Because I met the woman when I was not quite into my teens, I've always had a back of my mind curiosity about Mira/Myra Smith, pioneering female guitarist, songwriter, and recording studio owner. (And if I had to make a money bet, I'd have to say that except for me probably nobody else on TalkBass except possibly @Michedelic has heard of her.) I began internet searching over a decade ago and pickings were very slim; about the only thing I learned was that Smith was considered an influence on the Cramps guitarist Poison Ivy.
I redid my search a couple of weeks ago and wham! Pay dirt: many web pages discussing or mentioning Smith (although, as is far too common with the internet, there was much plagiarizing and redundancy). Still, much more than I found in my initial searches. So this time I got serious.
I got into Google Books Advanced search and began pinging the Previews (snippets are too brief and the "read" option is almost non-existent for what I was searching for).
And I did not use Smith as a search term; I went with Shreveport and the name of her label, RAM Records. Wowsers! More information than I had dared hope for; the lady finally is getting her due. Enough Previews to waller in, and boy did I waller.
There were a lot of links whose contents I found interesting, but the only one which might be of general interest is this one
Chapter four, beginning page 101. Some of the locals and events I remember from my own lifetime, and of course the expected big names like Hank and Elvis (and James Burton). But some of the others? Tommy Sands? John Carradine? GEORGE CARLIN?!!!
My personal connection began when Smith decided to relocate the RAM studio from Lakeshore Drive in Shreveport to the Greenwood Road. My dad was brought in as a consultant for the engineering booth and soundproofing the performing area, and he let me tag along a few times, so I met both Mira Smith and one of her artists, Margaret Lewis. Margaret gave me one of her singles. This single, in fact
The thing that always grabs my attention whenever I listen to this is how, on the fade-out, what the drums are playing sounds exactly like a marching cadence school bands of the time would use for the parades in downtown Shreveport.
I redid my search a couple of weeks ago and wham! Pay dirt: many web pages discussing or mentioning Smith (although, as is far too common with the internet, there was much plagiarizing and redundancy). Still, much more than I found in my initial searches. So this time I got serious.
I got into Google Books Advanced search and began pinging the Previews (snippets are too brief and the "read" option is almost non-existent for what I was searching for).
And I did not use Smith as a search term; I went with Shreveport and the name of her label, RAM Records. Wowsers! More information than I had dared hope for; the lady finally is getting her due. Enough Previews to waller in, and boy did I waller.
There were a lot of links whose contents I found interesting, but the only one which might be of general interest is this one
Shreveport
A city's history is made by its people, and for over 165 years the people of Shreveport, Louisiana have been building a rich heritage. From everyday residents to community leaders, from educators and clergy to entertainers and celebrities, Shreveport's citizens have created a lasting legacy...
www.google.com
Chapter four, beginning page 101. Some of the locals and events I remember from my own lifetime, and of course the expected big names like Hank and Elvis (and James Burton). But some of the others? Tommy Sands? John Carradine? GEORGE CARLIN?!!!
My personal connection began when Smith decided to relocate the RAM studio from Lakeshore Drive in Shreveport to the Greenwood Road. My dad was brought in as a consultant for the engineering booth and soundproofing the performing area, and he let me tag along a few times, so I met both Mira Smith and one of her artists, Margaret Lewis. Margaret gave me one of her singles. This single, in fact
The thing that always grabs my attention whenever I listen to this is how, on the fade-out, what the drums are playing sounds exactly like a marching cadence school bands of the time would use for the parades in downtown Shreveport.
