b. February 17, 1930 in Cruger, MS, d. November 10, 2010 in Chicago, IL, Piedmont blues singer, guitarist and songwriter, active 1960s. This accomplished guitarist was influenced by 'Big' Bill Broonzy. A wistful but committed blues singer, Smith was discovered by chance in Wade Walton's barber shop. Smith worked as a farm labourer, and raised a large family in considerable poverty. He was recorded again in 1962, but failed to achieve success with the new white audience. In 1969 he was reported to have joined the church and abandoned the blues. Smith died in Chicago in November 2010, aged 80.