The Smart Brothers

1960s-1970s soul group from Wichita, Kansas, led by [a=Dick Smart (2)] and [a=John Smart (4)].

Smart’s Palace, a night club owned by the Smart family, was the epicenter of the Wichita Kansas Soul scene between 1963 and 1975. The Smart Brothers (there were eight of them) formed The Smart Brothers Band, and held court there. Touring acts such as James Brown and Aretha Franklin would often sit in with the group. By all accounts, their shows were animated and wild affairs, featuring front men John and Leroy Smart. Popping handstands and jumping from table to table in the club while soloing were just a few of the acrobatics featured in a typical show. At the heart of the organization was Dick Smart. As bassist, club and record store owner, DJ, Promoter, and all around businessman, he also formed Solo Records. Recordings for the label, featuring various Smart Brothers band lineups, are featured on the 2009 Numero Records CD compilation [m206391].