Joseph Dordan “Smokey” Guthrie was born on December 14, 1929.  Smokey is the son of the late George Guthrie and the late Olivia Toups Guthrie. He was born in Jefferson Parish and grew up in Westwego and Marrero, Louisiana.

Smokey was married to his wife Mary Lou Aucoin Guthrie for 49 years at the time of his death on January 30, 1998.

He and Mary Lou are the parents of a daughter, Gayland Guthrie Danos, and two sons, Carlos J. Guthrie, and the late Mark A. Guthrie.

Smokey and Mary Lou are the grandparents of Carissa J. Danos and Jennifer M. Danos.

Smokey was the owner of “Smokey’s Caboose” Bar in Harvey Louisiana for about 15 years. He was previously employed by Fishing Tools, Inc. and was retired at the time of his death.

Joseph “Smokey” Guthrie played music all of his life.  As a young boy he played the horn and guitar. Smokey was the lead guitar for Nick and the Delta Boys Cajun Band up until the time of his death.  He was also with the band when it was known as Nick and the Bayou Play Boys. Over the years Smokey Guthrie played music with many local musicians such as Allen Fontenot, Lionel Hughes, Mert Goff, Bubby Crawford, Gerald Dubois, Dudley Vicknair, Sr., Big Tommy LeBlanc, Blackie Savois, Big Al Foret, Gilroy Gisclair, the late Ray Gill, Joey Gill, D.D. Broussard, the late Paul Edwards, Richard Brown, Jimmy Palmisano, Smokey Hartman, and many others. 

Some of the other bands that Smokey Guthrie had the occasion to play with included the Star Lights, Slues Foot, Al Foret’s Band, and others. 

For many years, rehearsal and practice sessions with Nick and the Delta Boys Cajun Band were often held at Smokey’s home when he lived in Waggaman, Louisiana. 

Smokey played music at many local area bars such as: The Keyhole, The Stage Coach, The Moulin Rouge, The Canal Bank Inn, The Squirrel Cage, The Robert E. Lee, The A & A Bar, The Lantern Lounge, The Golden Anchor, The Country Swing, The Round House, Hank’s Place, The Salt Bayou Lounge, The Blue Angel Inn, Ruth’s Place, The Trudeau Club, Brewer’s, The Holiday Inn Kenner, Ronnie’s Bar, and many others.

Smokey Guthrie passed away on January 30, 1998 due to congestive heart failure.