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On July 5, Big Walter Smith celebrates his 80th birthday, a toast to longevity by anyone’s measure. Equally remarkable, 2010 marks Smith’s 55th anniversary as a musician, a glowing affirmation of the respect that he has earned from his peers and the huge popularity that he enjoys from the thousands of fans who always welcome him to the stage with a warm standing ovation.
Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1930, Smith’s career started in an off beat way. “Back in the early ‘50s in Oklahoma City, a friend of mine was in a band and there were these people putting a female impersonator show together,” he recalls. “They needed an emcee,” he continues. “I told them I’d do it. They paid me good money too: $35 a night.” Prompted by a suggestion, Smith substituted song for talk. “So, I tried a few numbers and that was the beginning of my career,” he says.
Things may have been simpler in those days but they were tougher too and Smith had to keep a wary eye out for swindlers and jealous boyfriends armed with knives and guns.
In the ‘60s he was on the move living in Iowa, then working on the east coast as Deacon Smith and the Disciples before settling into more eventful times in Kansas City. It was there that he became friends with Albert King while sharing double bills at cabaret parties.
Albert Collins was another story all together. “He was a struggling musician at the time,” relates Smith, “got hooked up with shyster promoters that beat him out of his money. So, I sort of took him under my wing. He worked with me for about six months.” Smith learned a valuable life lesson from Collins. “He showed me a lot about not worrying about having a big hit, being humble and being satisfied with what you got, but never stop trying to reach your goals.”
Smith’s mellifluous vocals and gregarious presence have resonated from virtually every stage in Minneapolis/St Paul since he relocated to the Twin Cities in 1970. With his stalwart band, the Groove Merchants, which he formed in 1985, he has performed at all 22 Bayfront Blues Festivals, all 9 Thunder Bay Blues Festivals and aboard the venerable Queen Elizabeth ll, ample proof that Smith and his music transcend borders and oceans.
Minnesota’s most decorated blues man, Smith’s contributions to the state’s culture have been proclaimed by the mayors of Minneapolis and Duluth as well as the honourable members of the Minnesota State Legislature.
Don’t leave the festival without stopping by the merchandise tent to say hello to Smith and his charming wife Shirley. While you’re there, pick up one of the Groove Merchant’s excellent CDs including the Grammy nominated Brother to the Blues, Midnight Express, Groovin’ (Live), Running Out of Time and Big Storm Comin’.
Here’s to the “big boss man” of the blues in these parts on the occasion of his 80th birthday, Walter Smith and a style of music that never seems to age. www.bigwaltersmith.com
Ken Wright
