Russell Smith of The Amazing Rhythm Aces Has Died
Solo country music artist, #1 hit songwriter for multiple performers, and the singer and frontman for the Amazing Rhythm Aces, Russell Smith has passed away. The 70-year-old died on Friday, July 12th after a prolonged battle with Cancer. “Almost every night with the Aces, Russell Smith sang, ‘My soul cries out for rest, and the end is not in sight,'” The Rhythm Aces said in announcing Smith’s death. “Russell completed his journey on life’s railway after 70 years of doing things his own way.”
The Amazing Rhythm Aces grew out of a band called Fatback in Knoxville, TN in the late 60’s, eventually forming into the Aces in Memphis, Tennessee in 1972. Bridging the gap between country and rock, they’re known for their mid 70’s hits “Third Rate Romance,” “Amazing Grace (Used to Be Her Favorite Song)”, and “The End is Not in Sight (The Cowboy Tune)” which all made it into the Top 15 of the country charts for ABC Records. The band released 18 total albums over a 30-year period, but it included a 15-year hiatus in between. Russell Smith was the face and voice of the band which became a cult favorite from their genre-blending sound and offbeat lyrics. It was during the Rhythm Aces hiatus when Russell Smith made his biggest contributions to country music as a solo performer and songwriter.
Russell Smith was a solo artist who was signed to Capitol and Epic, and released five solo albums, cracking the Top 40 with the song “I Wonder What She’s Doing Tonight” in 1989. Smith was also the songwriter behind big country music hits, including the #1 singles in 1986 “Heartbeat in the Darkness by Don Williams and “Don’t Go To Strangers” by T Graham Brown, “Keep It Between The Lines” by Ricky Van Shelton in 1991, and “Look Heart, No Hands” by Randy Travis in 1992. He also penned the #3 hit “Big Ole Brew” for Mel McDaniel in 1982.
Kenny Rogers, Pam Tillis, Sammy Kershaw, the Oak Ridge Boys, Tanya Tucker, Rosanne Cash, and many others also recorded Russell Smith songs. George Strait included the Russell Smith song “As Far As It Goes” on his 2003 album Honkytonkville. George Jones recorded Smith’s “All We Got Left” on the 1991 album Friends in High Places. Russell Smith also worked as a backup singer in the studio for Lee Roy Parnell, Travis Tritt, and others.
Born June 17, 1949 in Nashville, Smith was raised in Lafayette, Tennessee where he was a graduate of Macon Country High School. The Amazing Rhythm Aces would go on to tour with the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Leon Russell, and on The Eagles’ “Long Run” tour. Eventually this would help lead to Smith forming “Run C&W” (a play on Run DMC), which was a novelty bluegrass supergroup featuring Bernie Leadon of the Eagles, and songwriters Jim Photoglo and Vince Melamed. The band made fun of some big country hits of the time, changing Billy Ray Cyrus’s “Achy Breaky Heart” to “Itchy Twitchy Spot,” among other comedy-filled conquests, underscoring the sense of humor Russell carried throughout his career.
“Russell’s soulful voice and artfully crafted lyrics helped develop the signature Amazing Rhythm Aces sound that defined an era and transcended genre labels,” the Aces said on Sunday (7-14). “Like their sound, Russell, himself, was a little southern, a little rock’n’ roll, pinch of bluegrass gospel, and an endless supply of soul. It won’t surprise his fans or friends and family that his love of music lasted through his final days; with some of his final conversations spent talking about the music he loved and certain songs shaped his life. He remarked about how ever performance, through his last encore, was filled with the magic that only live music can provide and how thankful he was for the dedicated love he received from fans across the globe.”
One of Russell Smith’s favorite songs was “Give Me Flowers While I’m Living,” which the Rhythm Aces recorded in 1980. “[It’s] a reminder to tell loved ones how you feel, and to be kind to everyone while you can, because the people who need those kind words and deeds can’t receive them when they’re gone,” the Rhythm Aces said.
July 14, 2019 @ 8:17 pm
I was fortunate enough to be working at Muscle Shoals Sound Studios when the Aces did “How the Hell Do You Spell Rhythm”. What a pleasure it was to be able to interact with the guys and get to know them. Several of the Aces were in the group Muscle Shoals All-Stars that Jimmy Johnson (the Swamper) put together with Levon Helm. I treasure the recordings I have of the shows they did in California and Colorado. So sad to learn of Rusell’s passing. RIP Brother.
July 14, 2019 @ 10:08 pm
George, good to see you here, though the circumstances pretty much suck. You know how we were; Along with being band mates, Russell and I were best friends and shared a lot of ghost stories. Respect from me for his many talents will go on.
July 15, 2019 @ 7:30 am
James, sorry for you and other close friends of Russell. I first saw you guys in Cookville, TN (TTU), in 1975, as I was there to see the Ozark Mountain Daredevils, and they did not make the show and you guys became the “Lead” Act. I was hooked and have been every since. I’ve always believe that Russell did not receive the recognition that he deserved from Nashville and music industry!!! Take Care…
July 15, 2019 @ 12:49 pm
I played bass in a Knoxville based band with Russell called Rich Mountain Tower. I first became friends with Butch in Maryville in 1967. Russell sang on an album that RMT recorded in Muscle Shoals in 1969, engineered by Jimmy Johnson and Larry Hamby, but it was never released. Barry “Byrd” Burton played guitar on that album. We all left RMT for different paths eventually, but I intermittently stayed in touch with Butch and Russell over the years. I wish you could have heard Russ do the famous Joe Cocker scream when we would cover “With A Little Help From My Friends”! It would make the hair stand up on the back of your neck…and then he would do a bluegrassy ballad or an r&b tune and just nail it. Just an astonishing vocal talent, beyond the capacity of the general music public or music promotional people to wrap their heads around. But serious music lovers and musicians will always “get” the Aces, one of the greatest American bands of all time. I feel so sad today that I can hardly stand it, partly because he was a friend of mine, and partly because it is another marker in the passing of a great musical era. I imagine that this loss is very hard on you. Take care,James. You are one of the final guardians of an important musical flame.
July 15, 2019 @ 2:54 pm
James,
Good to see you here also! I feel so honored to have worked for you guys.
I was also so fortune to have been a part of the Muscle Shoals Allstars with Russell and Levon. With the passing of these to fellow employers and also Glenn Frey really makes me realize the great circle of musicians i had the pleasure of being with in my lifetime!
I miss the days but remember them all!
Tony LeCroix
July 15, 2019 @ 5:58 pm
Many of my old friends on here… Russell was as good as it gets.
“Give Me My Flowers” was one of the last things we recorded and is particularly perfect in these sad times. I talked to Billy E today and there is a hole in our lives and the musical universe that will never be filled. Having been at Glenn’s funeral and Tommy Nixon’s… I am tiring of burying my friends.
God Speed Rusty
July 15, 2019 @ 7:53 pm
And George I sure would love a copy of those tapes…!
Jimmy tasked me with putting that band together, Milton Sledge, Mike Chapman, Randall Bramblett, James, Russell, Levon and me…. holy crap! It was really something… Lee (and Mike too)- totally wonderful and irreplaceable artists and human beings. High water mark of my life never to be forgotten.
For those not familiar- check out Randall’s continuing great music.
July 16, 2019 @ 8:58 am
Duncan, i want to give you your flowers and thank you with all my heart for bringing me onboard with the Aces, Allstars and Mr Frey! The things I learned from you are still with me and will be forever!
Thanks my Friend and hope the both of us have a Happy 7-27!
September 22, 2019 @ 10:53 pm
Duncan- I have a cassette I copied from a friend out here of the San Jose, CA. show with the all-star group…taken from a Gilroy radio station live feed
I can make another cassette copy (preferred for best sound) or make a CDR of it, if you haven’t heard back from George about the tapes?
My daughter brought her new boyfriend down to meet me this past Memorial day and she didn’t even know her new fella sang while playin’ the guitar…
Somehow we wound up learnin’, singin’ and playin’ “Never Been To the Islands” for hours into the evenin’ on acoustics, when the sun went down we moved into the little cabin studio for jazz bass and telecaster on the rejuvenated DuKane tube amps… Turning on the younger generation to the best of the real music..What a hole in my heart.
July 14, 2019 @ 8:36 pm
So sorry to hear this. I was a huge fan and thought they were a one of a kind band covering multi genres. Sang many of their songs. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
July 18, 2019 @ 1:12 pm
Hey Tony-
Back ‘atcha buddy. Your talent and work ethic was the best! Thanks for taking care of us all those years.
The “Camocaster” still lives. Happy Birthday to you too.
DC
July 14, 2019 @ 9:19 pm
I only heard of the “Aces” when Sammy Kershaw covered “Third Rate Romance” on one of his early CDs and it was issued as a single. It was one of Sammy’s biggest hits. I did not know that Smith also wrote those songs that were hits for Don Williams, T. Graham Brown, Ricky Van Shelton and Randy Travis. I’d say it’s a pretty diverse collection of songs.
July 14, 2019 @ 11:52 pm
My introduction to Third Rate Romance was via Dwight Yoakam.
Thanks for sharing the history and the news.
July 15, 2019 @ 9:35 pm
That a songwriter of Jesse Winchester’s quality would record two of Smith’s songs — Third Rate Romance and The End is Not In Sight — is as good an endorsement as you can get. Both were on Jesse’s 1974 album, Learn to Love It, which appeared a year or two before ARA got well-deserved hits with them. The End is Not In Sight, with the fabulous vocal and equally fabulous guitar solo, remains one of my favorite songs ever.
July 16, 2019 @ 10:11 am
Ya Doug. Jesse was another special talent. Incredible and low key . This says volumes.
July 15, 2019 @ 12:21 am
What a great band ARA were. That special 70s swapy,muddy,funky sound sure made my days. R.I.P. a nd thanks.
July 15, 2019 @ 4:18 am
RIP Mr. Smith. I saw The ARA in Toronto in 1976 or 77 and remained a fan. Will be playing their songs today.
July 15, 2019 @ 5:08 am
RIP Mr Smith. It’s funny that words cannot describe the joy he gave me. Yet words were his greatest gift to me and countless others . I’ve lost a pound or two but losing things is one thing I do well. Not this time
July 15, 2019 @ 6:39 am
Their album Stacked Deck is an absolute classic. Everything from country, southern rock, blues, gospel, its all there and done remarkably well. Big loss for country music.
July 15, 2019 @ 10:11 am
Amen. Still holds up, sounds as good as the day it was released.
July 16, 2019 @ 10:13 am
Just listened to it again today. Every track is a gem and different. Nothing like it today.
September 28, 2019 @ 2:10 pm
Everyone should keep their beloved ARA and most Russell solo LP’s, 8 tracks and cassettes clean and in working order in the future….I’ve not read about ARA,etc specifics anywhere, but suspect the tapes and master acetates may have been lost or damaged in the Universal studio fire in L.A., a vault which contained all the ABC/MCA company analog recording archives and countless other record labels in storage. A digital reproduction of the great sound quality of ” Stacked Deck” would be abhorrent.
July 15, 2019 @ 7:01 am
Probably my long-term favorite singer and ARA my long-term favorite group. During the group years and the single years, there were more “worthwhile” songs written and recorded than most people would dream. Smith could turn a “heartbroke” country phrase on a dime and take it were one would not imagine.
As far as ARA–there has never been a group that was more “what they were playing.” If ARA was plaing a bluegrass song–they were totally a bluegrass band. Same with country (“Life’s Railway…” or “Amazing Grace (Used to be Her Favorite Song)” or rock or any other.
Will miss that voice and sense of life-twist humor in his song-writing.
July 15, 2019 @ 8:06 am
You can tell he had a great sense of humor just from the album titles.
July 15, 2019 @ 11:33 am
No singer/songwriter I can think of wrote more songs I loved than Russell Smith, both with ARA & solo. I became a fan with Stacked Deck & Iam to this day. He never got his due. I didn’t get to meet him until 2003, but so glad I had the chance. I hope he’s walking with the spirit….❤
July 15, 2019 @ 11:38 am
I called my wife to give her the news about Russel’s passing. I broke down in tears. Lord only knows the countless hours spent listening to ARA. Russel joins Bird and Butch the best celestial group ever. RIP my all time hero.“You kept me so warm through life’s storms. I kept you dry in the rainy weather. So if we’re going to hell, we might as well go together.”
July 15, 2019 @ 4:07 pm
Saw Russel with Levon and the MS All-Stars tour in Dallas, two legends (backed by legends). It was a very special night. Such a soulful voice from way down deep in the hollow. Could make a hound dog howl. “My soul cries out for rest and the end is not in sight.” You are finally home, RIP.
July 15, 2019 @ 5:05 pm
The End Is Not In Sight is still in my rotation. Burton’s solos were great. Sweet magnolia wine indeed.
July 15, 2019 @ 9:04 pm
How many albums can you say you bought the Vinyl, Cassette and CD? To Stuffed to Jump and Toucan Do It Too are on my short list. RIP Russel.
July 15, 2019 @ 9:30 pm
I loved the Aces music from the get-go and have their first 5 albums. Russell was a talented song writer and vocalist with a wry sense of humor. Who else could pen a lyric like ‘She wouldn’t make two mouthful of sandwich meat, the kind of girl who would drink more than she’d eat’? Then write something beautiful like The End is Not in Sight and garner a Grammy. I first heard the Aces live at the Vogue night club in Indianapolis in the late ’70s. It was a apecial Sunday show when clubs in Indiana couldn’t sell alcohol on Sundays and were rarely open. Jeff $tick Davis met me at the tour bus door and took me in the back door of the club. The place was packed. After the opening act was booed off the stage, the Aces came on and the crowd was on their feet from the opening notes. What a performance. I met Russell many years later at Stevie Ray’s in Louisville when the Aces had reformed. I had the opportunity to speak with him and enjoyed every moment. He was an exceptional man. His soul cried out for rest, and the end has come. RIP Russell.
July 16, 2019 @ 2:35 am
Does anyone know if Russell sang background vocals on Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl? I’ve always thought I could hear his distinct voice but have never been able to confirm this. Sha la la la la la thanks and R I P Russell
July 16, 2019 @ 4:03 pm
I met Russell when they played at Brothers Music Hall in Brookwood Al. They had just released their cover of “Love and Happiness” . He was a down to earth guy that took time to talk with a young twenty something about music and his career in it. I.ll never for get that night after their show.
July 17, 2019 @ 2:38 pm
I didn’t know these guys were from Knoxville, where I live.
I caught a show when they were the warm-up band for Jimmy Buffett and the Coral Reefer Band back in the 1970’s.
I have always like their music.
Sorry to hear about this loss.
July 17, 2019 @ 4:43 pm
Say goodbye to the king of the cowboys, my favorite ARA song, have loved them since the mid seventies after my late father-in-law introduced me to, ‘typical American boy’ from Too Stuffed to Jump’, have loved them ever since.
RIP Russell
July 22, 2019 @ 1:03 pm
Incredibly talented and creative songsmith, in the way he could tell a story in his lyrics with flowing simplicity and impact us all so greatly. Russell Smith will be missed by many…and his music will keep smiles on our faces indefinitely. RIP Mr. Smith.
July 23, 2019 @ 3:09 am
Maybe some of you fellas that played with him can piece together some roots going back to the big glass house at the end of Sunrise Drive up in Westwood subdivision in West Knoxville.
I lived up on that street and used to slip down the driveway and listen to Russell and Co. practice.
I think Russell was in a group prior to Fatback called Southern Cross that practiced up there in the late 60’s.
Irregardless, those kickbutt rock and roll shows in those small, smoke filled venues is what Russell once told me he longed for after The Aces made it big with 3rd Rate Romance.
Fatback and Rich Mountain Tower regular entertained up on campus andbit truly was one of the best times to be alive! There was a club on the north end of 17th street across or near the interstate where I used to like to here RMT play!
If any of you special friends and musicians that were fortunate enough to play with Russell can sew together that thread back to Southern Cross I’d really appreciate it!!!!
RIP Russell!
Was honored to have known you and partied with you WAY back in the good old days!
August 10, 2019 @ 12:49 am
Have just discovered today that Russell Smith has passed away. A great singer songwriter. I only discovered the Aces when a friend of mine over here in the UK put some of the ARA stuff on a cassette tape for me to listen to back in the nineties, and I was hooked. I was looking forward to seeing them over here in 2004 but the tour was cancelled so I never got to see The Aces. Thank you Russell for the music..
October 14, 2019 @ 8:47 pm
“This Little Town” may be the best quality album of it’s era (late ’80’s, early ’90’s), or perhaps one of the best solo efforts ever!..but of course it has a few important “Aces” appearances in key places…
January 31, 2020 @ 4:18 pm
Like so many of Russel’s life long fans he has cemented a place in my heart and stands out even above Merle and George. Thanks to all of his band members for years of listening pleasure. In an effort to give something back, after a show in Santa Cruz, early 90’s, I had the pleasure to give him a whole side of smoked Alaskan salmon I had just prepared. Wondering if anyone left has that memory. RIP bro, you remain loved!