William Arthur Gaither, b. April 21, 1910 in Belmont, KY, d. October 30, 1970 in Indianapolis, IN, sometimes known as "Little Bill" Gaither or Leroy's Buddy, was a blues guitarist and singer. Gaither's first issued recordings were made in 1935. This session included an unissued tribute to Leroy Carr, who had died the same year, and Gaither, billed on many of his records as 'Leroy's Buddy', recorded a 'Life Of Leroy Carr' as late as 1940. Gaither's guitar playing was, not surprisingly, much in the manner of Carr's partner Scrapper Blackwell, while his regular pianist Honey Hill imitated Carr. Gaither's light, wistful voice continues the imitative process, as do his bittersweet lyrics, which sometimes contain interesting topical material. Evidently popular with contemporary black record buyers, and more of an original than his avowed indebtedness to his inspirations might suggest, Gaither nevertheless lacks both the musical variety and the poetic depth of Carr and Blackwell.
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By Steve Leggett
Blues guitarist Bill Gaither cut well over a hundred sides for Decca and OKeh between 1931 and 1941. Gaither was close to the blues pianist Leroy Carr, and following Carr's death in 1935, he recorded as Leroy's Buddy for a time. A fine guitarist who possessed a warm, expressive voice, Gaither was also at times a gifted and inventive lyricist. He was often partnered with pianist George "Honey" Hill, and the duo patterned themselves after Carr and his guitarist, Scrapper Blackwell. Among Gaither's many sides are three tributes to Carr ("Life of Leroy Carr," "Leroy Carr's Blues," and the magnificent "After the Sun's Gone Down"). Born on April 21, 1910, in Belmont, KY (some sources have the birth year as 1905), Gaither is buried in New Crown Cemetery, Indianapolis, although the exact date of his death is not known.
