Floyd Smith was an American jazz guitarist known for his pioneering contributions to the electric guitar in jazz and blues music. Born in St. Louis, Missouri in 1917, Smith gained prominence in the late 1940s with his hit record "Floyd's Guitar Blues," which is often cited as one of the first successful recordings using the electric guitar. His style, a blend of swing, blues, and early R&B, displayed innovative techniques such as string bending and slides, significantly influencing subsequent generations of electric guitarists. Despite not being a household name, Smith's impact on the development of modern guitar playing is widely acknowledged among music historians.