Leroy Smith

American violinist and band leader (born 1888 in Romeo, Michigan – died 1962 in Detroit, Michigan)

Leroy Smith moved to Detroit, Michigan, as a child. A classically trained violinist, he came to lead the best known black society band in Detroit, Michigan. From 1914-1919, he headed a 16-piece band that played at the exclusive Pier Ballroom. In the summer of 1921, Smith and his band went to New York, where he recorded for Vocalion (2), followed by a long-term engagement at Connie's Inn (1923-1926). In 1928, he recorded four sides for Vocalion (2), three of which were released. The late 1930s saw him again in Detroit, where he and his orchestra played, for instance, at Andrew “Jap” Sneed’s Three Sixes Club at 666 East Adams (the club opened in October 1941). Smith retired from the music business in the 1950s.