Michael Peter Smith

For other people named Michael Smith, see Michael Smith (disambiguation).

Michael Peter Smith
Born(1941-09-07)September 7, 1941
South Orange, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedAugust 3, 2020(2020-08-03) (aged 78)
GenresRock, folk rock
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1962–2020
LabelsDecca Records (1960s)
Flying Fish Records (1980s–2020)
Websitemichaelsmithmusic.com

Michael Peter Smith (September 7, 1941 – August 3, 2020) was an American, Chicago-based singer-songwriter. Rolling Stone once called him "the greatest songwriter in the English language".[citation needed] Mark Guarino of Chicago Reader wrote, "He never became a household name the way John Prine and Steve Goodman did, but his lengthy discography is just as mighty."[1] He sang and composed from the 1960s, and his rich and challenging songs have been recorded by more than 30 performers.

He is best known for writing "The Dutchman", which was popularized by Goodman and also recorded by Brendan Grace, Suzy Bogguss, Celtic Thunder,[2] Liam Clancy, Makem and Clancy, Norm Hacking, Anne Hills, Mara Levine and Si Kahn,[3] John McDermott, the New Kingston Trio, Gamble Rogers, Tom Russell, Jerry Jeff Walker, Robert James Waller, Josh White Jr.,[3] and Bernard Wrigley.

Smith was also known for his whimsical songs such as "Zippy",[4] "Famous in France,"[5] and "Move Over Mister Gauguin."[6]

  1. ^ Guarino, Mark. "Goodbye to songwriter Michael Smith". Chicago Reader. Retrieved December 25, 2020.
  2. ^ "Michael Smith – Other Artists' Recordings". Michaelpetersmith.com. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  3. ^ a b "Michael Smith – Other Artists' Recordings". Michaelpetersmith.com. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  4. ^ "Michael Smith Lyrics – Zippy". Archived from the original on March 24, 2006. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  5. ^ "Michael Smith Lyrics – Famous In France". Archived from the original on March 24, 2006. Retrieved April 15, 2020.
  6. ^ "Michael Smith Lyrics – Move Over Mr. Gauguin". Archived from the original on October 28, 2003. Retrieved April 15, 2020.