Huey Piano Smith

Biography

Huey "Piano" Smith (January 26, 1934 – February 13, 2023) was a pioneering American R&B pianist and songwriter, born in the Central City neighborhood of New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up amid the city’s vibrant musical culture, Smith was drawn early to the piano, composing his first song at age eight and performing locally as a teenager. Deeply influenced by boogie-woogie and jazz greats such as Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons, and especially New Orleans legend Professor Longhair, Smith developed a rollicking, shuffling piano style that became his signature[1][2].

Smith’s professional career began in earnest in his teens, working in clubs and recording with blues guitarist Guitar Slim. By the mid-1950s, he was an in-demand session pianist, contributing to recordings by Earl King, Lloyd Price, Smiley Lewis, and even Little Richard’s first band. In 1957, Smith formed Huey "Piano" Smith and His Clowns, a group that would define his legacy with hits like "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" and "Don't You Just Know It." His infectious, good-humored approach epitomized New Orleans R&B and helped shape the sound of early rock and roll[1][2][4].

Despite later struggles with changing musical tastes and industry challenges, Smith remained an influential figure, performing and recording into the 1970s. His work has been widely recognized for its impact on both R&B and rock, and his playful, rhythmic piano style continues to inspire musicians across genres. Smith passed away in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 2023, leaving behind a legacy as one of New Orleans' most distinctive and influential musical voices[1][2].

Fun Facts

• Smith wrote his first song, "Robertson Street Boogie," at just eight years old, naming it after the street where he lived in New Orleans[1].
• His hit "Don't You Just Know It" was built around a catchphrase popularized by comedian Rudy Ray Moore, showcasing Smith’s playful approach to songwriting[2].
• Smith was known for his shuffling right-handed piano breaks, which became a hallmark of Southern R&B and influenced countless other pianists[1].
• Despite his musical success, Smith supplemented his income in later years by working as a funeral home driver and starting a gardening business[2].

Musical Connections

Mentors/Influences

• Professor Longhair - Key local influence on Smith’s piano style, especially his rhythmic approach. (Stylistic influence throughout Smith’s career) [1940s–1950s]
• Pete Johnson, Meade Lux Lewis, Albert Ammons - Boogie-woogie pianists whose techniques shaped Smith’s playing. (General influence on Smith’s boogie-woogie style) [1940s–1950s]

Key Collaborators

• Guitar Slim (Eddie Jones) - Early career partner; Smith played piano in Guitar Slim’s band. (Live performances, early recordings) [1949–1952]
• Bobby Marchan - Vocalist and key member of the Clowns; featured on several hits. (Huey "Piano" Smith and His Clowns recordings) [1957–1960s]
• Little Richard - Smith played piano in Little Richard’s first band for Specialty Records sessions. (Session work for Specialty Records) [1955]
• Earl King - Smith played piano on King’s hit "Those Lonely Lonely Nights." ("Those Lonely Lonely Nights") [1953–1955]
• Gerri Hall, Curley Moore, Billy Brooks - Vocalists with the Clowns and on later overdubbed tracks. (Various singles with the Clowns) [1957–1960s]

Artists Influenced

• Dr. John (Mac Rebennack) - Cited Smith as a major influence on his own New Orleans piano style. (General stylistic influence) [1960s–2020s]
• Johnny Rivers - Covered "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu," scoring a major hit. ("Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" (1972 cover)) [1972]
• The Coasters - Smith emulated and was inspired by their comedic, ensemble vocal style, influencing later R&B acts. (General stylistic influence) [1950s–1960s]

Discography

Albums

Top Tracks

1. Don't You Just Know It (This Is... Huey 'Piano' Smith)
2. Don't You Just Know It (Having a Good Time)
3. Rockin Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu (Having a Good Time)
4. Little Chickie Wah Wah (This Is... Huey 'Piano' Smith)
5. Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu, Pt. 2 (A Hitmaker's Hits)
6. High Blood Pressure (Having a Good Time)
7. Just a Lonely Clown (This Is... Huey 'Piano' Smith)
8. Don´t You Just Know It
9. I Think You're Jiving Me (That'll Get It (Even More of the Best))
10. Little Liza Jane (This Is... Huey 'Piano' Smith)

External Links

• Spotify
• Wikipedia