One blood · Many voices · One legacy
The
Mystery.
Meet Kingston Smoke.
Follow the Smoke Family Legacy Series and Find out who Kingston is…
The man behind the name
After spending many years away from home in service to his country, Waymon eventually returned to Mississippi, where his father began preparing him to carry on the family’s proud tradition. Under Harald’s guidance, he learned not only the business itself but also the responsibility that came with preserving a family legacy. Following his father’s passing, Waymon became the steward of the Smoke family’s beloved smoked meats brand, ensuring that generations of tradition would continue.
Deeply rooted in the church and raised on gospel music, Waymon developed an appreciation for storytelling at an early age. Over time, that gift evolved into what many family members simply call his “Southern poetry,” an ability to turn everyday life, family history, and hard-earned wisdom into lyrics and stories that resonate with people from all walks of life.
Waymon Smoke’s musical journey was shaped by some of the greatest voices and storytellers in American music. From the soulful blues of B.B. King and the deep Southern soul of Z.Z. Hill, he developed an appreciation for music that spoke directly to the heart. Their expressive guitar work, powerful vocals, and ability to tell real-life stories through song helped inspire Waymon’s own love for authentic, emotion-filled music. Whether it was a slow blues ballad or a soul-stirring rhythm, he was drawn to artists who could make listeners feel every note and every word.
His musical influences extended beyond the blues into gospel and classic soul. The smooth, uplifting sounds of Sam Cooke, both in his gospel beginnings and his groundbreaking popular music career, left a lasting impression on Waymon. He also admired the rich, sophisticated vocal style of Lou Rawls, whose blend of jazz, soul, gospel, and storytelling embodied the timeless artistry Waymon respected.
Together, these influences helped shape a lifelong appreciation for music rooted in faith, perseverance, love, and life’s everyday experiences. Through these legendary artists, Waymon found both inspiration and connection, carrying their spirit and sound as part of his own musical legacy.
*Music wasn’t just something Waymon listened to, it was something he felt. From the blues clubs of the South to the gospel harmonies of Sunday morning and the smooth soul of classic R&B, the soundtrack of his life Well lived.
Family has always been an important part of Waymon’s life. Among his closest connections is his brother, Gideon Smoke, who lives on the historic Smoke Ranch in Hill Creek in his own home on the family property. Beyond their family bond, Gideon and Waymon have shared a lifelong connection through music, often performing and enjoying music together through the years.
Waymon also maintains a special relationship with his uncle, Willie “Blind” Smoke, his father’s surviving brother. At 93 years young, Uncle Willie never sought a role in the family business, choosing a different path while always cheering on the family’s accomplishments and successes from the sidelines. Another important family connection is his cousin, Asianantra, who resides in Greenville, South Carolina, helping keep family ties strong across generations and distance.
The Smoke family story is a living legacy, with many more branches, stories, and connections still to be documented. As this family history project continues to grow, additional relatives, memories, and family relationships will be added, allowing future generations to discover how their own chapters connect to the ever-expanding Smoke Family Legacy.
PROFILE OF CURRENT STATUS – SUBJECT TO CHANGE