Ray Smith (rockabilly singer)

For the country singer, see Ray Smith (country singer).
Ray Smith
Born October 30, 1934
Origin Melber, Kentucky, United States
Died November 29, 1979(1979-11-29) (aged 45)
Genres Rock and roll, rockabilly, R&B, country
Occupation(s) Singer, songwriter, musician
Instruments Vocals, piano
Years active 1956–1979
Labels Sun Records
Judd Records
Vee-Jay Records
Tollie Records
Smash Records
Various independent record labels
Associated acts Ray Smith and the Country Boys (1956)
Website Ray Smith's Rockabilly Hall of Fame page

Ray Smith (October 30, 1934 – November 29, 1979)[1] was an American rockabilly musician.

Smith recorded for Vee-Jay Records, Tollie Records, Smash Records, and Sun Records during his career, and had a hit with the song "Rockin' Little Angel" in 1960 on Judd Records.[2] "Rockin' Little Angel" took a portion of its melody from the 1844 song "Buffalo Gals".[3] The record sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.[4] Smith often recorded material written by Charlie Rich, and was influenced by Elvis Presley.[2]

Smith committed suicide on November 29, 1979, at the age of 45.[3] Smith's Judd and Sun singles and session material have been released on Germany's Bear Family Records.

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).

References

  1. "Rockabilly Hall of Fame". Rockabillyhall.com. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  2. 1 2 Greg Adams. "Shake Around - Ray Smith | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 2015-08-18.
  3. 1 2 Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000
  4. Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins,. p. 129. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.
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