Byther Smith (born April 17, 1933, Monticello, Mississippi) is an American blues
musician noted for his gritty style and uncompromising delivery. Born in the
sixth oldest of seven children, Smith immigrated to Chicago in the mid 1950s.
Although he worked for a candy company, Smith's real passion was music. He
played bass for a three-piece jazz combo for a few years, but he eventually got
a spot playing rhythm guitar for
Otis Rush.
He also backed
Junior Wells,
Big Mama Thornton and
George "Harmonica" Smith.
In the early 1960s, Smith began to take
the guitar more seriously and learned much from blues legends such as
J. B. Lenoir,
Robert Lockwood, Jr., and
Hubert Sumlin.
After years playing in clubs all over the United States and the world, a demo
tape Smith recorded became the album Tell Me How You Like It, released
by the Texas based Grits record label. The release brought him European
opportunities, and his next album on a UK record label Addressing The
Nation with The Blues appeared on JSP Records. In 1995 Smith retired from
his job at Economy Folding Box Company after twenty-five years, allowing him
to focus fully on music. Delmark Records boss Bob Koester observes,
"There's a mellowness there that is disappearing in all but
B.B. King"
Smith still records and tours frequently. Byther Smith is a
first cousin of fellow blues musician and Monticello native,
J.B. Lenoir.
(quoted from .wikipedia.org)
Visit Byther Smith's official website.
Visit Byther Smith's page at myspace.com.
Visit also these related Sites:
Biographical Information on Byther Smith
Byther Smith biography by Niles Frantz.
Byther Smith biography at crossroads.nl.
Reviews and Critiques of Byther Smith Live Performances and Recordings
Live review by Ray Stiles.
Cd review by Steve Mainwaring.
Cd review by Brian Bloom.
Byther Smith Photos
Nine Byther Smith photos by Kurt Swanson.
Two Byther Smith photos at members.cox.net.
Byther Smith Videos
Byther Smith. Runtime 04:20.
Little Voice. Runtime 05:22.
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