T
The Daily Insight

Who was Huey ‘Piano’ Smith? American R&B pianist dead at 89

Author

Lily Fisher

Published Jan 17, 2026

Huey “Piano” Smith, who upheld Little Richard, Lloyd Cost and other early heroes, died on February 13, 2023, at 89 years old, media reports said Monday.

The fresh insight about his passing was told by his little girl, Acquelyn Donsereaux, to The Related Press. As per Donsereaux, Smith died in his rest at his home in Stick Rouge. She didn’t refer to a particular reason for death.

Who was Huey ‘Piano’ Smith? Huey Puncture Smith, known as Huey “Piano” Smith, was an American musicality and-blues musician. He was one of the last overcomers of performers and musicians who aided make New Orleans a major effect on rock ‘n’ roll.

Smith experienced childhood in the Uptown part of New Orleans. He composed his most memorable tune “Robertson Road Boogie”, named after the road where he resided.

At 15 years old, he started playing expertly and in his 20s assisted on various ’50s hits, including Value’s Where You At?, Lord Ruler’s Those Desolate Forlorn Evenings and Smiley Lewis’ I Hear You Thumping. He worked with Little Richard, Fats Domino and David Bartholemew among numerous others.

In 1957, he shaped Huey “Piano” Smith and the Comedians and arrived at the main 10 with Rockin’ Pneumonia.

RIP Huey “Piano” Smith. One of the greatest rock n roll piano players and songwriters ever. A giant of New Orleans music, his music was deep and humorous, moved your body and yer mind.

I look forward to honoring him @jazzfest this year.

— Low Cut Connie (@LowCutConnie) February 15, 2023

Smith’s ubiquity blurred after the Beatles showed up and by 1980 he had stopped the business. He then, at that point, got comfortable Implement Rouge with his significant other, Margrette, and become a Jehovah’s Observer.

“To me he was the one who got more out of effortlessness than anyone in New Orleans,” drummer Duke Palmer told Wirt.

In 2000, Smith got a Trailblazer Grant from the Mood and Blues Establishment and he was regarded a year after the fact by the Louisiana Blues Corridor of Distinction.

He is made due by his significant other, 10 youngsters, 18 grandkids and 47 incredible grandkids, his girl told the AP.