Big Walter Smith
& The Groove Merchants
There’s hardly a Minnesota music award that hasn’t been bestowed upon Big Walter Smith both individually and with his band, The Groove Merchants.
Big Walter made history when he became the first blues musician inducted into the Minnesota’s Music Hall of Fame in New Ulm, MN in 1998. In June 2005 the City of Minneapolis’ Mayor, R.T. Rybak, proclaimed a Big Walter Smith Day.
Big Walter Smith is Minnesota’s most honored and recognized bluesman. In Minneapolis, the legendary “Big Man of the Blues” has been a fixture in the Midwest’s blues scene since 1970. His 300 pound presence and velveteen voice have graced nearly every blues and R&B stage in the Midwest, as well as the finest concert halls, casinos and festivals.
In 2005 Walter was given an award for 50 years in the music business by the staff of the Dug Out Bar. That same year he was also inducted into the Minnesota Rock Country Hall of fame.
Big Walter’s music career began long before he landed in Minnesota. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1930. He moved to Kansas City, MO. where he met and helped a struggling Albert Collins becoming a life-long friend. He also worked parties with Albert King during the 1960s becoming a life-long friend with him also. He has shared stages with his other favorite’s B.B. King and Bobby Blue Bland, whom Big Walter cites as his chief early influences.
The current lineup includes long time guitarist Scott Graves, keyboardist Tim Wick, drummer Patrick Hulme, bassist Chris Johnson, Trumpeter Dan Eikmeier and saxophonist Jim Kogl.
Most of the blues musicians in the Twin Cities have played with Big Walter in the past 37 years and hold him in the highest regard.
Performing Saturday, July 31, 2010
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Help Us Celebrate Big Walter's 80th Birthday!
