Willie "The Lion" Smith Transcriptions

Biography of Willie "The Lion" Smith

Willie "The Lion" Smith was an American jazz pianist and composer, a foundational figure of the Harlem stride piano school alongside James P. Johnson, known for his powerful, two-handed technique and flamboyant personality. A major influence on Duke Ellington, who called him "the grand master of all who came after him," he was also a prolific composer of sophisticated pieces like "Echoes of Spring" and "Finger Buster". A decorated World War I veteran and charismatic storyteller, he enjoyed a long career, performing and recording into the 1970s and mentoring younger musicians.