music.wikisort.org - Musician

Ray Smith (October 30, 1934 – November 29, 1979)[2] was an American rockabilly musician.

Ray Smith
Background information
Born	October 30, 1934 Melber, Kentucky, United States
Died	November 29, 1979(1979-11-29) (aged 45) Ontario, Canada[1]
Genres	Rock and roll, rockabilly, R&B, country
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)	Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active	1956–1979
Labels	Sun Records Judd Records Vee-Jay Records Tollie Records Smash Records Boot Records Various independent record labels
Website	Ray Smith's Rockabilly Hall of Fame page

Career

Smith recorded for Vee-Jay Records, Tollie Records, Smash Records, Sun Records and Boot Records during his career, and had a hit with the song "Rockin' Little Angel" in 1960 on Judd Records.[3] "Rockin' Little Angel" took a portion of its melody from the 1844 song "Buffalo Gals".[4] The record sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.[5] Smith often recorded material written by Charlie Rich, and was influenced by Elvis Presley.[3] Smith gave a concert at "Karregat" Hall in Eindhoven on April 21, 1979. It is recorded on an album called The Rocking Side and released by a Dutch label (Rockhouse, LP 7909).

Death

Smith committed suicide on November 29, 1979, at the age of 45.[4] Smith's Judd and Sun singles and session material have been released on Germany's Bear Family Records.

References

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