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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZSMITH, Pine Top(b Clarence Smith, 11 June '04, Troy AL; d 15 March '29, Chicago). Boogie-woogie piano. Not the first to record in this blues genre, but first to use 'boogie- woogie' in song title. Grew up in Birmingham, worked on Pittsburgh club circuit, toured on TOBA circuit (Theatre Owners' Booking Association, aka 'Tough On Black Asses'); worked with Ma Rainey, Butterbeans and Susie. Settled in Chicago late '20s; recorded 'Pine Top's Boogie Woogie'/'Pine Top's Blues' late '28, on first side shouting instructions for dancing. Six more sides for Vocalion label Jan. '29 incl. 'I'm Sober Now', 'Jump Steady Blues'; then hit by stray bullet in dance-hall shoot-out. Scores of artists have recorded 'Pine Top's Boogie Woogie', often known as just 'Boogie Woogie'; most successful was smash Tommy Dorsey hit for Victor, recorded '38, reissued '43 during recording ban; the Clark sisters did a harmony vocal version for Dot '58 based on the Dorsey arrangement. |