O.C. Smith (21 June 1932 - November 23, 2001) was a Grammy Award winning musician. Born Ocie Lee Smith in Mansfield, Louisiana, Smith moved with his parents to Little Rock, Arkansas, before their divorce saw Smith and his mother move to Los Angeles. After completing a psychology degree at Southern University, Smith joined the Air Force, and served throughout the US, Europe and Asia. ...show more

O.C. Smith (21 June 1932 - November 23, 2001) was a Grammy Award winning musician. Born Ocie Lee Smith in Mansfield, Louisiana, Smith moved with his parents to Little Rock, Arkansas, before their divorce saw Smith and his mother move to Los Angeles. After completing a psychology degree at Southern University, Smith joined the Air Force, and served throughout the US, Europe and Asia.

While in the Air Force, Smith began entering talent contests and toured with Horace Heidt. On his discharge in July, 1955, Smith went into jazz music to pay the bills. Smith gained his first break as a singer with Sy Oliver and made an appearance on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. His success on that show led to a recording contract with Cadence Records.

Smith's debut release was a cover of the Little Richard hit "Tutti Frutti" in December, 1955. The song was not a hit, but convinced MGM Records to sign Smith to a solo contract, resulting in three more releases, but still no hits. In 1961, Smith was recruited by Count Basie to be his vocalist, a position he held until 1965. He also continued to record with different labels, but a hit remained elusive. ...show less