Arthur Smith was a country guitarist, banjoist, composer and record producer, who was also a popular radio and TV host, with The Arthur Smith Show becoming the first nationally-syndicated country music show on US TV. Born in 1921 in South Carolina, in 1944 he made the landmark recording of his instrumental composition “Guitar Boogie”, which became a national hit a couple of years later, and was highly influential in the pop market, generating hit cover versions in the rock ‘n’ roll era, as well as becoming incorporated into his stage name. Many musicians cite him as an influence, including the legendary country star Glen Campbell. This great-value 55-track 2-CD set comprises selected A and B sides of his releases on the Bluebird, Super Disc and MGM labels during this era, with his music encompassing instrumental compositions as well as songs performed in his characteristic ‘talking blues’ style and more mainstream country material. It features all his career hits in the country chart, including the Top 10 entries “Guitar Boogie”, “Boomerang” and “Banjo Boogie”. He was a brilliant instrumentalist who provided a template for performers that followed in later years in both country and pop arenas, and this collection provides a substantial and entertaining showcase for his unique talents.
