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Viola Smith
Viola Smith was a drummer billed as the “fastest girl drummer in the world,” playing for big bands in an era when few professional musicians were women.
We invite you to share condolences for Viola Smith in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
We invite you to share condolences for Viola Smith in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
Published by Corvallis Gazette-Times on Oct. 26, 2020.
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GUEST BOOK
25 Entries
Bless your sweet heart and talent, a bar to be still met. Condolences to your relatives, we lost a piece of history
cecilia preziose
November 19, 2020
Alishia
November 18, 2020
Oh my, what an incredible drummer she was. And to live to almost 108. Truly a satisfying live. Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort you all during this difficult period.
November 9, 2020
Deepest condolences to the Smith family, many, many friends, and fans. Ms. Viola Smith was the "fastest girl drummer in the world," to many she will NEVER be forgotten. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Ms. Smith. May her contribute to the music industry keep her memory alive forever.
Darlene
November 4, 2020
We were always happy to visit with you. I admire you for all you accomplished.
Donna (Vi’s niece) Bartash Meccia
Family
November 4, 2020
Rest in peace!
. BJ
November 2, 2020
A lot of people have said they never heard of her before she died. That speaks to attitudes that still need changing. I had never heard of her either, My loss - she played propulsive,full on,rhythmic,powerful,joyous drumming. Unique drum set up,switched from traditional to matched grip in a flash. She had the lot. And still had it when most of her contemporaries were dead or doddery.
Eric Schlesinger
November 1, 2020
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the family of Viola. She’ll be many family and fans.
LeeRoy
October 29, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Alfred C. Denmark Sr.
October 29, 2020
I remember her also from being the drummer in the most successful all girl band ever. The Musical Queens (Hour of Charm) were on prime time radio for 12 years. You can see and hear her on you tube by searching "The Musical Queens~All Girl Orchestra, 1934 Vitaphone Film, Phil Spitalny, Leader. Sorry I got to Costa Mesa too late Viola dear.
Barry or Hluchan
Friend
October 28, 2020
My condolences to the family. I love drumming. May the God of Comfort, continue to comfort the family, during these difficulr times.
October 28, 2020
An amazingly talented woman. So sorry to hear she has passed. May the God of all comfort be with the family, friends and thousands of fans whose lives Viola Smith has touched.
October 28, 2020
Just saw her playing on Utube. Loved the performance!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Smiles in Heaven! God bless you what a lady!
Michael Reilly
October 28, 2020
Please accept my deepest condolences to the Smith Family, May the God of Comfort take care of you during this very difficult time. May He mend and bind up your grieving hearts with his peace and loving kindness forever as you cope and miss your precious Viola. She left a legacy behind of being the fastest female drummer.
BRY
October 27, 2020
She was the inspiration for my friend Sean and I and all the music we played. What a legend and hero!
John
October 27, 2020
Condolences to her family and friends. What a remarkable woman, and able to keep drumming even past the age of 100! May she rest in peace, and may God comfort each of you as only He can.
October 27, 2020
In loving memory of a wonderful person and gifted female drummer. Please accept my sincere condolences.
JE Sowell
October 27, 2020
My deepest condolences to the friends and family of Viola ; reading the experiences of her life shows her vibrance and love for life . It is beautiful to read ! May you draw comfort that God takes note of each one of us when mourning or struggling, he is close to the broken-hearted. My thoughts and prayers go out to you.
October 27, 2020
Sincere condolences to the Smith family, so very sorry for your loss.
October 26, 2020
What a talented artist she lived a Great life to the age of 107 such an achievement .May our Heavenly Father comfort and sustain the family in their time of pain and sorrow
KB
October 26, 2020
Scott Chamberland
October 26, 2020
I never had the privilege of meeting Ms. Viola Smith, but have grown up/evolved through Religious music, Big Band Era music, old 'Rock-N-Roll', 'Hard Rock-N-Roll', and through Western music, and on to Country Music! I really consider myself lucky to have listened/sang/learned all the accumulations of all of these different kinds of music/songs!! Thoughts/Condolences/Prayers to Ms Viola Smith!! GOD bless her Family and Friends!! And she lived to be 107 years old!! Plus we have got to find a cure for Alzheimer's disease!! GOD-Rest-Her-Soul!!
Ronald Bredemeyer
Friend
October 26, 2020
Godspeed Viola, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the memories. A trailblazer by any standards. Now performing eternally in the Ultimate Venue.
Harry Simpson
October 26, 2020
I , REMEMBERED LISTENING TO VIOLA WHEN , I WAS 4 YEARS OLD SO , REMAIN IN TOUCH !!!!!!! MY DEAR PETER 22:03:22 ......... & MARK 1:08-1:11 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JACOB DEAN MARTIN
October 26, 2020
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Kent Sivadge
October 26, 2020