Brought To You By Smithfield Fair; Written By Dudley-Brian Smith
In response to international interest, Louisiana’s Smithfield Fair has released Never Too Late, an album of new versions of notable songs from early in its 50+ year career. This recent global boom of attention was kick-started by their 1982 song “It’s Never Too Late,” which garnered re-releases by Los Angeles’ Forager Records, and London-based BBE, as well as extensive current radio airplay and sales from Denmark to Japan.
Requests for more of Smithfield Fair’s early music inspired the trio of Louisiana singer/songwriters to re-visit and re-record twelve older songs, including two never-released songs from their early era, and two new band originals for Never Too Late, the group’s 36th formal release.
Smithfield Fair’s current lineup is Jan Smith (vocals, piano, guitar), Bob Smith (vocals, acoustic bass, percussion) and Dudley-Brian Smith (vocals, acoustic guitars, mandolin, vocals). The trio worked once again with Nashville-based David Praet, their long-time co-producer/guitarist, and with Alexandria drummer Kenny Brady. Recording was done at Haworth Samuel Studio in Alexandria, LA.
Smithfield Fair is Louisiana’s longest continuously running singer/songwriter ensemble, long recognized for its traditional sound, acoustic instrumentation, and tight vocal harmonies. Their diverse blend of roots-based music includes influences from gospel, blues, Celtic, swing, Cajun, swamp-pop and Americana. For the past decade, the Louisiana-based American Sugar Cane League has used the group’s Sweet Sugar Cane as its theme song.
In 2025 Smithfield Fair will be officially recognized for its significant musical contribution and impact. On July 19, 2025, the Northwestern State University Folklife Center will induct them into their Hall of Master Artists during the 2025 NSU Folklife Festival in Natchitoches. In October 2025 (date/place TBA) the Louisiana Folklife Commission will recognize the group as a Tradition Bearers during Louisiana Folklife Week as part of Arts Walk in Alexandria sponsored by the Central Louisiana Arts Council.
