Joe Smith had one of the prettiest tones and most lyrical styles of any jazz soloist in the 1920's and he was Bessie Smith's favorite sideman. Most of Smith's family played trumpet including his father Luke Smith Sr. (who led a brass band) and his six brothers; three were professionals including Russell Smith who played first trumpet with Fletcher Henderson. After working locally, Smith toured throughout the Midwest and East Coast, visiting New York for the first time in 1920. He arrived in Chicago in 1921, joining the Black Swan Jazz Masters (under the direction of Fletcher Henderson) and accompanying Ethel Waters.
© 2009
