Smiley Lewis, born Overton Amos Lemons on July 5, 1913, was a New Orleans rhythm and blues musician whose emotive vocal style and infectious rhythms left a distinct imprint on the musical world. Hailing from DeQuincy, Louisiana, Lewis began his career in the 1940s, but he achieved greater recognition in the 1950s with a series of hits that encapsulated the exuberance and soul of New Orleans R&B. Despite facing stiff competition from contemporaries such as Fats Domino, whose rise to fame often eclipsed Lewis, Smiley's contribution to the genre was substantial, with his robust voice and playful piano work capturing the essence of the Crescent City sound.

Lewis is perhaps best remembered for his original recording of “I Hear You Knocking,” a track that would later become a rock 'n' roll standard when covered by other artists, notably Gale Storm and Dave Edmunds. Throughout his career, he worked with prominent New Orleans producer Dave Bartholomew and released music on labels like Imperial Records. Although his commercial success was modest compared to some of his peers, Smiley Lewis's music remains a cornerstone of the New Orleans R&B legacy, influencing generations of musicians. His works, including "One Night," which Elvis Presley famously covered, continue to be celebrated, as evidenced by the collections and anthologies of his music that offer new generations a window into the vibrant sounds of mid-century New Orleans. Smiley's vibrant stage presence and robust catalog of hits ensured his place in the pantheon of R&B greats even after his untimely death from stomach cancer on October 7, 1966.

Genres

Jump Blues

Louisiana Blues

Memphis Blues

New Orleans Blues

Rhythm And Blues

Latest Release

Last Night

Smiley Lewis

Album - 10 Tracks - Released February 2, 2024