chris smither

Biography

Chris Smither, born William Christopher Smither on November 11, 1944, in Miami, Florida, and raised in New Orleans, is a renowned American singer-songwriter and guitarist whose music blends country blues, Americana, and folk. The son of Tulane University professors, Smither spent formative years in New Orleans, attended middle school in Paris, and college in Mexico City before moving to Boston in the mid-1960s, where he became a fixture in the vibrant folk revival scene[2][4][6][9].

Smither began performing in Boston coffeehouses in 1966, quickly gaining recognition for his soulful songwriting and distinctive fingerstyle guitar technique, marked by driving rhythmic thumb and percussive foot-tapping[4][5]. His early works, including "Love You Like a Man" and "I Feel the Same," were notably covered by Bonnie Raitt, helping to launch both artists' careers[1][3][4]. Despite a period of professional difficulty in the 1970s, Smither persevered, reemerging in the 1990s as a respected figure in acoustic music, releasing acclaimed albums on Hightone Records and Signature Sounds, and earning awards such as the Boston Music Award and NAIRD[2][3].

Over a career spanning six decades and twenty albums, Smither has become an influential voice in American roots music, celebrated for his poetic lyrics, gravelly vocals, and masterful guitar work. His legacy is reflected not only in his own recordings but in the tributes and covers by other artists, as well as his role as a mentor and inspiration to new generations of musicians[3][5][8].

Fun Facts

• Chris Smither's song "Love You Like a Man" was adapted by Bonnie Raitt as "Love Me Like a Man" and became a staple of her live performances[1][4].
• Smither recorded his 1991 album "Another Way to Find You" live in front of an audience in a Boston studio[2].
• He spent his middle school years in Paris and attended college in Mexico City, giving him a cosmopolitan upbringing[4].
• In 2014, a tribute album titled "Link of Chain: A Songwriters Tribute to Chris Smither" featured covers by artists such as Dave Alvin, Patty Larkin, and Jorma Kaukonen[3].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Eric Von Schmidt - Folk singer who recommended Smither move to Boston, facilitating his entry into the folk scene. (N/A) [1960s]
• Mississippi Fred McDowell - Blues legend whose style and presence in Cambridge influenced Smither's musical development. (N/A) [Late 1960s]
• Son House - Blues icon who frequented Dick Waterman's house, providing direct exposure to traditional blues. (N/A) [Late 1960s]

Key Collaborators

• Bonnie Raitt - Longtime friend and collaborator; Raitt popularized Smither's songs by recording them. ("Love You Like a Man" (covered as "Love Me Like a Man"), "I Feel the Same") [1970s–present]
• David Goodrich - Producer and musician; part of Smither's band The Motivators and contributed to recent recordings. (All About the Bones (2024)) [2000s–present]
• Zak Trojano - Band member in The Motivators, performing and recording with Smither. (All About the Bones (2024)) [2020s]
• BettySoo - Band member in The Motivators, performing and recording with Smither. (All About the Bones (2024)) [2020s]
• Tim O'Brien - Kindred spirit and frequent collaborator in performances and tribute projects. (Link of Chain: A Songwriters Tribute to Chris Smither (2014)) [2010s–present]

Artists Influenced

• The Suitcase Junket - Smither has inspired and mentored younger roots musicians, including The Suitcase Junket. (N/A) [2010s–present]
• Peter Mulvey - Cited Smither as a major influence on his songwriting and guitar style. (N/A) [2000s–present]
• Mary Gauthier - Participated in tribute projects and acknowledged Smither's impact on her songwriting. (Link of Chain: A Songwriters Tribute to Chris Smither (2014)) [2010s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Leave The Light On (Leave The Light On)
2. What They Say (Hundred Dollar Valentine)
3. Link Of Chain (Live as I'll Ever Be)
4. Maybellene (Call Me Lucky)
5. Time Stands Still (Time Stands Still)
6. Hold On I (Live as I'll Ever Be)
7. I Am The Ride (Live as I'll Ever Be)
8. No Love Today (Live as I'll Ever Be)
9. Killing the Blues (Live as I'll Ever Be)
10. She Said She Said (Call Me Lucky)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia
• MusicBrainz

Tags: #acoustic-blues, #blues, #contemporary-folk