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Mike "Smitty" Smith (born Michael Leroy Smith, March 27, 1942 – March 6, 2001) was an American drummer, guitarist, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his work as a drummer with Paul Revere & the Raiders.
Early life
[edit]Mike Smith was born in Portland, Oregon to Howard and Mildred Smith.[1] Alongside his older brother, Jerry,[2] he grew up in neighboring Beaverton, graduating from Beaverton High School in 1960.[3] Both brothers competed on the Beaverton High School wrestling team.[4]
Smith received his first drum set at age ten, and an upgraded set at age twelve.[2]
Career
[edit]The Headless Horseman
[edit]After high school, Smith became part-owner of Portland teen club The Headless Horseman. Along with two friends, Al Dardis and Ross Allemang, Smith became a member of the club's house band, playing guitar.[5] In 1962, Mark Lindsay and Paul Revere of Paul Revere & the Raiders, had relocated to Portland and were seeking a few musicians to complete their band. They heard about The Headless Horseman and its house band, and Lindsay visited the club and met Smith.[3] Revere invited Smith to join him and Lindsay as their drummer.
Paul Revere & the Raiders
[edit]Smith drummed with Paul Revere & the Raiders from 1962 to 1967, and again from 1971 to 1972, performing on some of their biggest hits, including "Just Like Me," "Hungry," and "Kicks."[3] Three of the seven albums he made with the band were awarded gold by the RIAA: "Just Like Us!," "Midnight Ride," and "The Spirit of '67."[6]
Personal life
[edit]Smith married longtime girlfriend Susan Moore on June 7, 1963, in Stevenson, Washington.[7] They had two children together, Rory (born January 1964) and Alexandra.[3]
He met his second wife, Brenda, in Brookings, Oregon, while he was recovering from a car accident. They had two children together, Rio and Jenna, before divorcing in 1996.[3]
Death
[edit]Smith died on March 6, 2001, in Kailua-Kona, Kawaii from internal bleeding.[3]
References
[edit]- ^ "Honolulu Star-Bulletin Hawaii News". archives.starbulletin.com. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ a b "Mike "Smitty" Smith's Life in Pix!". mikesmittysmith.tripod.com. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ a b c d e f "So Long, Friend - Saying Goodbye to Smitty". mikesmittysmith.tripod.com. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ 1958 Beaver. Beaverton, Oregon: Valley Publishing Inc. 1958. p. 89.
- ^ "Michael Leroy Smith - Bio from "History ReBEATS Itself"". mikesmittysmith.tripod.com. Retrieved 2024-10-10.
- ^ "Paul Revere & The Raiders". Ed Sullivan Show. Retrieved 2024-10-12.
- ^ "SMITTY'S 'SECRET'". mikesmittysmith.tripod.com. Retrieved 2024-10-10.