O.C. Smith
| O. C. Smith | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Ocie Lee Smith |
| Born | June 21, 1932 Mansfield, Louisiana, United States |
| Died | November 23, 2001 (aged 69) |
| Genres | R&B, jazz, soul |
| Occupation(s) | Singer |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1955–2001 |
| Labels | Cadence Records, MGM Records, Columbia Records, Rendezvous, Triune, Wave, Bluewater |
O.C. Smith (June 21, 1932 – November 23, 2001) was an American musician. His recording of "Little Green Apples" went to number 2 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1968 and sold over one million records.
Born Ocie Lee Smith in Mansfield, Louisiana, Smith moved with his parents to Little Rock, Arkansas, and then moved with his mother to Los Angeles, California after his parents' divorce.
After completing a psychology degree at Southern University, Smith joined the Air Force, and served throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia. While in the Air Force, Smith began entering talent contests and toured with Horace Heidt. After his discharge in July 1955, Smith went into jazz music to pay the bills.
Smith gained his first break as a singer with Sy Oliver and made an appearance on Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts. His success on that show led to a recording contract with Cadence Records.
Smith's debut release was a cover of the Little Richard hit "Tutti Frutti" in December 1955. The song was not a hit, but convinced MGM Records to sign Smith to a solo contract, resulting in three more releases, but still no hits.
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