---
title: "Willie “The Lion” Smith | American Jazz Museum"
description: "Willie “The Lion” Smith (1893–1973). Harlem stride pianist and composer whose elegant pieces, like “Echoes of Spring,” moved Duke Ellington to write “Portrait of the Lion” for him."
canonical: https://americanjazzmuseum.org/artist-spotlights/artists/willie-the-lion-smith/
---

Artist Spotlights

# Willie “The Lion” Smith

1893–1973. Harlem stride pianist and composer whose elegant pieces, like “Echoes of Spring,” moved Duke Ellington to write “Portrait of the Lion” for him.

## Mentioned in

*   [Artist Spotlight: Art Tatum](/artist-spotlights/art-tatum-in-harlem/) — October 20, 2026  
    Soon after Art Tatum reached New York in 1932, Harlem’s stride masters tested the young pianist from Toledo at a late-night session. Hear his 1933 recording of “Tea for Two.”

[All Artist Spotlights](/artist-spotlights/)