Big Bad Smitty

Who is Big Bad Smitty?

Big Bad Smitty aka John H. Smith was an American blues guitar player and singer. Born in Vicksburg, Mississippi, he started learning guitar at the age of ten. He would play his older brother Nelson's guitar when nobody was around.

When he was in his 20's he worked as a truck driver. Johnny Vincent of Ace Records had recorded him and two of his songs, "Smokestack Lightnin'" and "How Many More Years" appeared on the Genuine Mississippi Blues anthology on the Ace label in 1970.

He recorded the Mean Disposition album in 1991 which was released on the Black Magic label in Europe and the GENES label in the United States. He recorded three albums and appeared at European blues festivals, performing for large crowds.

He died in Jackson, Mississippi on April 3, 2002, as a result of diabetes. His funeral was held on Saturday, April 13 at the Alpha Omega Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi.

A benefit concert was held for the family of Big Bad Smitty at BB's in St Louis.