O.C. Smith, whose “Little Green Apples” sold over a million records in 1968, was born 90 years ago today.
Born Ocie Lee Smith in Mansfield, Louisiana, Smith moved with his parents to Little Rock, Arkansas and then moved with his mother to Los Angeles after his parents divorced. After completing a psychology degree at Southern University, Smith joined the Air Force. He served throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.
While in the Air Force, Smith began entering talent contests and toured with Horace Heidt. After his discharge in July, 1955, he went into jazz to pay the bills.
Smith gained his first break as a singer with Sy Oliver and made an appearance on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. His success on that show led to a recording contract with Cadence Records. In 1961, Smith was recruited by Count Basie to be his vocalist, a position he held until 1965.
His hits, "The Best Out Of Me" and "After All Is Said And Done," established Smith as a Carolina Beach Music star. Nominated for six awards at the third Beach Music Awards, Smith captured five.
Smith became pastor and founder of The City Of Angels Church in Los Angeles, where he remained for 16 years. One of his last recordings, "Save The Last Dance For Me," reached the #1 position on the Rhythm n' Beach Top 40 chart.
After his death from a heart attack on Nov. 23, 2001, Gov. Jim Hodges proclaimed June 21, 2002 “O.C. Smith Day” in the State of South Carolina. Smith was posthumously elected to the Carolina Beach Music Hall of Fame in November, 2002.