Huey "Piano" Smith and the Clowns

An early rock and roll musician who contributed various things to the genre despite his lack of success. His partner was future blues legend Guitar Slim. Smith used a shuffling, right-handed break that influenced Southern musicians. He performed the original version of Sea Cruise, later a hit for Frankie Ford. Smith worked with Little Richard and Lloyd Price. He also worked with blues legend Smiley Lewis in sessions that produced the song I Hear You Knocking, later a hit for Dave Edmunds. He recorded the original version of Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu, later a hit for Johnny Rivers. He and his band have been considered for the Hall before, but not chosen.