An American boogie-woogie pianist and composer, Clarence "Pine Top" Smith was a pivotal figure in the development of the genre during the 1920s. His 1928 recording of "Pine Top's Boogie Woogie" is widely considered the first use of the term "boogie-woogie" on a record and significantly popularized the style. Though his career was tragically cut short, his influential recordings laid the groundwork for countless future blues and jazz pianists.