Jimmy Don Smith collection

Collection

Identifier: MS 0994

Staff Only

Finding aid note: Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Content Description

This collection contains audio, photographs, posters, and other materials related to the music career of Jimmy Don Smith.

Dates

Creation: 1965 - 1990

Conditions Governing Access

This material is open for research.

Stored offsite at the Library Service Center and require 24-hour notice for retrieval. Please contact the Woodson Research Center at 713-348-2586 or woodson@rice.edu for more information.

Conditions Governing Use

Permission to publish from the Jimmy Don Smith collection must be obtained from the Woodson Researc Center.

The Woodson Research Center use policy is that researchers assume sole responsibility for any infringement of privacy, literary rights, copyrights, or other rights arising from their use of the archival materials. In addition to any restrictions placed by donors, certain kinds of archival materials are restricted for the life of the creator plus 50 years. These materials include, but are not limited to, student grades, transcripts, and any job applications or recommendations.

Biographical / Historical

James Donald Smith who went by the performance name Jimmy Don Smith was born in Fort Worth, TX on October 28, 1948. He attended Oklahoma State University. At 19, Smith, a self-taught musician, moved to Houston and began a career as a lead guitarist and singer. He joined a variety of bands including Blackwell, The Boontz All-Stars, The Rhythm Tramps, and his last band The Cold Cuts or Jimmy Don Smith and the Cold Cuts. He recorded at least three albums with Blackwell, The Boontz All-Stars, and The Cold Cuts.

In 1985, Smith was diagnosed with cancer and passed on January 25, 1986. His widow, Rutherene Smith aka Ruth Cole Hammett Smith raised money and endowed the Jimmy Don Smith Memorial Scholarship at the University of St. Thomas in Houston.