Thunder Smith
Wilson "Thunder" Smith (born November 17, 1914 in Wharton (Texas) , † August 20, 1963 in Houston ) was an American pianist and singer of the Texas blues .
Smith made test recordings in Los Angeles in 1946 ("Freddie Mae Blues"), in 1947 he worked in Houston with Lightnin 'Hopkins when he was sent by a talent scout to record at Aladdin label in Los Angeles to record in a duo with Thunder Smith . In addition to the records under Hopkins' name (such as "Can't Do Like You Used To"), the single "Can't Do Like You Used To" / "West Coast Blues" was released on Aladdin under Smith's name. Further recordings were made in Houston in 1947 for the local labels Gold Star (including "Santa Fe Blues") and Down Town ("Low Down Dirty Ways") and in 1948 with Andy Thomas and Jesse "Sunny" James.
Discographic notes
- Unfinished Boogie - Western Blues Piano 1946-1952 (1978)
Web links
- Thunder Smith at Allmusic (English)
- Thunder Smith at Discogs (English)
Individual evidence
| personal data | |
|---|---|
| SURNAME | Smith, Thunder |
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES | Smith, Wilson |
| BRIEF DESCRIPTION | American blues musician |
| DATE OF BIRTH | November 17, 1914 |
| PLACE OF BIRTH | Wharton (Texas) |
| DATE OF DEATH | 20th August 1963 |
| Place of death | Houston |