Ray Smith (rockabilly singer)

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For the country singer, see Ray Smith (country singer).

Ray Smith
BornOctober 30, 1934
OriginMelber, Kentucky, United States
DiedNovember 29, 1979(1979-11-29) (aged 45)
GenresRock and roll, rockabilly, R&B, country
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)Vocals, piano
Years active1956–1979
LabelsSun Records
Judd Records
Vee-Jay Records
Tollie Records
Smash Records
Various independent record labels
WebsiteRay Smith's Rockabilly Hall of Fame page

Ray Smith (October 30, 1934 – November 29, 1979)[1] was an American rockabilly musician.

Smith recorded for Vee-Jay Records, Tollie Records, Smash Records, and Sun Records during his career, and had a hit with the song "Rockin' Little Angel" in 1960 on Judd Records.[2] "Rockin' Little Angel" took a portion of its melody from the 1844 song "Buffalo Gals".[3] The record sold over one million copies, earning a gold disc.[4] Smith often recorded material written by Charlie Rich, and was influenced by Elvis Presley.[2]

Smith committed suicide on November 29, 1979, at the age of 45.[3] Smith's Judd and Sun singles and session material have been released on Germany's Bear Family Records.

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).

References

  1. ^ "Rockabilly Hall of Fame". Rockabillyhall.com. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  2. ^ a b Greg Adams. "Shake Around - Ray Smith | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
  3. ^ a b Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000
  4. ^ Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins,. p. 129. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: extra punctuation (link)
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