Arthur Smith was an American musician, songwriter, and producer of records, as well as a radio and TV host for decades. Smith produced radio and TV shows; The Arthur Smith Show was the first nationally syndicated country music show on television. After moving to Charlotte, North Carolina, Smith developed and ran the first commercial recording studio in the Southeast. Born in Clinton, South Carolina, Arthur Smith was a textile mill worker who became a celebrated and respected country music instrumental composer, guitarist, fiddler, and banjo player. His major hit was the instrumental "Guitar Boogie," which he wrote and recorded in 1945. The song earned him the moniker Arthur "Guitar Boogie" Smith. It was recorded by numerous other musicians, including Tommy Emmanuel, and became known around the world. Renamed "Guitar Boogie Shuffle", it became a rock and roll hit by Frank Virtue and the Virtues. Virtue served in the Navy with Smith and counted him as a major influence. Other musicians who have been influenced by Smith include Nashville studio ace Hank "Sugarfoot" Garland, Roy Clark, Glen Campbell and surf music pioneers the Ventures. 

April 1st, 1921 in South Carolina  /  Died:   Apr 3rd, 2014 - aged 93