“Without sounding redundant hopefully. As I've said educating, and embracing our heritage, stop making Blues the last thought in the music field. And support the Blues, and live music clubs... Hopefully I made some sense in my responses to your questions. Thank you again for asking me to participate.”

Jimi “Primetime” Smith: My Blues Time

Jimi “Primetime” Smith has a long and impressive history with the blues, having released numerous acclaimed albums and having played with blues royalty such as Otis Rush, Albert King, Albert Collins, and Etta James. However, his unobtrusive and humble nature often leads to blues fans feeling uncertain if they have ever seen him previously. Adding to their uncertainty is the fact that before he changed the spelling of his name and added the nickname, he would often be confused with organist Jimmy Smith. However, Jimi’s most recent work is getting so much attention that he seems destined to soon become a household name. Jimi was born in Chicago into a musical family. His mother, Johnnie Mae Dunson (AKA “The Big Boss Lady”), was a pioneer in the industry as one of the first female drummers and songwriters. This led to Jimi having some impressive mentors, and he recorded his first song (on a 45-rpm record) at the age of eight. His first professional show, which was with Jimmy Reed at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival, was at the age of fourteen, where he played in a slot between Charles Mingus and Ray Charles.

(Photo: Jimi “Primetime” Smith)

By the age of seventeen he was playing in the blues clubs in Chicago alongside Big Walter Horton, Sunnyland Slim, Jimmie Johnson, Eddie Taylor and Fenton Robertson. With a gift for creating music that speaks to the soul, Jimi PrimeTime Smith has been making waves in the industry for years. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, Jimi PrimeTime Smith’s new 11-tracks album “It’s My Time” (2025) has developed a sound that is uniquely his own. Jimi "Primetime" Smith is likely the only person who can say that he was homeschooled on guitar by Jimmy Reed and Eddie Taylor. He is one of the few guitarists on the present scene who learned early on how to accompany blues pianists such as Sunnyland Slim and harmonica players such as Big Walter Horton. He is not one to blow his own horn, crafting his own career in a remarkably humble manner.

Interview by Michael Limnios                 Special Thanks: Larry Kay (Night Train PR)

What do you learn about yourself from the blues and what does the blues mean to you? 

I learned the Blues from my mom (Johnnie Mae Dunson) and Jimmy Reed taught me how to play guitar at the age of 12yrs old. It gives me great pleasure to play, sing, and entertain. I love the feeling when I get on stage and see the smile and happiness that comes over people. If I touch one person out there and make their day a little better, then it's a great day for me.

How do you describe your sound and songbook? What's the balance in music between technique (skills) and soul/emotions?

It's hard for me to describe myself and sound, some has said that I sound like Muddy Waters, Albert King, Robert Cray, all rolled into one. I've played all kinds of music, but my heart belongs to the Blues. As far balance, I give my Lord and Savior Jesus all the praise for the gift he gave me. 

“I learned I believe from some of the greatest, those musicians whipped me into shape. If you didn't or couldn't play the Blues, they let you know it, and it makes you want to be better, by practicing, watching, listening. When it comes to performing, composing my music, I play from my heart and soul, I don't map out solos, and think (well I'll play this here or that there) it's all new to me as it is to the audience.” (Photos: Jimi “Primetime” Smith with his mother, Johnnie Mae Dunson and Jimmy Reed)

Which meetings have been the most important experiences? Are there any memories from gigs, jams, and studio which you’d like to share with us?

I would say, having grown up in the heart of the Blues in Chicago and having people like my mom, Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor, Willie Dixon, KoKo Taylor at my home all the time before knowing they were stars and the people that helped create Chicago Blues. Made me a better person, my greatest memories are of playing my first show at the age of 14 with Jimmy Reed at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival in 1973. I have so many, being a sideman for a few shows with Albert King, Etta James, Otis Rush, Doctor John, Buddy Miles, Bo Didley, just to name a few.

Why do you think that the Blues music continues to generate such a devoted following?

The Blues is a feeling that touches you deeply, it's been here from the start. Some think it's a forgotten art, but it's in every form of music. From gospel, rock&roll, jazz, funk, soul, pop, hip hop. If it wasn't for the Blues, you wouldn't have Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Stevie Ray Vaughan, even country music players, and that's just a few examples I can think of off the top of my head. When you research it, everyone of them had Blues rooted in their music. The Blues may fall by the wayside once in awhile, but it will always be here long after I'm gone. I'm so happy to see so many young people getting more involved in it now. And with the new up and coming generation bringing it to a whole new audience. The masters gave it to us,and I do my best to past it on to the next generation. I've taught children and helped a lot in get them to understand where this genre of music came from and it's influence on today's music. 

What has made you laugh from Johnnie Mae Dunson? What was the best advice your mother “The Big Boss Lady” ever gave you?

The funniest thing and advice. Well it's hard to think of just one funny moment, sitting and listening to her, Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor telling stories of their times on what people called the chittlin circuit. Or the time a guy that did some work for her on the house and tried to cheat her,  she chased him into the police station with a bull whip.

Best advice was to never give up or let anyone tell me, I couldn't do something, to be humble, honest, kind, forgiving but not foolish. Treat people the way I wanted to be treated, how to dress for success.

“Things I miss about the past is, playing all the great clubs in Chicago, having great elder statesmen and women of the blues stopping by our house to chat, eat, jam. Those people were like family to me, jamming was a release from always having to be on point and performing on stage. Although that is a great feeling in itself.” (Photo: Jimi “Primetime” Smith with Johnnie Mae Dunson aka The Big Boss Lady)

Is it easier to write and play the blues as you get older?

My process for writing songs may happen in different ways. Sometimes the music or a groove come to me, other times lyrics. I usually start with playing my guitar and a groove or certain lick will come across my mind, in that process. I then try to come up with lyrics, something about moments in my life or things that are happening in the world at that day and time. I don't know if it's any easier than the past to write music? Yes there's so much to build a song on, but I'm sure it was that way in the south and in those days too.

Are there any memories from Jimmy Reed, Albert King, and Otis Rush which you’d like to share with us?

As long as I can remember, Jimmy Reed, Eddie Taylor had been apart of my life. As 5 year old child Jimmy Reed would come over and hangout with my mom and dad. I would sneak and listen to them laughing and joking about things in their life. When Jimmy came to live with us I was 11, and at 12 he started teaching me how to play the Blues his way, and I had my first gig at 14 with him. Ann Arbor Blues Festival 1973. After he moved out, Eddie Taylor and Hubert Sumlin which were always staples at my house. Started showing me different styles and techniques to help me develop my own style. Through my years of growing up, I was able to play with several artists like Big Walter Horton, Floyd Jones, Big Moose Walker, Queen Silvia, Otis Rush, Etta James, Doctor John, Chubby Checker, that all happened because of the technology and lessons I learned from Eddie Taylor and Hubert Sumlin.

Watching Otis Rush and Albert King when I had a chance to play with them, gave more to build my guitar styles. Otis Rush amazed me the way he played and for me it was backwards. With him and Albert King playing left handed, I had a time figuring out how they did it. Albert King amazed me also, he was a giant to me, his one hand made two of mine when shook his, mine disappeared. He even let me play his guitar during a rehearsal for the gig we did. That made my night, day, and life. I have sense reacquainted myself with an old friend from the seventies out here in Phoenix Arizona. Mr. Bob Corritore who owns the Rhythm Room, we met in 78 when I was playing for Big Walter Horton in Chicago and hadn't seen each other for about 20 or 30 years. But it's just great that we got back together again and now we have a band together out here in Phoenix. I've also recorded with him on several of his albums and one that we put out in 2023 (World in a Jug) that got some pretty good recognition.

“As far as well lived Blues life, I believe performing, traveling, recording, and seeing audiences that really enjoy the music and interact with the performer. Also that get something positive out of what they just witnessed.“ (Jimi “”Primetime” Smith / Photo by Aigars Lapsa - Jimi “Primetime” Smith early days)

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

That's a hard one, I would say for it to be more widely appreciated,the major awards organizations give it the recognition it deserves. And  the history of it be explained, and educate the younger generation where it all came from, Televised Blues as much as they do the pop and other  genres of music. There are so many unsound heroes of the Blues but no one knows about, like my mom for one. Johnnie Mae Dunson Smith. Willie Dixon and Koko Taylor would always be at my house learning stuff from my mother, she wrote songs for Jimmy Reed Muddy Waters and KoKo. When we were in New York at the Apollo for the jazz foundation of America benefit somebody told us that even Elvis Presley did one of my mom's songs. I don't know how true it is? But she was a staple and I'm driving force behind the Blues in Chicago. But that's just one person there are so many others, sunnyland slim, who I had a chance to play with, lazy Bill Lucas, those are just a few off the top of my head right now there's plenty others. But the blues will go on and on and on no matter how people try to doubt it and say that it's forgotten genre of music. A few years ago the blues were booming and even heavy rock stars made Blues albums. Everyone jumped on the bandwagon because Blues was popular, it was in commercials, I can't remember exactly what year it was? But it really surprised me to turn on the TV and see commercials with blues music in them, the Blues will never die!

Your work is known for creatively reimagining blues tradition. How do you balance respect for the roots with experimentation?

Well, I really appreciate the compliment, I've always used a term to describe myself. "I'm just a simple man doing the best I can" I learned from some of the greats in my opinion, when I perform I try to honor them in my performance. As Eddie Taylor told me " be yourself" there's only one Jimmy Reed, one Eddie Taylor, one Jimi Primetime Smith, although back then I was known as James Smith, etc, etc. "Therefore take what we have to offer and make your own style and play from your heart and soul". And I've taken that to heart, so when I perform, I give my all and every performance is different. You can have bad days, the devil will try you, but stay strong. Keep the faith, play like it's the last time you'll be on stage, I've found that the audience can feel it too. And I love to see people happy and enjoying the music. I've had the pleasure of playing different genres of music with some petty well know artists, but the Blues is where it all started for me. I will forever be grateful for the amazing opportunities I've had and hopefully many more to come. The good Lord willing and the Creek don't rise. I got that one from Ruth Brown, when we had late night early morning sessions of reminiscing about her time on chittlin circuit. Thank you for taking the time and supporting the Blues, one thing I didn't mention is my New CD (“It's My Time”) that dropped In July 2025. It's had some great reviews and seems to be well received, we had a CD release party at the Rhythm Room, and now the Vinyl is coming. So we're doing another for my Minnesota peeps October 3rd at Shaw's Bar & Grill 1528 University Ave NE Minneapolis MN.

“The Blues is a feeling that touches you deeply, it's been here from the start. Some think it's a forgotten art, but it's in every form of music. From gospel, rock&roll, jazz, funk, soul, pop, hip hop. If it wasn't for the Blues, you wouldn't have Jimi Hendrix, Elvis Presley, Little Richard, Chuck Berry, Stevie Ray Vaughn, even country music players, and that's just a few examples I can think of off the top of my head.” (Jimi “Primetime” Smith, Notodden Blues Festival, Norway 2025 / Photo by Aigars Lapsa)

What do you think is key to a Bluesman’s life well lived?

As far as well lived Blues life, I believe performing, traveling, recording, and seeing audiences that really enjoy the music and interact with the performer. Also that get something positive out of what they just witnessed. I try to entertain and leave a last impression, hopefully I can help someone feel better about life. No matter what has happened that day or night I want to ease their mind and hopefully make them just for a moment forget the bad that happened.

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

Things I miss about the past is, playing all the great clubs in Chicago, having great elder statesmen and women of the blues stopping by our house to chat, eat, jam. Those people were like family to me, jamming was a release from always having to be on point and performing on stage. Although that is a great feeling in itself. My hope is that more youth get into the Blues it's history, and how it shaped all genres of music. I sometimes fear the loss of a musical genre that so many have no clue as to where a lot of today's music and ideas started. 

How has your experience with musicians of the “golden era” of blues influenced the way you compose and perform today?

I learned I believe from some of the greatest, those musicians whipped me into shape. If you didn't or couldn't play the Blues, they let you know it, and it makes you want to be better, by practicing, watching, listening. When it comes to performing, composing my music, I play from my heart and soul, I don't map out solos, and think (well I'll play this here or that there) it's all new to me as it is to the audience. And that makes for a great experience I believe anyway. Writing or composing a song for me comes in parts, sometimes the music is first, and other times lyrics. But at the end it's a song and a representation of me.

“My hope is that more youth get into the Blues it's history, and how it shaped all genres of music. I sometimes fear the loss of a musical genre that so many have no clue as to where a lot of today's music and ideas started.” (Jimi “Primetime” Smith & Bob Corritore on stage, The Rhythm Room, Phoenix Arizona 2025 / Photos by Marilyn Stringer)

What keeps a musician passionate after five decades in blues? What are some of the most important lessons you have learned from your experience in the music paths?

My passion and experience: Music is my passion, anyone that knows me. Will tell you that I am not a happy camper if I'm not performing, no matter what has gone on in my day. When I grab my guitar, sit down and play even if it's just by myself it makes me happy, also my strong faith in the Almighty. As far as lessons; I've learned that you have to work hard, be honest, dedicated, and also learn the business. I never got into the business end of this music thing until lately. And you have to do a lot of it for yourself, cause nothing good comes easy.

How can a musician truly turn the blues into a commercial and popular genre of music for the today's audience and new generation?

To this question I really wished I had a good answer, maybe by those that are in the mainstream embracing and educating our youth on the history of the Blues. It's in every musical genre whether you believe it or not. I performed a soul song by Marvin Gaye (You're a wonderful one)in one of my shows a few weeks ago to show how the Blues influence had an impact on soul music. Muddy Waters recorded a song call the blues had a baby and they named it Rock&Roll. If people would just sit and really listen to Rock&Roll, Soul, Jazz, Gospel, Funk, even HipHop Blues flavor is over it all.

Why is it important to we preserve and spread the blues? What is the role of Blues Music in today’s society?

Without sounding redundant hopefully. As I've said educating, and embracing our heritage, stop making Blues the last thought in the music field. And support the Blues, and live music clubs... Hopefully I made some sense in my responses to your questions. Thank you again for asking me to participate.

Jimi “Primetime” Smith - Home

(Photo: Jimi “Primetime” Smith)