Arthur Q. Smith

Arthur Q. Smith (born James Arthur Pritchett; December 11, 1909 – March 21, 1963) was an American country music songwriter and musician from East Tennessee who composed numerous country standards during the 1940s and 1950s. Due to severe alcoholism, Smith routinely sold his song copyrights for nominal amounts ($10–$25 USD) to cover immediate debts. Consequently, major artists like Hank Williams, Ernest Tubb, and Dolly Parton scored hits with his music under alternative credits until archival research reconstructed his catalog.

Biography Early life and career Born in Griffin, Georgia, Smith was raised in Harlan, Kentucky, where he learned guitar and performed on regional radio. By the late 1930s, he moved to Knoxville, Tennessee, adopting the pseudonym "Arthur Q. Smith" He briefly worked for King Records and WMPS-AM in Memphis, though substance dependency hindered long-term appointments. Smith scribbled lyrics on napkins and scraps to sell outright to performers and brokers for quick cash. Buyers registered the works under their own names

Later years and death After suffering a 1961 heart attack and a cancer diagnosis. Artists like Marty Stuart have advocated for his induction into the Songwriters Hall of Fame, and songwriter Harlan Howard penned a tribute track about his life.

Known compositions Historical research and sales receipts verify Smith as the primary or co-writer of several notable works (full details and credits can be found in the referenced documents ), including: "Rainbow at Midnight" - (#1 hit for Ernest Tubb in 1946) "Wedding Bells" - (#2 for Hank Williams in 1949) "If Teardrops Were Pennies" - (#8 for Carl Butler in 1951, #3 for Porter Wagoner & Dolly Parton in 1973) "Beautiful Brown Eyes" - (#11 for Rosemary Clooney in 1951) "Missing in Action" - (#3 for Ernest Tubb in 1952) "I Overlooked an Orchid" - (#1 hit for Mickey Gilley in 1974) "I Wouldn't Change You If I Could" - (#1 hit for Ricky Skaggs in 1983) "Next Sunday Darlin' Is My Birthday" (recorded by Hank Williams) "I Doose What I Choose" "You Can't Hide A Heartache"