[2] Apart from his solo recordings, Smith is best known for his work backing both Muddy Waters and Big Mama Thornton.

Born in West Helena, Arkansas, United States, but brought up in Cairo, Illinois,[3] Smith's mother taught him how to play the harmonica from the age of 4.

[1] In 1955, Smith went on tour with Little Willie John and Champion Jack Dupree, recording several songs with latter while in Cincinnati.

[1][4] In the late 1950s, Smith recorded singles under various aliases, such as Harmonica King and Little Walter Jr., for labels J & M, Lapel, Melker, and Caddy.

[3] Smith spent most of his life living on the West Coast,[3] where he influenced musicians such as William Clarke and Rod Piazza.