Andy Smith (above 3rd left) played live at The ARC backing his idol Booker T and The MG’s.
SINGER Andy Smith lived the dream of performing on the same stage as his idol when a soul legend came to town. Stockton man Andy 41, admires Booker T Jones so much he even named his landscaping business after the multi-instrumentalist’s most famous hit, Green Onions.
Former singer with his own band, Jarvis Humby, Andy wasn’t about to let the opportunity pass him by when offered the chance to warm up for Booker T when he came to town last Friday to perform at Stockton’s ARC.
Andy, of Fairfield in Stockton, who has a partner Catherine Houston and a stepdaughter Milly, 14 said: “I probably got familiar with Booker T and The MG’s when I was about 12 and have loved them since.
“I used to be in Jarvis Humby and when Booker T asked for a band we were suggested to Ten Feet Tall, the organisers. Unfortunately, the band split up last year but it was too good an opportunity and I thought ‘I can’t pass this up’.
“Some friends have got a Northern Soul band, The Roundels, and although they’re more souley than we had been I asked if they would do it. Their own female singer did five songs then I did five – it was fantastic.
“The idea was a bit daunting at first but it went really well. I met Booker T when I first got there and we had a good chat – I told him about my business and took some business cards.
“He was really impressed, and I think pretty chuffed to be honest. He was a really cool bloke, quite laid back and chilled out.
“It was a once in a lifetime opportunity…I’m so pleased I was asked.”
To read this article online go here: Article from The Gazette By Lindsey Mussett
