Dottie Smith

Vocalist and percussionist from Philadelphia, who is best known for recording and touring with the bandleader Louis Jordan in the 1950s and 60s. She also owned a nightclub, La Gayla in Philadelphia. Smith was born as Dorothy Hawes in Wilmington, North Carolina, but her family moved to Philadelphia in 1930. She grew up singing in the church choir, and knew nothing about singing secular music until she met pianist Beryl Booker. During a club show, Booker invited Smith on stage, and Percy Joell, bassist with the Harlemaires, was in the audience. He eventually offered Smith a spot in the group. Four years later the Harlemaires disbanded, and Smith returned to Philadelphia and formed her own group. About a year later, in 1952, she joined Louis Jordan's troupe, and stayed with them for almost ten years. Afterward, Smith returned to Philadelphia, again to front her own band. Eventually she opened her own club, La Gayla, booking local musicians like Bootsie Barnes, Jimmy Oliver, and Philly Joe Jones. Born: 27 March 1925 in Wilmington, North Carolina, USA Died: 27 December 2012 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA