Chris Smither

Chris Smither

Chris Smither is an American folk and blues singer, guitarist and songwriter from Miami, Florida. Born in 1944, he grows up mainly in New Orleans and is associated with acoustic blues, blues, contemporary folk and folk music.

Early life and education

Smither studies first at the University of the Americas in Mexico City, where he plans to become an anthropologist. After a year he transfers to Tulane University. During that period he discovers the music of Mississippi John Hurt. While in Paris for a junior year abroad, he spends his time playing guitar rather than attending classes and is expelled from college.

Move into music

In 1965, Smither leaves for Florida to meet Eric von Schmidt, one of his musical heroes. Von Schmidt encourages him to move to New York City or Cambridge, Massachusetts. Smither moves to Cambridge and, when he appears at Club 47, finds von Schmidt performing there. Von Schmidt invites him to play a few songs on stage.

Recording and career

Smither’s first album, I’m a Stranger, Too, is released on Poppy Records in 1970. He tours from that point onwards.

Songwriting and influence

His song “Love You Like a Man” from his first album becomes widely known through Bonnie Raitt’s version, retitled “Love Me Like a Man” and issued on her second album Give It Up. Raitt expresses admiration for Smither’s songwriting and guitar playing, and later versions of her recording are made by the Dixie Chicks and Diana Krall. Linda Barnes’s Carlotta Carlyle mystery series also refers to Smither’s music, with the central character shown as a fan.