"I learn to keep myself disciplined, to have fun and enjoy the people around me."

Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith:

Keeping The Blues Alive, Well and Fresh!

Kenny Smith was unquestionably born into blues royalty. He grew up in the same house where Muddy Waters once lived in Chicago, the home of the blues. Throughout his childhood, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" was surrounded by Muddy and his friends, which included his own father, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith (1936-2011). These same blues icons helped mold him into the person and drummer he is today and later in life asked him to provide his famous backbeat on some of the largest and most respected stages and recordings in the world. Kenny has played over 9,500 live performances to date and has earned the right to wear that royal blues crown. His father, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, played drums for the Muddy Waters’ Band in the early 1960’s and then again from 1968 through 1980 and was featured on all of Muddy’s Grammy winning albums. Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith, one of the best known living blues drummers today, learned 99% of what he knows about drumming from his father and was also inspired by acclaimed drummers: Odie Payne, Fred Below, Earl Phillips, Louie Bellson, S.P. Leary, Francis Clay and Art Blakey, Sonny Payne, Clifton James and many others who paved the way. And with those experiences Kenny has revitalized and created new interpretations of the blues drummers as he pushes blues drumming to new innovative and tradition styles.

(Photo: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith)

Music is about chasing a feeling- happiness, excitement, anger, sadness. Blues is the most intense combination of music and feeling. The power and emotion of the music transcends time and can be felt by people of all ages and ethnicities- the sole reason why the blues will survive and thrive for generations to come. The blues, like all elements of life, is meant to grow, change and progress while retaining its essence. In 2019, Kenny “Beedy Eyes” Smith and the House Bumpers released the album, “Drop the Hammer”. Kenny honored the blues legends he admired by laying down a few traditional tracks. Much of his playing was molded by the teaching of his late father, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, who was the drummer for Muddy Waters for over 18 years, and it was important to give this nod of respect. Kenny Smith's new project The Chicago Blues Lifters is a multi-talented Blues band that illustrates the true meaning of the Chicago Blues. Within this all-star group exists the genre’s past, present, and future. The Chicago Blues Lifters offers an unparalleled, authentic Chicago Blues Experience that is wowing audiences across the globe. Their performance makes it feel tangible, transporting its listeners into a Blues trance and delivering pure and rare Blues magic.

Interview by Michael Limnios               Special Thanks: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith

Kenny, when was your first desire to become involved in the blues & who were your first idols?

My first desire was when I was a young boy watching my father and all of his friends practice in our basement. I then went to a show and watched thousands of people enjoying these same songs that I had heard in my own house that was my moment, and my first idol is and will always be Willie Big Eyes Smith not because he was a great blues Legend, most of all he was a great Father.

What have been some of your musical influences and what were the first songs you learned?

My first musical influences was the blues because when I grew up, that’s all I knew. 

What are your first musical memories growing up in Chicago?

My first musical memory was going the University of Chicago and watching my father and Muddy play. I grew up with the blues all around me and I considered all the blues giants that would come to the house, as family.

"The Blues affects everyone differently but for me, it my passion its part of my life. I laugh with the blues. Cry with the blues and most importantly I can feel the blues inside of me every single day just like I can feel the beating of my heart." (Photo: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith)

How has the Blues influenced your views of the world and the journeys you've taken?

The Blues has been a profound influence on my perspective of the world. It embodies the struggles and triumphs of life, teaching me about resilience and the beauty that can emerge from pain. My personal and musical journeys have been shaped by the stories I've heard and the emotions I've felt while playing. Each blues song carries a piece of history, and it reminds me that we are all connected through our experiences.

How do you think that you have grown as an artist and what has remained the same about your music-making process? What's the balance in music between technique/skills and soul/emotions?

As an artist, I've grown tremendously through exploration and experimentation. My music-making process has evolved, but the core of it remains the same it's always about authenticity. I believe there's a delicate balance between technique and soul, while mastering our instruments is necessary. It's the emotions and stories behind the music that truly resonate. That raw, honest expression is what makes the music special.

What moment changed your music life the most? What's been the highlights in your life and career so far?

The moment that changed my music life the most was when I first stepped onto a stage and felt the energy of the audience. It was exhilarating and terrifying, but it ignited a passion in me that has never faded. The highlights of my life and career so far have been the connections I've made with fans, sharing the stage with legends, and being able to honor my father's legacy.

What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

Throughout my journey in music, I've learned the importance of perseverance and staying true to oneself. The industry can be tough, but it's important to remain authentic and let your own heart shine through. Collaboration and community have also taught me that we're stronger together; sharing experiences and knowledge makes the music richer.

"The Blues has been a profound influence on my perspective of the world. It embodies the struggles and triumphs of life, teaching me about resilience and the beauty that can emerge from pain. My personal and musical journeys have been shaped by the stories I've heard and the emotions I've felt while playing. Each blues song carries a piece of history, and it reminds me that we are all connected through our experiences." (Photo: Kenny Smith with the Chicago Blues Lifters)

How did that idea of Chicago Blues Lifters come about? From the musical and feeling point of view is there any difference between an old and great bluesman and young blues musicians?

The idea of Chicago Blues Lifters emerged from a deep love for the genre and a desire to celebrate its rich heritage. There's a beautiful connection between the seasoned wisdom of our elder blues musicians and the curious energy of our younger musicians; they complement each other perfectly. The elders share their stories, music experience, and techniques, while the younger artists learn from them to create their own innovative perspective of the blues music. Together they create a harmonious blend that honors the past while invigorating the future of the blues. It's a relationship built on respect, admiration, and a shared passion for the music.

What are some of the most important lessons (of life) you have learned from the blues people?

Some life lessons that I have learned from my elder blues musicians are to always put your heart into the music and to get a higher education so that you can understand the contracts you are signing.

What do you miss most nowadays from the blues of past? What are your hopes and fears for the future of?

The blues is not in the past nor is it dead, its alive and well living all over the world. I hope the blues music continues to grow musically while continuing to keep the emotional attachment.

If you could change one thing in the musical world and it would become a reality, what would that be?

The one thing I would change would be having a program for all musicians, specifically catered to musicians, that could provide them with a source of income when the performance season becomes slow or if they are just not working.

"I would not just say Chicago blues generates a loyal following. I would say that the blues has such an impact on people from all walks of life young and old from all over the world that’s how strong the feeling of the blues is." (Photo: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith with his father Willie "Big Eyes" Smith)

Do you consider the Blues a specific music genre and artistic movement or do you think it’s a state of mind?

The best part about the blues is it is all the above. Just like all other style of music the blues has its old distinctive patterns and sounds that makes it the blues. Every blues artist has their own artistic movement performed on several instruments. Definitely, it’s a state a mind from the musicians that are playing the blues to the listeners that are enjoying the blues.

What characterize the music philosophy of Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith about the blues?

The Blues affects everyone differently but for me, it my passion its part of my life. I laugh with the blues. Cry with the blues and most importantly I can feel the blues inside of me every single day just like I can feel the beating of my heart.

Difficult question, but...Odie Payne, Fred Below, Earl Phillips, S. P. Leary, Francis Clay which of these GREAT drummer you do you consider the best?

All of those guys, including Willie Big Eyes Smith, were the founding pioneers for the blues. By far my father was my greatest mentor for me but I also knew of S.P. Leary, Odie Payne, Art Blakey and this list can go on forever.

How was your relationship with your late father’s blues friends?

It was great because his friends were considered family to me. Muddy and the guys would get together, play cards, laugh and joke while us, the kids and grandkids, ran around the house.

Why do you think that Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's music legacy continues to generate such a devoted following? What has made you laugh from your father, the late great bluesman "Big Eyes" Smith?

Willie "Big Eyes" Smith's legacy continues because his music speaks to the heart. He had a unique ability to grab your soul with deep emotion on and oN the stage, which resonates with so many. One of my fondest memories of him is how he could always make us laugh, even in tough times. He taught me that laughter is just as important as the blues and that joy can be found in every person around us.

"My first desire was when I was a young boy watching my father and all of his friends practice in our basement. I then went to a show and watched thousands of people enjoying these same songs that I had heard in my own house that was my moment, and my first idol is and will always be Willie Big Eyes Smith not because he was a great blues Legend, most of all he was a great Father." (Photo: Father and Son, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith and the late great bluesman, Willie "Big Eyes" Smith)

What advice has given to you the late great bluesman Willie “Big Eyes” Smith?

Live, love and learn and respect one another!

Why is it important to preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of music in today's society?

Preserving and spreading the blues is essential because it's a cultural treasure that tells all our stories. Music has a powerful role in today's society; it can heal, unite, and inspire change. The blues in particular connects us all and reminds us of our shared humanity.

Life is more than just music, is there any other field that has influence on your life and music?

Life is indeed more than just music. Literature, art, and even the everyday experiences of people around me influence my life. In addition to my passion for the blues, I have a strong knowledge in the field of business management. Understanding the business side such as marketing, finance, and artist relations not only helps create sustainable careers for musicians but also ensures that the art form can thrive.

Are there any memories of all these “blues cats” which you’d like to share with us?

I can remember going to a Muddy show and seeing a whole bunch of musicians, Lightnin’ Hopkins and many others, sitting around playing cards laughing and joking all night long.  It was late… so I went to sleep on the couch and when I woke back up again, they were still playing cards, laughing and joking. By this time the sun was coming out.

Why do you think that the younger generations are interested in the blues?

Absolutely- I see them all across the world playing the blues from their hearts.

"Life is indeed more than just music. Literature, art, and even the everyday experiences of people around me influence my life. In addition to my passion for the blues, I have a strong knowledge in the field of business management. Understanding the business side such as marketing, finance, and artist relations not only helps create sustainable careers for musicians but also ensures that the art form can thrive." (Photo: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith)

What do you learn about yourself from the music? What is the story behind your nickname: “Beedy Eyes”?

I learn to keep myself disciplined, to have fun and enjoy the people around me. Someone wrote an article and called me “Beedy Eyes” because my dad was “Big Eyes” and from there it stuck!

How would you describe your contact with people when you are on stage?

I feel the warmth and the joy that we bring to one another.

How do you describe your songbook and sound? What touched you from your album "Drop The Hammer" (2019)?

Each and every song touched me on the album Drop The Hammer from the unique sound the band used to create the music to the lyrics in each song. I liked just seeing the smiles and enjoyment on all the musicians’ faces in the studio.

Which acquaintances have been the most important experiences? What was the best advice anyone ever gave you?

Having a strong family background has been my most important experience- and I consider many blues musicians to be a part of my extended family.

Let’s take a trip with a time machine, so where and why would you really want to go for a whole day?

LOL if I had a time machine I would take a trip out in space just far enough to see the entire planet earth.  From that point, I would sing the blues to the entire world in one day.

Could you tell me a few things about “Blues in School” and how it came about?

I give workshops to young kids and also do a lot of workshops in universities about the blues. There’s no limit- if you want to learn about the blues, I’ll teach it to the youngest children and also at the universities.

What are some of the memorable gigs you've had?

My fondest memories are those playing drums behind my father on stage.

"I wish that I could make a wish for the blues.
However, there is not one thing that the blues has not already experienced."

(Photo: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith)

What advice do you want to give to your daughter?

I want her to follow her dreams and work hard to achieve them.

I saw your bio you play also piano and harmonica. Do you play any other instruments besides drums?

I fiddle a lot of different blues instruments but drums are a big part of my life.

How do you describe "Kenny" (as a person)? What are your plans for the future?

I try to be positive and enjoy life to its fullest! My present future in the music business is going great and I couldn’t ask for anything more.

Why do you think that Chicago Blues continued to generate such a devoted following?

I would not just say Chicago blues generates a loyal following. I would say that the blues has such an impact on people from all walks of life young and old from all over the world that’s how strong the feeling of the blues is.

Do you remember any funny thing that ever happened on a gig?

There was a performance in Canada that I did and I had brought brand new drum sticks for the show but as soon as we started the show, my sticks broke so I grabbed another pair and they broke after one stroke and that kept happening over and over again. By the end of the show I was playing with a pair of sticks that I used a whole roll of duck tape to repair. That never had happened to me before! 

Give one wish for the blues...

I wish that I could make a wish for the blues. However, there is not one thing that the blues has not already experienced.

Do you have any message about the blues fans around the world?

Keep on keeping the blues alive and I hope to get over and jam with you sometime.

Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith's website

(Photo: Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith)