Byther Smith

about

Byther Smith is a true Living Legend of the Chicago blues scene and during his long lasting career he worked with the greatest of the Chicago blues artists like Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf, Jimmy Reed and Otis Rush. Born in Monticello, Mississippi on April 17, 1933 young Byther Smith got his first musical experiences with gospel music, a music that he returned to at various stages of his career. As a teenager Byther moved to Arizona, working on a cattle ranch and playing with a country & western band at weekends. In 1957 he moved to Chicago at the advice of his cousin, the legendary J.B. Lenoir. He began gigging and taking guitar lessons from Robert Lockwood and Hubert Sumlin presumably on the basis that if you're going to get a guitar teacher you might as well get the best. In the early 1960's Byther Smith was working the clubs on guitar and bass both as a leader and in various bands as sideman. A group of highly prized recordings were made resulting in 45's on labels such as Bea & Baby, Cruise and Apex. In 1965 it was back to gospel with the Gospel Travellers for a time. In the 1970's he spent five years in the house band at Theresa's Tavern, which often meant playing with Junior Wells. 1979 found Byther Smith determined to make it under his own name and a steady stream of coast to coast gigging and touring commenced. He made several recordings and his releases, "Addressing the nation with the blues" (JSP) and "Housefire" and "I'm a mad man" (both on Bullseye), were ver

top songs

albums

Hold That Train

Throw Away The Book

I'm a Mad Man

Blues Knights-Chicago Blues Festival 1985 (Blues Reference)

Addressing The Nation With The Blues

Smitty's Blues

All Night Long

Mississippi Kid

Byther Smith in Europe Vol. 2

Chicago Blues Legend

Blues Knights-Chicago Blues Festival 1985

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Blues Legends --Guitar Legend

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