Ray Smith (rockabilly singer)

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

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

Ray Smith
Background information
Born	October 30, 1934 Melber, Kentucky, United States
Died	November 29, 1979(1979-11-29) (aged 45) Ontario, Canada[1]
Genres	Rock and roll, rockabilly, R&B, country
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, musician
Instrument(s)	Vocals, piano, guitar
Years active	1956–1979
Labels	Sun Records Judd Records Vee-Jay Records Tollie Records Smash Records Boot Records Various independent record labels
Website	Ray Smith's Rockabilly Hall of Fame page

Career

Smith recorded for Vee-Jay Records, Tollie Records, Smash Records, Sun Records and Boot 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] It reached #22 on the Billboard Hot 100.^[6] 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 at his home in Burlington, Ontario Canada on November 29, 1979, at the age of 45, leaving behind his wife Lillian, and children Sheila, Johnny and Ray Jr. ^[4] Smith's Judd and Sun singles and session material have been released on Germany's Bear Family Records.