New York, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Shore Fire Media) - Father Willie "Big Eyes" Smith and son Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith are both nominated for a 2009 Blues
Music Award for Best Instrumentalist, Drums. Kenny says, "I'm honored to be a part of it. We're really happy for each other. He and I were both laughing and talking about it. He said, 'I'm gonna get you!'"
Willie says, "I'm very proud of him. He did well; he took in the style like I told him. I gave him some advice: no matter whom you work with the first role is to be dependable and do your job. Do your best no matter what."
While Willie is an annual nominee, this is Kenny's first chance at an award. The son says, "I've been playing as long as I can remember and I'm hoping that I'm carrying on the tradition as far as blues drums. Growing up, every child wanted to idolize their father and that I did; that's why we're nominated today and I idolize him 100%. He is definitely a pioneer."
The elder Smith worked for two decades with Muddy Waters, and his other credits include Johnny Winter, James Cotton, and B. B. King. He appeared on the cover of Living Blues Magazine in February, 2008. Kenny, appropriately, has drummed for Waters' son Big Bill Morganfield, as well as with Big Jack Johnson and Lurrie Bell.
Willie is also nominated in the category Best Instrumentalist, Harmonica, marking the first time an artist has received a nomination in two separate instrumental categories. "It had been twenty years since I even picked it back up again. Once a marine, always a marine. You never forget!"
For a complete list of the 30th Blues Music Awards Nominees, click here: https://www.blues.org/bluesmusicawards/nominees.php4
WHAT: The Blues Music Awards
WHEN: Thursday, May 7, 2009
WHERE: Cook Convention Center, 255 N. Main, Memphis, TN
TICKETS: $125, available December 16, 2008 via https://www.blues.org or
901.527.2583 x10. (Tables of 10 are $1200.)
The presenting sponsor for the 30th Blues Music Awards is The GIBSON Foundation, and are also sponsored by ArtsMemphis, BMI, Casey Family Programs, Eagle Rock Entertainment, FedEx, Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, Memphis Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
