Grammy-winning blues musician Willie 'Big Eyes' Smith dies at 75

Legendary bluesman Willie “Big Eyes” Smith died of a stroke this week at the age of 75. Smith was a multi-award winning artist who was renowned for his work as a vocalist, harmonica player, and drummer. Smith had just recently won his first Grammy Award, for his 2010 collaboration with Joe Willie “Pinetop” Perkins, Joined at the Hip.

Prior to his Grammy win, Smith was perhaps best known as the drummer in Muddy Waters’ band, playing with him through much of the '60s and '70s. According to Reuters, Smith first joined Waters in the early '60s, before taking a hiatus from music in 1964 to work odd jobs to support himself. He later rejoined in 1968, and played with Waters through his most prolific era, in which he won six Grammys.

Smith later performed with the Legendary Blues Band, playing the drums and singing along with Perkins and the other members of Waters’ backing band. He received multiple Blues Music Awards , largely for his drumming work.

In a statement, the Recording Academy stated, “The music he created made an indelible impact on the genre,” calling him, “a great, versatile Chicago bluesman who had a dynamic career.” The statement went on to say, “Our sincerest condolences extend to his family, friends, fans, and all who will continue to appreciate his rhythm and riffs for generations to come.”