Ray Smith (rockabilly singer)

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

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

Career

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.[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

1. "Ray Smith". Discogs. Retrieved October 20, 2019.
2. "Rockabilly Hall of Fame". Rockabillyhall.com. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
3. Greg Adams. "Shake Around - Ray Smith | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved August 18, 2015.
4. Joel Whitburn, The Billboard Book of Top 40 Hits. 7th edn, 2000
5. Murrells, Joseph (1978). The Book of Golden Discs (2nd ed.). London: Barrie and Jenkins. p. 129. ISBN 0-214-20512-6.