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Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Jimi Primetime Smith

Jimi “Primetime” Smith has lived and breathed the blues his entire life. A veteran guitarist and vocalist, he’s performed with legends like Otis Rush, Albert King, Albert Collins, and Etta James. Though his humble nature often keeps him under the radar, his recent surge of attention is making sure blues fans finally know his name.

Born in Chicago, Jimi grew up surrounded by music. His mother, Johnnie Mae Dunson—known as “The Big Boss Lady”—was one of the first female drummers and songwriters in the blues, working with Albert King, JB Hutto, and Jimmy Reed (whom she managed). Reed became Jimi’s first mentor, helping him record his first 45 at age eight. By fourteen, he was performing with Reed at the Ann Arbor Blues Festival, sharing a bill with Charles Mingus and Ray Charles. At seventeen, he was already part of Chicago’s club scene, playing with greats like Big Walter Horton, Sunnyland Slim, and Jimmie Johnson.

Hubert Sumlin, another family friend, further shaped his style. “Hubert taught me how to use my fingers instead of a pick, to find tone, and to be myself,” Jimi recalls.

At twenty, Jimi moved to Minnesota and teamed up with Lazy Bill Lucas and later Linwood Slim—first as a bassist, then as a guitarist. His reputation grew quickly, and he went on to back major artists, including Etta James. “She had such an ear,” Jimi says. “Once she told me my G string was a little sharp—she was right.” He also shared stages and stories with Albert King, Carey Bell, Ruth Brown, and Gatemouth Brown.

In the late ’80s, he toured Germany with Luther Allison’s drummer Donald “Hye Pockets” Robertson, later joining Big Walter Smith and the Groove Merchants. Big Walter became a mentor and father figure, inspiring Jimi to eventually lead the band himself. Around this time, he recorded Not 4 Sale for Ruf Records and adopted his now-famous nickname “Primetime.” “A bartender said, ‘Man, you look prime time!’—and it stuck,” he laughs.

As frontman of Jimi “Primetime” Smith and the Primetime Players, he released Give Me Wings, recorded live at Blues Alley in Minneapolis. He became active in Blues in the Schools programs and was inducted into the Minnesota Blues Hall of Fame in 2014. Collaborations followed with Paul Mayosich and Hyepockets (The Rhythm Doctors), Famous Dave’s Allstars, and Bernard Allison, with whom he toured Europe.

After relocating to Arizona, Jimi reunited with longtime friend Bob Corritore. Their VizzTone release World in a Jug has been widely praised for its authentic Chicago sound. “When Bob and I play, there’s a connection—Chicago is in our DNA,” says Jimi. Corritore agrees: “We share a history most people can’t reference. Jimi’s tone, phrasing, and cool factor make every track special.”

Though his gear may vary, Jimi’s approach stays grounded in feel. “It doesn’t have to be expensive,” he says. “If it plays good, I’ll use it.” These days, he favors a Les Paul Epiphone, a vintage Strat, and a lightweight MicroPro-2 amp.

Despite his long résumé, Jimi remains self-managed. “I just want to play music and make people happy,” he says. “I’ve played with the greats—from the Checkerboard Lounge to Buddy Guy’s—but I’m just a simple man doing what I love. Playing is my life’s blood.”

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