benny smith dies

This weekend we lost yet another man that helped found the sound of the St. Louis Blues.

Benny Smith saw mild success throughout his career. He never reached the same fame as his river city counterpart Johnnie Johnson who also passed somewhat recently, but he definately left his mark on this city and the music that made it famous. I’m no blues expert but I am definately a fan. Benny Smith frequented such haunts as BB’s in downtown St. Louis.

I had the opportunity to see him a few times during his regular set on Sunday afternoons at Hammerstone’s in Soulard. It was always a treat to watch local blues musicians sit in with Benny. They would develop a riff and once it was established they would take turns deviating and playing with the riff. The audience enjoyed it thouroughly but you could tell the musicians were on a whole different level, conversion through this riff and making it their own.

I’m not sure what will happen to the St. Louis Blues as we keep losing these great guys. But one thing is certain, Benny Smith will be missed.