“S” is for Smith, Arthur (1921-2014)

“S” is for Smith, Arthur (1921-2014). Musician. Thanks to the widespread popularity of his instrumental hit “Guitar Boogie,” Arthur Smith became one of the best known guitarists in country music. Like many other South Carolina musicians, Smith was a product of the textile mills. He started a Dixieland jazz band and played at WSPA Spartanburg, but the group had little success until switching to country music. In the 1940s Smith transferred his radio base to WBT Charlotte. He reformed his group—Smith’s Carolina Crackerjacks. They became regulars on radio and television and also recorded periodically for MGM, Dot, Starday, Monument and CMH. In 1959 Smith started a recording studio in Charlotte, which produced jingles and commercials for regional radio and television stations.  In addition to “Guitar Boogie,” Arthur Smith had major hits with “Banjo Boogie” and “Boomerang.”