Lloyd Smith was born in Spartanburg, S.C., and moved to the area as a teenager with his family.
He joined the WHAT staff in 1955 and worked as a disc jockey until last September when he suffered a stroke. He played jazz, blues, rock, instrumentals and other music, sang and filled his broadcasts with humor. His most recent program was broadcast from 2 to 6 a.m.
"He was always very uplifting," said Leslie Rainear, an administrative assistant at WHAT. "He really cared about other people. He always said prayers do work and he would always pray for everybody."
He received his nickname, "Fatman," because he carried 290 pounds on his 6-foot-1 frame when he performed in nightclubs in the 1950s. "He used his weight as part of his comedy act on the radio and the stage," said McPherson. ''He later thinned down, but the name stuck."
He was also known as "the sheriff," because he wore cowboy boots, a holster, fringed jackets, a badge, and a cowboy hat for more than 20 years, McPherson said. "Everything but a horse, thank goodness," she added.If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, - ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!
