The Smith Sisters

The Smith Sisters first drew notice with the 1984 arrival of their debut album Bluebird, produced by the late Merle Watson and enriched by guest contributions from leading bluegrass instrumentalists such as Sam Bush, Mark O'Connor, Doc Watson, and T. Michael Coleman. Their octave-spanning vocal harmonies, however, ultimately defined the duo’s strongest musical assets. Philadelphia-born Debi Smith, born December 30, 1953, and her younger sister Megan, born December 29, 1958, later pursued separate careers yet continued to embody country warmth and blended vocal texture whenever they performed as the Smith Sisters. Since 1994 a member of Four Bitchin’ Babes, Debi supplied the central force behind the duo’s sound; equally adept on acoustic guitar, bodhran, and piano while commanding a three-octave vocal range, she composed most of their material and delivered the lead vocals. Megan supported the instrumental foundation on electric bass while contributing harmonies that merged seamlessly with her sister’s. Across the 1980s and 1990s the Smith Sisters released five albums: Bluebird in 1984, followed by Mockingbird in 1986, Roadrunner in 1989, I See the Moon in 1991, and A Canary’s Song in 1993.