A South Carolina native, the late Arthur Smith was a songwriter and producer, and radio and television host. He was renowned for his 1945 Gold-selling instrumental track “Guitar Boogie,” which earned him the nickname, Arthur “Guitar Boogie” Smith. Many view “Guitar Boogie” as one of the first rock and roll records, and the twelve-bar song has long served as a foundation of the genre. “Guitar Boogie” has been reinterpreted by many guitarists over the years. Notably, Paul McCartney performed the song as his first documented solo with the Quarrymen (aka the band that would become The Beatles), who regularly played the track.

Smith’s legacy includes nearly 500 compositions and countless awards for his songwriting and production, including BMI Song of the Year and BMI Legendary Songwriter Award.