Huey “Piano” Smith, who once backed Little Richard, Lloyd Price, and other well known, early rock stars, along with his own group made hits such as “Don’t You Just Know It” and “Rockin’ Pneumonia and Boogie Woogie Flu,” has passed away at the age of 89 years old.
Smith’s daughter, Acquelyn Donsereaux told reporters that he passed in his sleep on February 13th at his Baton Rouge home. Smith was a New Orleans native who added a fundamental influence on the rock n’ roll culture. In his early 20’s, he managed to contribute to numerous ’50s hits, such as Price’s “Where You At?”, Earl King’s “Those Lonely Lonely Nights” and Smiley Lewis’ “I Hear You Knocking.”
In 1957, Smith formed Huey “Piano” Smith and the Clowns and reached the top ten with “Rockin’ Pneumonia,” which featured the vocals of John Marchin and Smith’s keyboard playing. The Clowns were also known for “We Like Birdland”, “Well I’ll Be John Brown” and “High Blood Pressure.”
In 2000, Smith received a Pioneer Award from the Rhythm and Blues Foundation and was also honored a year later by the Louisiana Blues Hall of Fame.
Meanwhile, Smith is survived by his wife, 10 children, 18 grandchildren, and 47 great grandchildren.
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