Ray Smith (rockabilly singer)
| Ray Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | October 30, 1934 |
| Origin | Melber, Kentucky, United States |
| Died | November 29, 1979 (aged 45) |
| Genres | Rock and roll, rockabilly, R&B, country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Instruments | Vocals, piano |
| Years active | 1956–1979 |
| Labels |
Sun Records Judd Records Vee-Jay Records Tollie Records Smash Records Various independent record labels |
| Associated acts | Ray Smith and the Country Boys (1956) |
| Website | Ray Smith's Rockabilly Hall of Fame page |
Ray Smith (October 30, 1934 – November 29, 1979)[1] was an American rockabilly musician.
Smith recorded for Vee-Jay Records, Tollie Records, Smash Records, and Sun Records during his career, and had a hit with the song "Rockin' Little Angel" in 1960 on Judd Records.[2] "Rockin' Little Angel" took a portion of its melody from the 1844 song "Buffalo Gals".[3] The record sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.[4] Smith often recorded material written by Charlie Rich, and was influenced by Elvis Presley.[2]
Smith committed suicide on November 29, 1979, at the age of 45.[3] Smith's Judd and Sun singles and session material have been released on Germany's Bear Family Records.
Smith gave a concert at "Karregat" Hall in Eindhoven on April 21, 1979. It is recorded on an album called The Rocking Side and released by a Dutch label (Rockhouse, LP 7909).
References
- ↑ "Rockabilly Hall of Fame". Rockabillyhall.com. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
- 1 2 Greg Adams. "Shake Around - Ray Smith | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
- 1 2 Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000
- ↑ Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins,. p. 129. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.