Willie “The Lion” Smith

Willie “The Lion” Smith

One of the most intimidating, awe-inspiring Stride pianists of the '20s and '30s, Smith's den was a smoky Harlem club where, with a half-chomped stogie sticking out of his mouth, he blew away the competitors with his dexterous playing.

Legal name

William Henry Joseph Bonaparte Bertholf Smith

Type

Person

Born

Nov 23, 1893

Born in

Orange County

Died

Apr 18, 1973 (aged 79)

Died in

New York

Country

United States

IPI code

00029013608

ISNI code

0000000108015504

Roles

Artist