The Trap Set will always be available for free, but we rely on donations from our listeners.

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Subscribe to our show on iTunes, and if you enjoy what you hear, give us a review. This is Joe Wong.

Welcome to the Trap Set, where each week we explore the lives of drummers.

I want to play something for you.

I'd like you to meet our very charming little drummer, Viola Smith.

You're hearing Snake Charmer by the Coquettes, featuring my guest, Viola Smith on drums.

Born in 1912 in Wisconsin, Viola began drumming at age 12 and turned professional soon after.

First with her family orchestra, the Smith Sisters, and later with the Coquettes and Phil Spitalny's Hour of Charm

Orchestra. Over the course of her 50-year career, Viola studied with legendary instructor

Billy Gladstone, attended Juilliard, played jazz on 52nd Street during World War II,

drummed on Broadway for the original production of Cabaret, and performed

at the inauguration of President Truman. An innovator far ahead of her time, Vi played a visually

striking 15-piece kit, framed by two large tom-toms mounted high. In an era when female musicians

were often marketed as novelty acts,

VIE appeared on the covers of Variety and Billboard, and also penned an influential article for

Downbeat, advocating for female musicians. Nearly 105 years old, Viola resides with

peacemakers, a faith-based community in Southern California.

I spoke to her at her home.

And now my conversation with Viola Smith.

You grew up in Fondelac, Wisconsin?

No, really Mount Calvary, a suburb of Fondlake.

...