[Dixielandjazz] Al Smith - Banjo/Guitar Virtuoso - Humorist

[Stephen Barbone]

Sad to report that Al Smith passed away earlier today. Short bio
follows:

Sadly,
Steve Barbone

Al Smith's credits include performances with the Delaware Symphony
Orchestra; Musical Director for the Delaware Valley Barndance TV Show;
Director of the Greater Wilmington String Band; featured soloist with:
Bobbie Baird's Dixieland Band, Lloyd Johnston Orchestra, Bob Crosby, Art
Mooney and The Guy Lombardo Orchestra, Al Raymond Orchestra; and leader
of Al Smith and The Roarin' 20's Jazz Band.

He was also a member of the Barbone Street Jazz Band in the Philadelphia
- Wilmington area for many years, joining that group in 1994.

In addition to playing variety shows and club dates throughout the
United States, in summer months Al performed
regularly at Scott's Lake Resort in New York State's Catskill Mountains,
mixing his banjo music with a comedy act.

Al began playing banjo at the age of l2 in Wilmington, Delaware. He
played his first professional job when he was
l5. After high school, Al earned a degree in chemistry at the University
of Delaware in l954, having worked his way
through college playing nights and weekends on the local banquet
circuit.

In l980, Al quit his day gig as a chemist and went into the music
business full time, teaching and playing. He was the
owner/operator of Al's Music Studio in Newark, Delaware. Al was not only
a musician but the ultimate showman who
never tired of performing. He was a stand-up guy who will be sorely
missed.