Biography
William Daniel 'Smitty' Smith (August 30, 1944 – November 28, 1997) was a highly respected keyboardist and session musician, best known for his work in the Canadian music scene from the 1960s through the 1980s. Born in Belleville, Virginia, Smith began playing professionally in the U.S. at age 15 before relocating to Toronto in the early 1960s, where he quickly became a fixture in the city's vibrant soul and rock scene[2][3]. His early career was marked by collaborations with the Soul Searchers, a band fronted by Eric Mercury and Diane Brooks, which included musicians like Steve Kennedy, Eric 'Mouse' Johnson, and Terry Logan[1][2]. After the Soul Searchers disbanded, Smith and Kennedy joined Grant Smith & The Power before forming Motherlode in 1969, a group that achieved international success with the hit single 'When I Die,' which reached #18 on the U.S. charts and #5 in Canada[1][2]. Motherlode was hailed as Canada's first 'supergroup,' and their debut album featured another Top 30 hit, 'Memories of a Broken Promise'[2].
In the 1970s, Smith transitioned to session work, contributing keyboards and background vocals to recordings by a remarkable array of artists, including Bob Dylan, David Clayton-Thomas, Billy Joel, The Pointer Sisters, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Etta James, Blood, Sweat & Tears, Richie Havens, Tracy Chapman, Rod Stewart, Bruce Willis, and Brenda Russell[1][2]. He released two solo albums, 'A Good Feelin'' (1975) and 'Smitty' (1978), the latter recorded at the legendary Muscle Shoals Sound Studio with the Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section[1][2]. Smith's musical style blended rock, soul, and jazz, and he was known for his expressive Hammond B3 organ playing and soulful vocals. Despite suffering a stroke in 1992, Smith continued to write and perform until his death from a heart attack in 1997. His legacy endures through his recordings, his influence on subsequent generations of musicians, and the enduring popularity of Motherlode's music, which has been sampled and covered by artists such as D'Angelo, Neneh Cherry, Gangstarr, DJ Premier, and J Dilla[2].
Fun Facts
- Smith was present at Toronto's Blue Note club on February 22, 1964, where he first met Steve Kennedy, leading to their long musical partnership[1].
- After Motherlode's breakup, Smith moved to Los Angeles on the advice of friends like David Foster and David Clayton-Thomas, quickly establishing himself as a sought-after session player[2].
- A benefit concert for Smith after his stroke featured performances by Jackson Browne, Graham Nash, and Bonnie Raitt, highlighting his esteem among peers[2].
- Smith published a memoir titled 'A Stroke Of Luck' during his recovery, reflecting on his life and career[2].
Musical Connections
Mentors/Influences
- Allen Toussaint - Producer and arranger for Smith's first solo album (A Good Feelin') [1975]
- Doug Riley - Producer for Motherlode's debut single (When I Die) [1969]
Key Collaborators
- Steve Kennedy - Co-founder of Motherlode, longtime musical partner (Motherlode, Soul Searchers) [1960s–1970s]
- Eric Mercury - Frontman of Soul Searchers, co-writer on solo projects (Soul Searchers, Smitty (album)) [1960s–1970s]
- Diane Brooks - Vocalist in Soul Searchers (Soul Searchers) [1960s]
- The Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section (The Swampers) - Session musicians on Smith's second solo album (Smitty) [1978]
- Bob Dylan, Bonnie Raitt, Linda Ronstadt, Rod Stewart, Etta James, Richie Havens, Tracy Chapman, Bruce Willis, The Pointer Sisters, Brenda Russell, Billy Joel, David Clayton-Thomas - Session work and background vocals (Various albums and singles) [1970s–1980s]
Artists Influenced
- D'Angelo, Neneh Cherry, Gangstarr, DJ Premier, J Dilla - Sampled or covered Motherlode's music (Various tracks sampling 'When I Die') [1990s–2000s]
Connection Network
Discography
Top Tracks
- Two For The Tub (Once You Go Blackarach)
External Links
Heard on WWOZ
William D. Smith has been played 1 time on WWOZ 90.7 FM, New Orleans' jazz and heritage station.
| Date | Time | Title | Show | Spotify |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 15, 2025 | 15:22 | Harmony Junctionfrom A Good Feelin' | Sittin' at the Crossroadw/ Big D |