Veteran Chicago blues guitarist and vocalist Albert "Little Smokey" Smothers died last Saturday. He was 71.
Originally from Tchula, Mississippi, Smothers moved to Chicago as a teenager. Following the lead of his older brother, the late Otis "Big Smokey" Smothers, he learned guitar and was soon performing with such artists as Howlin' Wolf and Little Walter.
Smothers was known as a mentor to aspiring musicians, particularly guitarist Elvin Bishop and the late Paul Butterfield. Both men were students at the University of Chicago when they met Smothers and fell under his influence.
Smothers was featured as a sideman or band leader on at least six albums, beginning with George "Mojo" Buford's "Chicago Blues Summit" in 1981. His last released album, 2009's "Chicago Blues Buddies," was a compilation of his musical collaborations with Elvin Bishop.
Smothers was also a featured artist in Martin Scorsese's 1993 TV series, "The Blues.“
Hear Albert Smothers at...
No comments:
Post a Comment