R.I.P.: Russell Smith, Fronted The Amazing Rhythm Aces

Russell Smith

Russell Smith, the soulful, sharp-witted singer-songwriter known for fronting Tennessee country-rock act Amazing Rhythm Aces, died Friday after a battle with cancer.

He was 70, according to The Tennessean.

The Amazing Rhythm Aces confirmed Smith's death on Facebook, penning a touching tribute to the band's co-founder that said “Russell completed his journey on life's railway after 70 years of doing things his own way.”

“Russell's soulful voice and artfully crafted lyrics helped develop the signature Amazing Rhythm Aces sound that defined an era and transcended genre labels,” the tribute said. “Like their sound, Russell, himself, was a little southern, a little rock'n' roll, pinch of bluegrass gospel, and an endless supply of soul.”

For Smith, the path to Amazing Rhythm Aces began in Knoxville in the late 1960s, where he played with would-be Aces members in formative group Fatback. Relocating to Memphis, the Aces formed in 1972, a musical partnership that yielded 18 albums in a three-decade tenure.

Wielding lyrical witticisms and a crisp, welcoming voice, Smith and the band honed country sound tinged with soul and rock 'n' roll influence. The group debuted in 1975 with noted roots-rock exploration “Stacked Deck,” a 12-track effort that hosted some of the band’s most-celebrated work.

Amazing Rhythm Aces produced three top 20 hits in the 1970s: “Third Rate Romance,” “Amazing Grace (Used To Be Her Favorite Song)” and “"The End Is Not in Sight (The Cowboy Tune).”

The Recording Academy awarded Amazing Rhythm Aces with a Grammy in 1976.