Willie "the Lion" Smith Transcriptions

Birth name: Willie "the Lion" Smith
Died: 23 November 1893 in Goshen, New York, USA.
Died: 18 April 1973 in New York City, New York, USA.

Willie was active since the early 1910s, best known for his 'Harlem Stride' playing style. The legend is that his nickname "The Lion" came from his bravery while serving as a heavy artillery gunner. He was considered one of the “big three” of stride piano along with James P. Johnson and Fats Waller. In addition to playing regularly in New York clubs, he was one of the feature performers (along with his pals James P. and Fats) at rent parties where they would try to top each other and especially younger upstarts. He developed a very original style with its own chord voicings, and became an important early influence on Duke Ellington, who in 1939 would pay direct tribute with his composition “Portrait Of The Lion.” Smith’s bravado personality made him a colorful attraction along with his brilliant playing. The Lion’s bragging came across as humorous as opposed to Jelly Roll Morton’s more abrasive brand and added to his appeal.