Daily Dose Of Jazz…

Carrie Smith was born Carrie Louise Smith on August 25, 1925 in Fort Gaines, Georgia and as a member of her church choir performed at the 1957 Newport Jazz Festival.

She first won notice singing with Big Tiny Little in the early Seventies, but became internationally known in 1974 when she played Bessie Smith (no relation) in Dick Hyman’s “Satchmo Remembered” at Carnegie Hall. She then launched a solo career, performing into the 80s with the New York Jazz Repertory Orchestra, Tyree Glenn, Yank Lawson, and the World’s Greatest Jazz Band.

Carrie recorded a dozen albums as a soloist for several small labels, starred in the Broadway musical “Black and Blue” from 1989 to 1991 and though not well known in the United States, she had a cult following in Europe.

“Harlem on Parade 77” is an album credited to Smith, Buddy Tate, Doc Cheatham and Hank Jones, featuring Dick Vance, Budd Johnson, Eddie Barefield and Oliver Jackson. She was featured on Winard Harper’s Faith album, Dick Hyman’s Piano Players & Significant Others live recording, and Art Hode’s Authentic Rhythm Section. In 1995 she collaborated with Bross Townsend “I Love Jump Jazz”. Jazz singer Carrie Smith passed away on May 20, 2012.

More Posts: vocal