Spartanburg in Spartanburg County, South Carolina — The American South (South Atlantic)

William Walker / Clara Smith

William Walker Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, February 17, 2011

1. William Walker Marker

Inscription. William Walker
1809-1875 William ("Singing Billy") Walker, perhaps South Carolina's most famous musician of his day, was a singing school teacher, composer, and collector of folksongs.

He published four shape-note tunebooks, bringing musical literacy to isolated churches across the country. His popular "Southern Harmony" (1835) was the first to include "Amazing Grace" with its familiar tune. Walker's bookstore was located near this site.

Clara Smith
1894-1935 Clara Smith was one of the best-known female bluses singers of the 1920s. Born and raised in Spartanburg, she found early success in vaudville, and later in Harlem.

Smith was billed as the "Queen of the Moaners," and recorded some 122 songs for Columbia Records, working for the likes of Louis Armstrong, Bessie Smith, and Lonnie Johnson.

Erected 2011.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Arts, Letters, Music.

Location. 34° 56.95′ N, 81° 55.983′ W. Marker is in Spartanburg, South Carolina, in Spartanburg County. Marker is at the intersection of West Main Street and Magolia Street, in the median on West Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Spartanburg SC 29306, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least

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10 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 156 West Main Street (within shouting distance of this marker); Daniel Morgan Monument (within shouting distance of this marker); Chaser the Border Collie (within shouting distance of this marker); Spartanburg Town Clock (within shouting distance of this marker); Spartanburg Water Works (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Dr. Rosa H. Gantt (about 400 feet away); Pink Anderson / The Marshall Tucker Band (about 400 feet away); Cantrell Wagon Building (about 500 feet away); Arthur Prysock / Ira Tucker (about 500 feet away); Palmetto Building (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Spartanburg.

More about this marker. To hear music samples by Walker, dial 864-607-9657 and press 3#; to hear Smith, dial 864-607-9657 and press 4#.

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Spartanburg marker dedicated to Walker's gravesite.

Also see . . .
1. William Walker. William Walker (May 6, 1809 – September 24, 1875) was an American Baptist song leader, shape note "singing master", and compiler of four shape note tunebooks, most notable of which was The Southern Harmony. (Submitted on March 28, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

2. Clara Smith

Clara Smith Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, February 17, 2011

2. Clara Smith Marker

. Clara Smith (c. 1894 – 2 February 1935) was an American blues singer. (Submitted on March 28, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.)

William Walker / Clara Smith Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Brian Scott, February 17, 2011

3. William Walker / Clara Smith Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 27, 2020. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 1,173 times since then and 27 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 28, 2011, by Brian Scott of Anderson, South Carolina.