CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO PURCHASE!!!! CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!

I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Showing posts with label Willie Smith. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Willie Smith. Show all posts

Thursday, March 7, 2013

Sophisticated Lady - Willie Smith

William McLeish Smith (November 25, 1910 – March 7, 1967) was one of the major alto saxophone players of the swing era. He also played clarinet and sang. He is generally referred to as Willie Smith. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, but raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Smith's first instrument was clarinet and his education was in chemistry. He received his chemistry degree from Fisk University. Nevertheless in 1929 he became an alto saxophonist for Jimmie Lunceford's band. He would be one of the main stars in Lunceford's group and in 1940 had his own quintet as a side project. His success with Lunceford had lost its charms by 1942 as he now wanted more pay and less travel. He then switched to Harry James's orchestra, where he made more money, and stayed with him for seven years. After that he later worked with Duke Ellington and Billy May. He was also part of the Gene Krupa Trio, and can be heard on the 1952 live Verve album The Drum Battle - part of the Jazz at the Philharmonic series (battle is with Buddy Rich). In 1954 he returned to Harry James's band. Added to all this he was involved in Jazz at the Philharmonic and worked with Nat King Cole. He died of cancer in 1967, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 56.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

I'm Sitting On Top Of The World - Willie Smith, Bob Stroger, Hubert Sumlin, Billy Flynn, Eddie Kobek


Pre-festival event for Grafton Blues Festival 2008, featuring Hubert Sumlin (guitar), Willie Smith (harp), Bob Stroger (bass), Eddie Kobek (drums), Billy Flynn (guitar). Bob Stroger played with Otis Rush and others. Willie Smith played drums for Muddy Waters for many years. Billy Flynn is the guitar sound of Muddy Waters and Chuck Berry and is heard on the Etta James music in the movie Cadillac Records.
Billy Flynn (born August 11, 1956) is an American Chicago blues and electric blues guitarist, singer and songwriter.

In addition to his own work, and those mentioned later, Flynn has worked and recorded with Bryan Lee, Little Smokey Smothers, Mark Hummel, Willie Kent, Snooky Pryor, Big Bill Morganfield, John Brim, Jody Williams, Little Arthur Duncan, Deitra Farr, and Billy Boy Arnold
Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! Share your favorite posting and get more exposure for your favorites band! ”LIKE”