Biography
Sammi Smith, born Jewel Fay Smith on August 5, 1943, in Orange, California, emerged as one of the most distinctive voices in country music during the 1970s. Dropping out of school at age eleven, Smith began performing in nightclubs as a pre-teen, honing her craft in the vibrant bar scenes of California and Oklahoma. Her early years were marked by personal challenges and relentless gigging, which shaped her uniquely smoky, emotive vocal style[3][6].
Smith's breakthrough came after signing with Mega Records in 1970, where she was paired with producer Jim Malloy. Her definitive recording of Kris Kristofferson's "Help Me Make It Through the Night" became a massive crossover hit, reaching No. 1 on the country charts and No. 8 on the pop charts, and earning her a Grammy for Best Country Vocal Performance, Female, as well as the Country Music Association's Single of the Year in 1971[1][2][3]. Throughout the 1970s, Smith was a mainstay on the country charts with hits like "Then You Walk In," "Today I Started Loving You Again," and "I've Got to Have You." She was closely associated with both the countrypolitan sound and the Outlaw country movement, relocating to Texas in 1973 and performing alongside figures like Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings[2][3].
Smith's musical style blended lush, soulful arrangements with a raw, confessional lyricism that set her apart from her contemporaries. Her hushed, intimate vocal delivery and willingness to tackle themes of loneliness and desire influenced a generation of country artists. Later in her career, she developed a deep interest in Native American culture and music, even fronting a band of Native American musicians after moving to Arizona in 1979[3]. Smith's legacy endures, particularly through her iconic interpretation of "Help Me Make It Through the Night," which has been recognized as one of country music's greatest singles.
Fun Facts
- Smith’s recording of 'Help Me Make It Through the Night' was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame and ranked #1 in the book 'Heartaches By the Number: Country Music’s 500 Greatest Singles.'
- She was one of the few women considered part of the early Outlaw country movement and was dubbed a 'girl hero' by Waylon Jennings.
- After moving to Arizona in 1979, Smith became deeply involved in Native American culture, even fronting a band of all Native American musicians.
- Smith was the mother of singer-songwriter and actor Waylon Payne, named after her friend Waylon Jennings.
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Merle_Haggard - Cited by Smith as a key vocal influence and proto-Outlaw inspiration. (General influence on vocal style and song selection.) [1960s-1970s]
Key Collaborators
- Kris Kristofferson - Close friend and songwriting collaborator; Kristofferson helped her prepare demos and wrote liner notes for her debut album. ("Help Me Make It Through the Night" (He's Everywhere, 1970), other Kristofferson-penned tracks.) [Late 1960s-1970s]
- Waylon Jennings - Touring partner and friend; Jennings dubbed her a 'girl hero' and she toured with him early in her career. (Touring collaborations; stylistic influence.) [Late 1960s-1970s]
- Willie_Nelson - Frequent stage collaborator after her move to Texas; performed together at Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic and other events. (Live performances, especially in Texas.) [1973-late 1970s]
- Jim Malloy - Producer who shaped her early sound at Mega Records. (He's Everywhere (1970), Help Me Make It Through the Night (1970)) [1970-1972]
Artists Influenced
- Waylon Payne - Her son, who became a singer-songwriter and actor, citing Smith’s artistry and independence as major influences. (Waylon Payne’s solo albums and songwriting.) [2000s-present]
- Outlaw country artists (general) - Smith’s blend of countrypolitan and Outlaw country, as well as her confessional lyricism, influenced later artists in both genres. (Influence evident in the works of artists like Jessi Colter and Kacey Musgraves.) [1970s-present]
Source: Wikipedia
Connection Network
Discography
Albums
| Title | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Help Me Make It Through the Night | 1995 | Album |
| Waltz Across Texas | 2021 | Album |
| Help Me Make It Through The Night | 2005 | Album |
| He's Everywhere (aka Help Me Make It Through The Night) | 1970 | Album |
| Help Me Make It Through The Night & Other Country Hits | 2007-04-12 | Album |
| The Toast of '45 | 1973 | Album |
| Help Me Make It Through The Night | 2011-02-03 | Album |
| Sammi Smith - Fire & Rain | 2016-03-25 | Album |
| Help Me Make It Through the Night | 2002 | Album |
| Country Sweetheart | 2016-06-06 | Album |
| Lonesome | 1971 | Album |
| Today I Started Loving You Again | 1975-02-06 | Album |
| The Rainbow in Daddy's Eyes | 1974-10-25 | Album |
| Something Old, Something New, Something Blue | 1972 | Album |
| Outlaw Country's Queen | 2021-12-02 | Album |
Top Tracks
- Help Me Make It Through the Night (Help Me Make It Through the Night)
- Help Me Make It Through The Night
- Am I That Easy to Forget (Waltz Across Texas)
- Waltz Across Texas (Waltz Across Texas)
- When My Blue Moon Turns to Gold Again (Waltz Across Texas)
- He's Everywhere (Help Me Make It Through the Night)
- I Can't Stop Loving You (Waltz Across Texas)
- Long Black Veil (Help Me Make It Through the Night)
- The Rainbow in Daddy's Eyes (Help Me Make It Through the Night)
- Help Me Make It Through The Night (Help Me Make It Through The Night)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
Sammi Smith has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 22, 2025 | 20:01 | the letter | Blues and R&Bw/ Gentilly Jr. |