Huey "Piano" Smith, a rhythm and blues pianist whose sound was influential in the development of rock and roll, is 88 years old today.
Smith’s piano playing incorporated the boogie styles of Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis and Albert Ammons as well as the jazz style of Jelly Roll Morton and the piano sound of Fats Domino.
"At the peak of his game, Smith epitomized New Orleans R&B at its most infectious and rollicking, as showcased on his classic signature tune, "Don't You Just Know It," wrote Steve Huey, a journalist for Allmusic.
Born in New Orleans' Garden District and was influenced by New Orleans' piano innovator, Professor Longhair, Smith became known for his shuffling right-handed break on the piano that influenced other Southern players.
Smith wrote his first song on the piano, "Roberson Street Boogie" (named after the street where he lived), when he was only eight years old. He performed the tune with a friend. They billed themselves as Slick and Dark.
Smith attended McDowell High and Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans. When he was fifteen, Smith began working in clubs and recording records with his flamboyant partner, Eddie Jones, who rose to fame as Guitar Slim.
When he was eighteen, in 1952, he signed a recording contract with Savoy Records, which released his first known single, "You Made Me Cry." In 1953, Smith recorded with Earl King.
In 1955, Smith turned 21, and became the piano player with Little Richard's first band for Specialty Records. The same year he also played piano on several studio sessions for other artists such as Lloyd Price. Two of the sessions resulted in hits for Earl King ("Those Lonely Lonely Nights") and Smiley Lewis ("I Hear You Knocking").
In 1957, Smith formed Huey 'Piano' Smith and His Clowns with blues singer and female impersonator, Bobby Marchan, and signed a long term contract with former Specialty record producer, Johnny Vincent at Ace Records.
They hit the Billboard charts with several singles in succession, including a breakout Top Five R&B hit, "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu."
The record was issued as "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu Part 1" on the topside, (a vocal) and "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu Part 2," an instrumental, on the flip. The lyrics were written by John Vincent and the record sold over a million copies.
Their most famous single, 1958’s "Don't You Just Know It" b/w "High Blood Pressure," hit #9 on the Billboard Pop chart and #4 on the Rhythm and Blues chart. It was their second million seller.
In later years, Smith became a Jehovah's Witness and left the music industry permanently.
In 2000, Smith was honored with a Pioneer Award by the Rhythm and Blues Foundation.