Stuff Smith was one of the preeminent jazz violinists of the twentieth century, known for his virtuosic skill and swinging style that made a significant mark during the swing era. Born Hezekiah Leroy Gordon Smith on August 14, 1909, in Portsmouth, Ohio, he grew up in a musical family and started playing the violin at a young age. He was a pioneer in jazz violin, setting the stage for future generations with his innovative techniques and energetic performances. By the mid-1930s, Smith had established himself as a leading figure on the swing scene with his band, Stuff Smith and His Onyx Club Boys, and his hit recording "I'se a Muggin'".

Stuff Smith's playing was characterized by a hot, bluesy style that brimmed with fiery ingenuity and rhythmic inventiveness—attributes that earned him the status of one of the 'big three' of pre-bop violinists alongside Joe Venuti and Stéphane Grappelli. Throughout his career, he collaborated with numerous jazz legends, including Ella Fitzgerald, Dizzy Gillespie, and Oscar Peterson. Smith continued to perform and record prolifically until his death on September 25, 1967. Posthumous releases and remastered collections, such as "Preeminent Violinist of the Swing Era (Remastered)" and "The Complete 1936-1937 Sessions," have continued to celebrate his legacy, ensuring that newer generations can experience the ebullient spirit and dynamic sound of Stuff Smith's jazz violin.

Genres

Jazz Violin

Latest Release

Preeminent Violinist of the Swing Era (Remastered)

Stuff Smith

Album - 23 Tracks - Released September 24, 2021