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Clarence Pinetop Smith

Case from Chicago, IL dated Mar 15, 1929

Victim Details

Clarence Pinetop Smith

Male

Black / African American

Chicago

IL

1929-03-15

24

Clarence

Pinetop Smith

07/09/2026

Case Description

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Clarence "Pinetop" Smith, a 24-year-old African American male, was a pioneering boogie-woogie and blues pianist. Born on June 11, 1904, in Troy, Alabama, Smith moved to Chicago, Illinois, in the late 1920s to further his music career. He quickly gained recognition for his energetic piano style and his hit recording "Pine Top's Boogie Woogie," which became a significant influence on the boogie-woogie genre.

On the night of March 14, 1929, Smith was performing at a dance hall in Chicago's P ...
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Links to Additional Sources (5)

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  • Encyclopedia of Alabama: Smith, Clarence "Pine Top" - Encyclopedia of Alabama
  • YouTube: 1929 HITS ARCHIVE: Pine Top’s Boogie Woogie - Pine Top Smith
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    Forum Posts (1)

    Has anyone else been diving into the details surrounding Clarence "Pinetop" Smith's murder? It's so ... ...Read More
    01/28/2023
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