Robert Lee "Big Robert" Smith (1939-2006)

    Robert Lee Smith, known as "Big Robert" on the blues circuit, was born on Dec. 28, 1939 to Charles and Mable Smith in Houston. Raised in the famous Third Ward, Smith started his music career by singing in the choir at Jordan Grove Missionary Baptist Church. While still a student a Jack Yates High School, he started attending the now-legendary Blue Monday jam sessions led by Joe "Guitar" Hughes at Shady's Playhouse, where he cultivated his early education in Texas blues. After first working professionally as a drummer in a group led by Carl Campbell, Smith gradually emerged as a singer in Houston clubs during the early 1960s. 

    A band led by eventual blues superstar Albert Collins was one of the first to feature Smith's vocal prowess on a regular basis, especially at a Sunnyside neighborhood establishment called the Big Apple. The amiable 300-plus pound singer was best known locally, nationally, and internationally for his show-stealing featured role with Grady Gaines and the Texas Upsetters. That 35-year affiliation is highlighted for posterity by Smith's contributions to the group's later recordings, including the albums Full Gain, Horn of Plenty and Jump Start. During the 1990s he fronted his own band, Big Robert and the Ravens, on local stages. Over the years Smith also collaborated with various major blues and R&B artists, including Bobby Bland, Ernie K-Doe, Travis Phillips, Millie Jackson and Joe Hinton. He died in Houston on April 6, 2006 at the young age of sixty-seven. His service was highlighted by music performed by many of his former bandmates in the Texas Upsetters, including Grady Gaines, Yvette Busby, Patrick Harris, and Earlie Lewis.

Block C
Golden Gate Cemetery
Houston

COORDINATES

29° 83.743, -095° 32.288