Tab Smith

Tab Smith's professional path falls naturally into separate chapters. An alto saxophonist of rare distinction who surfaced amid the swing years, he later drew wide attention on the 1950s R&B circuit through his hit single "Because of You." Following stints with territory ensembles throughout the 1930s, Tab Smith spent 1936-1938 performing and recording inside Lucky Millinder's Orchestra, then worked as a New York freelancer alongside assorted swing luminaries. Between 1940 and 1942 he enjoyed featured solo spots inside Count Basie's ranks, rejoined Millinder for the 1942-1944 stretch, and earned particular notice on a version of "On the Sunny Side of the Street" whose memorable cadenza came after Coleman Hawkins, Don Byas, and Harry Carney had each taken their turns. Once he parted ways with Millinder, Smith began directing his own dates, which grew steadily more R&B in character—he steered clear of bop entirely. A series of sides cut for United during the 1950s, later compiled by Delmark on CD, elevated him to temporary prominence despite a comparatively gentle tone and his refusal to adopt honking mannerisms. By the opening years of the 1960s Tab Smith had withdrawn to St. Louis, where he eventually entered the real-estate trade.