Clarence "Pinetop" Smith was an influential American blues and boogie-woogie pianist whose musical career, though brief, left a lasting impact on the genre. Born on June 11, 1904, in Troy, Alabama, Smith earned his nickname "Pinetop" for his fondness of climbing trees as a boy. After honing his piano skills, he ventured into the realm of music in the 1920s, joining the thriving blues scene that was blossoming in Chicago.

Pinetop Smith's legacy is largely rooted in his classic hit "Pinetop's Boogie Woogie," which he recorded in 1928. This track not only cemented his status as one of the key figures in the development of boogie-woogie piano, but also influenced countless musicians for generations to come. His style was characterized by a rollicking and rhythmic approach that became a blueprint for the genre. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he was fatally wounded in a shooting incident at a dance hall in Chicago on March 15, 1929. Despite his untimely death at the age of 24, Pinetop Smith's musical innovations continue to be celebrated posthumously through remastered releases of his work, ensuring his influence endures in the world of blues and beyond.

Genres

Barrelhouse Piano

Boogie-woogie

Piano Blues

Latest Release

Blue Notes – A Blues Survey from 1920-1960, vol. 4

Helen Humes•

Jimmy Rushing•

Pinetop Smith

Single - Released June 14, 2024