Ray Smith (rockabilly singer)
Ray Smith (October 30, 1934 – November 29, 1979)[2] was an American rockabilly musician.
Ray Smith | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | October 30, 1934 Melber, Kentucky, United States |
| Died | November 29, 1979 (aged 45) Ontario, Canada[1] |
| Genres | Rock and roll, rockabilly, R&B, country |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, guitar |
| Years active | 1956–1979 |
| Labels | Sun Records Judd Records Vee-Jay Records Tollie Records Smash Records Boot Records Various independent record labels |
| Website | Ray Smith's Rockabilly Hall of Fame page |
Career
Smith recorded for Vee-Jay Records, Tollie Records, Smash Records, Sun Records and Boot Records during his career, and had a hit with the song "Rockin' Little Angel" in 1960 on Judd Records.[3] "Rockin' Little Angel" took a portion of its melody from the 1844 song "Buffalo Gals".[4] The record sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.[5] It reached #22 on the Billboard Hot 100.[6] Smith often recorded material written by Charlie Rich, and was influenced by Elvis Presley.[3] 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).
Death
Smith committed suicide on November 29, 1979, at the age of 45.[4] Smith's Judd and Sun singles and session material have been released on Germany's Bear Family Records.
References
- "Ray Smith". Discogs. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
- "Rockabilly Hall of Fame". Rockabillyhall.com. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
- Greg Adams. "Shake Around - Ray Smith | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
- 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.
- tolsen (January 2, 2013). "Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved April 21, 2023.