Pianist, band leader, session musician and song writer Huey Pierce "Piano" Smith was born in New Orleans on January 26, 1934. He was influenced by New Orleans innovator Professor Longhair, and his music included elements of boogie woogie, jazz and rhythm and blues. He wrote his first song when aged eight. By 15 he was performing in clubs with his partner Eddie Jones (“Guitar Slim”). In 1955 he was playing piano in Little Richards’ band. He can be heard playing on many New Orleans recordings of 1955-1957 including “I hear you knocking” by Smiley Lewis. He is regarded as one of the creators of New Orleans rock and roll music, and formed The Clowns in 1957 with Bobby Marchan, Curley Moore, John Williams and Gerri Hall. The personnel of the Clowns changed from time to time as members left to pursue individual careers.
Huey Pierce “Piano” Smith died of natural causes in Baton Rouge, Louisiana on 13 February, 2023, age 89.
Singer and female impersonator Bobby Marchan, real name Oscar James Gibson, whose falsetto voice was preferred to Smith's own voice, and sings on the biggest hits, was born on 30 April 1930 and died on 5 December 1999.
Singer June (sic) "Curley" Moore was born in 1943 and was murdered on 14 December 1985.
Singer and Indian tribal leader "Scarface" John Williams was born on 19 October 1938 and was murdered on 4 March 1972.
Singer Gerri Hall was born on 2 August 1934.
Image: Michael Ochs Archives, Getty Images.
102 | 12 April 2026
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