Willie “Long Time” Smith

Mixed up in vital saving years following a second World Battle, this pianist and vocalist is among a small group of blues and jazz performers named Willie Smith. Nicknames evidently did significant amounts of good to make sure the correct one would arrive for employment. Probably the most obscure from the batch who have the ability to possess documenting credits, this performer is recognized as Willie “VERY LONG TIME” Smith on his edges from your ’40s and ’50s. Better known nominal compatriots are the Chicago blues drummer referred to as Willie “Big Eye” Smith in addition to everyone’s mane (ouch!) guy on stride piano, Willie “The Lion” Smith. The provocatively entitled Columbia compilation Beauty from the Blues places VERY LONG TIME in organization of others lengthy on talent such as for example Bessie Smith, no connection, in addition to Big Expenses Broonzy, Memphis Minnie, and Blind Boy Fuller. Willie Smith’s monitor on this good arranged expresses the pretty common concern of “Homeless Blues,” his position around the blues picture comparable to additional obscurities in this program — Az Dranes, for instance, a name that appears like a traditional western plumbing organization. Boogie was a style favored by Smith, other songs which have been included on compilations like the slimy “Dirty Offer Boogie” as well as the amorous “I REALLY LIKE You Baby Boogie.”