Saving Stories: Memories of a musical force in Lexington - 'everybody knew Smoke' Richardson

WUKY | By Alan Lytle

Published February 11, 2022 at 7:42 AM EST

Smoke Richardson far right holding baton

WUKY's award winning history series Saving Stories celebrates Black History Month with a segment on Lexington-based musician and band leader Saunders Richardson Jr., better known to history as 'Smoke' Richardson. Doug Boyd from the Louie B. Nunn Center for Oral History in the UK libraries shares audio from interviews conducted in 1997 from two people who remember the impact Smoke had on the local music scene from the 1930's, 40's and early 50's, especially in the segregated Black community. The Nunn Center also wants your stories and memories about Smoke Richardson, the Lyric Theatre, Lexington's East End neighborhood, or anything else you'd like to share. Call the new TeleStory archive at 833-859-7272.

James O. Jones grew up in Lexington's East End neighborhood and attended many Smoke Jones concerts because he says his orchestra played just about 'everywhere.'

https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt72ng4gqb04

Richardson's daughter Saunda, talks about her father's musical career, including why everybody called him 'Smoke.'

https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7z08637x52

From the Notable Kentucky African-Americans Database:

https://nkaa.uky.edu/nkaa/items/show/3043

The Nunn Center has launched the TeleStory archive where you can share your stories over the phone: Call 833-859-7272 to get started!