Post by 1finemrg on Mar 4, 2023 18:09:39 GMT -5
One of rock & roll's early pioneers Huey "Piano" Smith died in his Baton Rouge home on February 13 at the age of 89.
With his band the Clowns, Huey composed and performed two of the most iconic songs of New Orleans R & B. Though "Rocking Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu" only peaked at #52 in 1957, the song was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. It would become a #6 hit when covered by Johnny Rivers late in 1972.
The follow-up "Don't You Just Know It" was Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns lone Top 10 hit peaking at #9 in 1958.
Other notable credits was his piano opening on Smiley Lewis's "I Hear You Knocking". He wrote and originally recorded 'Sea Cruise" only to have Ace records erase the vocals and replace them with Frankie Ford's. Frankie would peak at #14 in 1959.
Mr. Smith married Margrette Riley in 1971. She survives him, along with his children Acquelyn Donsereaux, Sherilyn Smith, Huerilyn Smith, Hugh Smith, Katherine Smith, Tanisha Smith, Tyra Smith and Glenda Bold; his stepson, James L. Riley Jr.; 18 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.
Obituary
With his band the Clowns, Huey composed and performed two of the most iconic songs of New Orleans R & B. Though "Rocking Pneumonia And The Boogie Woogie Flu" only peaked at #52 in 1957, the song was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. It would become a #6 hit when covered by Johnny Rivers late in 1972.
The follow-up "Don't You Just Know It" was Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns lone Top 10 hit peaking at #9 in 1958.
Other notable credits was his piano opening on Smiley Lewis's "I Hear You Knocking". He wrote and originally recorded 'Sea Cruise" only to have Ace records erase the vocals and replace them with Frankie Ford's. Frankie would peak at #14 in 1959.
Mr. Smith married Margrette Riley in 1971. She survives him, along with his children Acquelyn Donsereaux, Sherilyn Smith, Huerilyn Smith, Hugh Smith, Katherine Smith, Tanisha Smith, Tyra Smith and Glenda Bold; his stepson, James L. Riley Jr.; 18 grandchildren; and 47 great-grandchildren.
Obituary