First-call Blues drummers, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and Kenny "Big Smile" Smith in friendly competition at the 2009 Blues Music Awards.
Father Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and son Kenny "Big Smile" Smith are both nominated for a 2009 Blues Music Award for Best Instrumentalist, Drums. Kenny says, "I'm honored to be a part of it. We're really happy for each other. He and I were both laughing and talking about it. He said, 'I'm gonna get you!'"
Willie says, "I'm very proud of him. He did well; he took in the style like I told him. I gave him some advice: no matter whom you work with the first role is to be dependable and do your job. Do your best no matter what."
While Willie is an annual nominee, this is Kenny's first chance at an award. The son says, "I've been playing as long as I can remember and I'm hoping that I'm carrying on the tradition as far as blues drums. Growing up, every child wanted to idolize their father and that I did; that's why we're nominated today and I idolize him 100%. He is definitely a pioneer."
The elder Smith worked for two decades with Muddy Waters, and his other credits include Johnny Winter, James Cotton, and B. B. King. He appeared on the cover of Living Blues Magazine in February, 2008. Kenny, appropriately, has drummed for Waters' son Big Bill Morganfield, as well as with Big Jack Johnson and Lurrie Bell.
Willie is also nominated in the category Best Instrumentalist, Harmonica, marking the first time an artist has received a nomination in two separate instrumental categories. "It had been twenty years since I even picked it back up again. Once a marine, always a marine. You never forget!"
Originally published in the Blues Foundation January 2009 newsletter. Thanks to the Blues Foundation and Joe Whitmer for letting us post this great story on Delta Boogie.
Pictured above Willie Smith on his CD "Way Back".
Pictured below Kenny and Willie Smith at home. From Kenny Smith's website.
Kenny Smith Website
The Blues Foundation
Willie "Big Eyes" Smith
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