When Huey Smith turned twenty-one he became the piano player for Little Richard's band. He played keyboards on the original "I Hear You Knocking" by Smiley Lewis. "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" (J. Vincent - Huey Smith) was recorded by Huey 'Piano' Smith and The Clowns (Bobby Marchand, Gerri Hall, Roland Cook, Junior Gordon and Dave Dixon) in 1957. The release peaked at number fifty-two pop and number five on the R&B charts. Co-composer Johnny Vincent was the owner of Ace Records and this was his and the labels' first hit. It may have the New Orleans sound but it was recorded in Jackson, Mississippi.

The 1972 Johnny Rivers album "L.A. Reggae" track of "Rockin' Pneumonia and the Boogie Woogie Flu" featured the Wrecking Crew and in 1973 the single reached number six on Billboard. This cover was the first gold record for Johnny Rivers.