Podcasts Arts Performing Arts The Trap Set with Joe Wong 136: Viola Smith (The Smith Sisters, The Coquettes)

136: Viola Smith (The Smith Sisters, The Coquettes)

Published: Aug. 23, 2017, 5:19 a.m.

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Born in 1912, Viola Smith rose to fame during an era when female musicians were often relegated to novelty status; but over a career that spanned 50 years, she proved herself to be a visionary far ahead of her time. She talks to Joe about her childhood in Wisconsin, why becoming a traveling musician distanced her from religion, Chick Webb, Louis Belson, Buddy Rich ("not a likeable fellow"), and ignoring Frank Sinatra\'s advances.

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