Huey 'piano' Smith

New Orleans R&B Pioneer Huey Piano Smith

Huey "Piano" Smith is a notable figure in the development of rock and roll and rhythm and blues music, particularly known for his rollicking, piano-driven sound that emerged from New Orleans in the 1950s. Born in 1934, Smith began his career as a session musician before forming his own band, Huey "Piano" Smith and His Clowns. His most famous hit, "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu," became a staple of the New Orleans R&B genre. Smith's influence extended beyond his own recordings, as he contributed to the sound of other artists with his distinctive piano style. Despite not achieving widespread commercial success, his work has been recognized for its impact on the music industry, with Smith being credited as one of the pioneers who shaped the sound of New Orleans music and left an indelible mark on the broader landscape of American popular music.