Bill & Rich's Blues Duo...a bit about us...

Bill Smith – Electric guitar & vocals

Playing the bass since 1971, recently has played with Big Blues Beat, Little Roger & The Cheap Thrills, Fat Daddy, the Bill Smith Blues Band, and more recently the Billy Crawford Band. Opened for the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Bob Margolin, Big Bill Morganfield, and Bobby “Blue” Bland. Composed and recorded over 30 songs. Started out listening to Clapton, The Rolling Stones, and Led Zeppelin which led into the blues. More recent influences include Muddy Waters, Jimmy Reed, John Lee Hooker, Howlin’ Wolf, and other Chicago artists. Has a deep love for the traditional blues.

Rich Rittenhouse – Harmonica & vocals 

            Powerfully attracted to the sound of the harmonica, discovered the acoustic blues of Sonny Terry and DeFord Bailey, then the big “mis’ippi sax” sound of Little Walter Jacobs, Big Walter Horton, and all of the other great harp players who worked with Muddy Waters. Accompanied the Roanoke Valley’s own “Coalfield Bluesman” Mr. Nat Reese, and soaked up some of Nat’s seven decades of experience and style. With Scott Perry, opened for Ann Rabson, Paul Rishell & Annie Raines. With Doc’s Blues Revue opened for Bob Margolin. Currently nuts about Chicago blues. 

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