Personnel: Smiley Lewis (vocals, guitar); Smiley Lewis; Dave Bartholomew (guitar, trumpet); Ernest McLean (guitar); Joe Harris (alto saxophone); Lee Allen, Herb Hardesty (tenor saxophone); Waldron "Frog" Joseph (trombone); Isidore "Tuts" Washington, Tuts Washington (piano); Papa John Joseph (bass instrument); Herman Seale, Herman Seale (drums); Clarence Hall (tenor saxophone); Earl Palmer (drums).

Liner Note Author: Dave Penny.

Recording information: New Orleans, LA (09/1947-10/1952).

The legacy of New Orleans musician Smiley Lewis is sometimes overshadowed by the reputation of other Crescent City R&B heavyweights such as Fats Domino and Professor Longhair, but reissues like Classic's 1947-1952 should help rectify the situation. The 22 tracks included here capture Lewis at the very beginning of his career, and focus on the sides he recorded for the Deluxe and Imperial labels.

Lewis had a full, robust voice and a rollicking sound that relied on barrelhouse-influenced piano, much like his contemporary Domino. His biggest-selling early hit, "The Bells Are Ringin'," is included here, as are the gems "Tee Nah Nah" and "Lillie Mae" (though his biggest hit, "I Hear You Knocking," falls outside the time span to this set). Nonetheless, this is a great introduction to Lewis, and a satisfying slab of vintage New Orleans R&B.