Smith, Willie “the Lion” (originally, Bertholoff, William Henry Joseph Bonaparte)

Smith, Willie “the Lion” (originally, Ber-tholoff, William Henry Joseph Bonaparte), famed stride pianist, composer, singer; b. Gos-hen, N.Y., Nov. 25, 1897; d. N.Y., April 18, 1973. His mother played piano and organ. He started on organ, then specialized on piano. From 1912, he played many residencies in N.Y. and Atlantic City, N.J., until joining the U.S. Army in November 1916. He saw active service in France, and also played bass drum in Lt. Tim Brymn’s Regimental Band; he was demobilized in the U.S. in late 1919. From 1923, Smith began long residencies in N.Y, including Leroy’s, Small’s, and Garden of Joy. He played many freelance recording sessions, including accompanying Mamie Smith on “Crazy Blues.” He toured theatre circuits; was featured in the “Holiday in Dixieland” revue (1922–23); led his own band at the Capitol Palace, Rhythm Club, and Hooper’s Club; and also played and acted in the Broadway play The Four Walls (1927–28). Smith was the featured pianist at Pod’s and Jerry’s in the late 1920s and early 1930s; he also toured as an accompanist for Nina Mae McKinney and took part in Clarence Williams’s recording sessions. During the 1930s, he was featured at many venues in N.Y, including The Onyx, Adrian’s Tap Room, and The Apollo; he recorded with his own groups and worked occasionally in the Milt Herth Trio. In the 1940s, Smith led bands at Man About Town Casablanca, Newark, and the Venetian Room. In late 1949 to early 1950, he toured Europe as a soloist. He played regularly at The Central Plaza sessions and took part in the film Jazz Dance. In the 1950s, 1960s, and early 1970s, Smith appeared at many jazz festivals; he toured Europe (1965–66); he performed in Canada, and was the subject of two short films (1966). He wrote over 70 songs, including “Portrait of the Duke,” and co-wrote “The Stuff Is Here and It’s Mellow.” Ellington, one of Willie the Lion’s most fervent admirers, dedicated “Portrait of the Lion” to him. He was a very successful teacher, and his pupils included Joe Bushkin, Mel Powell, Howard Smith, Jack O’Brian, and Artie Shaw.

Discography

Reminiscing the Piano Greats (1949); Lion of the Piano (1951); Harlem Memories (1953); Grand Piano (1953); Compositions of James P. Johnson (1953); Lion Roars (1957); Legend of Willie Smith (1957); Music on My Mind (1967); Memoirs of Willie the Lion Smith (1968); Relaxin’ (1970); Live at Blues Alley (1970).

—John Chilton , Who’s Who of Jazz/Lewis Porter /Music Master Jazz and Blues Catalogue