Viola Smith:
Snake Charmer
Frances Carroll & Her Coquettes Featuring Drummer Viola Smith is the name of the band in this extremely enjoyable video from 1940. In the 1930's there were many all-girl big bands (continuing the habit in jazz of bands being separate but equal - heaven forbid the guys letting a woman play in their band).
Viola Smith was anything but a novelty. She was born in 1912, three years after Gene Krupa, five years before Buddy Rich and 36 years before John Bonham. She was using Ariel Toms at least 50 years before Carmine Appice and kettle drums at least 40 years before Bonham. Her signature style of 13 drums, particularly, two 16 inch tom-toms at shoulder height, was never copied; however, rumor is that Louis Bellson was inspired to be the first drummer to use two bass drums after meeting and observing Smith with the tom-toms.
Viola went to Julliard, played with the NBC Symphony Orchestra, did various movie scores and from 1966-1970 she played with the Kit Kat Band, which was part of the original 1960s Broadway production of Cabaret. Viola just recently died on October 21,2020 at the age of 107!!!!
Please enjoy Frances Carroll & Her Coquettes Featuring Drummer Viola Smith
