(c’50’s-?) Jack Smith (singer)
A self-proclaimed settled gypsy, Smith lived in Milford and earnt his crust as a knife and scissors grinder.
He was a familiar, and beloved, sight with his donkey cart or bike, that he called his ‘Factory’, around Godalming. Jack’s faithful donkey would take him home to Chapel Lane from the Red Lion when he was a bit tipsy, or as told, if he were to meander out of the Merry Harrier’s, Hambledon, he’d light the candles covered by jam jars on his trap and clamber aboard, slap the beast which would then take him home while he slept.
Not so many were familiar with Jack Smith the folk singer. On 19 April ’59 he was recorded on reel-to-reel tape by Horsham amateur recorder of folklore Tony Wales, for his Field Collection. He partook in many folk clubs and friend Tom Dillon would take him to the Fighting Cocks in Kingston, where he performed on 26 Feb, 22 Oct, 5 Nov ’69. He was reportedly also a poaching pal of Pop Maynard, and it would seem that they both poached much of each other’s folk song repertoires.
Recordings of Smith, singing six songs and performing the opening toast, appear on MTCD356-7: King’s Head Folk Club, Traditional Performers 1968-70, released in 2012, as well as on MTCD358: A Second Catalogue Sampler.
Tracks:
Gallery:
Our Soundscene 