late 1960s. He stayed with them until 1980. During this time, Muddy Waters won many Grammy Awards. Willie Smith played on many of these award-winning albums. He was part of about 84 songs recorded during his time with Muddy Waters.

The Legendary Blues Band

In 1980, Willie Smith and some other members of Muddy's band decided to form their own group. They were Pinetop Perkins (piano), Calvin Jones (bass), and Jerry Portnoy (harmonica). They also added Louis Myers to form The Legendary Blues Band. Everyone in the band shared the singing.

Later that year, Willie Smith and the Legendary Blues Band appeared in the movie The Blues Brothers. They backed up the famous musician John Lee Hooker. Willie Smith was the only band member, besides Hooker, to be seen up close in the movie.

The Legendary Blues Band released seven albums over the years. By 1993, Willie Smith had become a very good singer. The band also toured with famous artists like Bob Dylan, the Rolling Stones, and Eric Clapton.

Willie Smith's Solo Career

Willie Smith started recording his own music in 1995. His first solo album was called Bag Full of Blues. He played with friends like Pinetop Perkins and Kim Wilson. In 1999, he recorded with Muddy Waters' son, Big Bill Morganfield.

His 2006 album, Way Back, featured 11 songs, many of which he wrote himself. He had help from musicians like Pinetop Perkins and James Cotton. His 2008 album, Born in Arkansas, included his son, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith, on drums.

In 2010, Willie Smith released Joined at the Hip with Pinetop Perkins. This album was a big success.

Grammy Award Winner

On February 13, 2011, Willie Smith won a Grammy Award. He won for Best Traditional Blues Album for Joined at the Hip. He recorded this album with his friend Pinetop Perkins.

Willie Smith continued to make music in his final year. He helped Liz Mandeville start her own record label. He also played on two songs for her album, Clarksdale, which came out in 2012.

Death

Willie Smith passed away in Chicago on September 16, 2011, after having a stroke.

Awards and Recognition

Willie Smith won many awards for his music. He was recognized by The Blues Foundation multiple times.

Willie Smith's Albums

As a Bandleader

These are some of the albums where Willie Smith was the main artist.

With The Legendary Blues Band

These albums were recorded with The Legendary Blues Band.