Fred Smith

Songwriter and manufacturer Fred Sledge Smith helmed some common R&B crossover strikes through the golden age group of rock and roll & roll, afterwards getting into Motown-inspired spirit that enjoyed a renaissance via Britain’s North spirit club circuit. Blessed in LA in 1933, Smith was the kid of vocalist/comedienne Effie Smith, who with hubby John L. Criner founded the G&G and Jewel labels furthermore to handling the L.A. R&B group the Olympics. Smith started his career as you half a songwriting duo with friend Cliff Goldsmith, so when the achievement of tv oaters like Gunsmoke and Davy Crockett motivated them to create the novelty melody “Traditional western Films,” a telephone call to Criner quickly positioned the song using the Olympics. “Traditional western Movies” proved a high 20 smash on both edges from the Atlantic, as well as the group eventually have scored with such Smith/Goldsmith-penned follow-ups as “(I Wanna) Dance using the Instructor,” “(Baby) Hully Gully,” and “Personal Eye.” Using the Olympics’ “I Desire I POSSIBLY COULD Shimmy Like My Sister Kate,” Smith also earned his initial creation credit. In 1963, he became a member of the personnel of Randy Wood’s fledgling Mirwood label, composing, producing, and organizing information for Jackie Lee, Jimmy Thomas, as well as the Mirettes. Especially, Smith co-produced Bob & Earl’s 1965 spirit traditional “Harlem Shuffle.” Handful of Mirwood’s produces earned a lot more than local airplay, however the label is currently seen as a brand of quality among enthusiasts of rare spirit. Smith also had written and produced materials for rival L.A. indies Arvee and Tri-Disc, and helped oversee the first career from the Spirit Runners, which afterwards progressed into funk symbols Charles Wright & the W 103rd St. Tempo Music group; in 1968, he also founded his very own short-lived Keymen and Mo Spirit labels. Together with his mom, Smith later proved helpful briefly at Stax Information in its waning a few months, but his developing disillusionment using the machinations from the music sector eventually compelled him out of present business entirely. He passed away in LA on July 29, 2005.