Charmer

Charmer originated in 1973 when the Smith brothers launched the Baton Rouge, LA-based folk ensemble. Multi-instrumentalist Bob covered bass, percussion, and vocals; Dudley Brian handled vocals, guitar, harmonica, and mandolin; and Joel supplied vocals and guitar. Throughout the group’s lifespan the members played only small venues across the Southern U.S., yet their first albums did not appear until 1981. Jan Smith’s arrival in 1983 on guitar, piano, vocals, accordion, and melodica turned the lineup into a quartet. By 1989, when the members chose to pursue separate projects, the catalog had reached eight albums and the band had accumulated numerous opening slots for Nanci Griffith, the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, John Fahey, and John Prine. Dudley Brian and Jan subsequently formed Smithfield Fair, while Bob and Joel formed Diverse Peoples.