Robert Brown, known professionally as Smoky Babe, was born on July 31, 1927, in Itta Bena, Mississippi. He was an American acoustic blues guitarist and singer, influenced by Robert Petway and Tommy McClennan. In the late 1940s, Brown began his musical journey while working various jobs. His breakthrough came in 1960 when music ethnologist Harry Oster discovered him, leading to recording sessions that produced approximately 50 tracks between 1960 and 1961. Notable releases from these sessions include the albums Smoky Babe and His Friends: Hot Blues (1961) and Hottest Brand Goin' (1961). The song "Locomotive Blues" was later included in the collection The Bluesville Years, Vol. 9: Down the Country Way (1998). Despite offers to perform at colleges and festivals, Brown declined and worked as an auto mechanic until his death in May 1973.
