"Clarence 'Pinetop' Smith was an internationally acclaimed blues pianist who is cited as one of the originators of modern 'boogie-woogie' music—an upbeat mix of blues, jazz, and ragtime... His 1928 release, 'Pine Top’s Boogie Woogie' is believed to be the first instance of the use of the phrase in a recorded song and was a major and influential hit. He was also known for his comedic, witty, and lyrical banter that he famously 'rapped' over the driving rhythms of his piano playing, and for this he is also considered by some to be one of the founding fathers of rap." - Encyclopedia Alabama