Effie Smith
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Born Name:
Effie Mae Bly
Born Date: April 10, 1914
Born Place: McAlester, Oklahoma
Died Date: February 11, 1977
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Singer, comedian
Brief Biography: Effie Smith played a key role in the mid-century West Coast Black entertainment scene. She rose to prominence as a multifaceted entertainer whose career spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s. She is best remembered for her popular comedy records, most notably her signature hit "Dial That Telephone," a humorous "jive talkin'" monologue routine first recorded in 1953 that became a major R&B hit in 1965.
Musical Beginnings:
Big Band Era: Performed as a vocalist with the Three Shades of Rhythm vocal group and appeared with the celebrated Lionel Hampton and Benny Carter orchestras.
Wartime Broadcasts: Featured on several Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) "Jubilee" transcriptions during World War II, collaborating with jazz greats like saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.
Transition to Comedy and Recording Success:
First Solo Records: Began her solo recording path in 1945 backed by small bands organized by Johnny Otis.
Signature Routine: Found her biggest niche blending blues vocals with sharp comedic monologues, capturing everyday cultural experiences.
Dial That Telephone: Released her trademark routine multiple times across different labels (including Spot and Duo Disc). The track features a humorous, one-sided phone conversation dripping with sass and quick wit.
Chart Success: The 1964 reissue of "Dial That Telephone" on Duo Disc broke into the National R&B Top 25 charts in 1965.
Executive and Industry Impact:
Record Labels: Partnered with her second husband, comedian and songwriter John Laurence Criner, to help run his Royal Records group (spanning the G&G and Gem labels).
Label Ownership: Co-owned and managed independent record labels later in her career, including Duo Disc, Tri-Disc, and Eee Cee Records.
Music Promotion: Moved to New York City to work as a powerhouse promotion executive for influential soul and R&B labels including Jubilee Records, Shout Records, and the legendary Stax Records.
Born Date: April 10, 1914
Born Place: McAlester, Oklahoma
Died Date: February 11, 1977
Died Place: Los Angeles, California
Occupations: Singer, comedian
Brief Biography: Effie Smith played a key role in the mid-century West Coast Black entertainment scene. She rose to prominence as a multifaceted entertainer whose career spanned from the 1930s to the 1970s. She is best remembered for her popular comedy records, most notably her signature hit "Dial That Telephone," a humorous "jive talkin'" monologue routine first recorded in 1953 that became a major R&B hit in 1965.
Musical Beginnings:
Big Band Era: Performed as a vocalist with the Three Shades of Rhythm vocal group and appeared with the celebrated Lionel Hampton and Benny Carter orchestras.
Wartime Broadcasts: Featured on several Armed Forces Radio Service (AFRS) "Jubilee" transcriptions during World War II, collaborating with jazz greats like saxophonist Coleman Hawkins.
Transition to Comedy and Recording Success:
First Solo Records: Began her solo recording path in 1945 backed by small bands organized by Johnny Otis.
Signature Routine: Found her biggest niche blending blues vocals with sharp comedic monologues, capturing everyday cultural experiences.
Dial That Telephone: Released her trademark routine multiple times across different labels (including Spot and Duo Disc). The track features a humorous, one-sided phone conversation dripping with sass and quick wit.
Chart Success: The 1964 reissue of "Dial That Telephone" on Duo Disc broke into the National R&B Top 25 charts in 1965.
Executive and Industry Impact:
Record Labels: Partnered with her second husband, comedian and songwriter John Laurence Criner, to help run his Royal Records group (spanning the G&G and Gem labels).
Label Ownership: Co-owned and managed independent record labels later in her career, including Duo Disc, Tri-Disc, and Eee Cee Records.
Music Promotion: Moved to New York City to work as a powerhouse promotion executive for influential soul and R&B labels including Jubilee Records, Shout Records, and the legendary Stax Records.