California Travel Tips
America’s Most Famous Female Drummer
Published on: November 01, 2015
COSTA MESA, CALIFORNIA — Sensational, single and almost 103, drummer Viola Smith was recognized this week by the City of Costa Mesa for her contributions and accomplishments as a professional musician who began touring in 1924 at the age of 12. In the 1940s (right photo) Smith turned down famous bandleader Woody Herman’s request to join his Thundering Herd, opting to “stick” it out in an all female band led by Frances Carroll. The Costa Mesa resident became known as the fastest female drummer in America and was recognized by male musicians as one of the guys, skill-wise. Her credits: On the Cover of Billboard; On Broadway in Cabaret; On Stage in Night of Stars with Bob Hope and Ella Fitzgerald …read more>
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