Paul Smith | |
|---|---|
| Born | Paul Thatcher Smith (1922-04-17)April 17, 1922 San Diego, California, U.S. |
| Died | June 29, 2013(2013-06-29) (aged 91) Torrance, California, U.S. |
| Genres | Jazz,bebop |
| Instrument | Piano |
Spouse | |
Paul Thatcher Smith (April 17, 1922 – June 29, 2013) was an American jazz pianist.[1] He performed in various genres of jazz, most typicallybebop, but is best known as an accompanist of singers, especiallyElla Fitzgerald.[2][3]
Smith was born inSan Diego, California to parents, Lon Smith and Constance Farmer, who werevaudeville performers and encouraged his interest in music. He began studying piano at age 8, and led a jazz band in high school and became a professional musician at 19 with theJohnny Richards band.
After playing with Richards in 1941 and spending 1943 to 1945 in the military,[2] Smith worked withLes Paul (1946–1947) andTommy Dorsey (1947–1949) before moving toLos Angeles and becoming astudio musician. Studio work took up much of his time: he worked as a staff musician forNBC andWarner Brothers, and for many years he was the musical director forDinah Shore’s daytime talk show.
Smith recorded frequently both with his trios and as a soloist. In addition he is featured on work of artists such asDizzy Gillespie,Anita O'Day,Buddy DeFranco,Louie Bellson,Steve Allen,Stan Kenton,Mel Tormé and others. He was the musical director onThe Steve Allen Comedy Hour television show in the 1960s.[4]
Between 1956 and 1978, Smith was active as aconductor and pianist forElla Fitzgerald,[5] although he continued to work with her until the early 1990s.[2]
He also worked on film scores and his playing can be heard on the soundtracks ofThey Shoot Horses, Don't They? andNickelodeon among some others.
Paul Smith was a friend and collaborator of Composer/Conductor Frank Comstock.
Smith died on June 29, 2013, inTorrance, California at the age of 91 of heart failure. He performed in Southern California nightclubs, including The Velvet Turtle in Redondo Beach during the 1980s and the Terranea Resort hotel until his death. He is survived by his wife of 54 yearsAnnette Warren; his daughter, actressLauri Johnson; two sons, Gary and Paul; eight grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.[6]
WithHerb Alpert
WithChet Baker
WithBuddy Bregman
WithJune Christy
WithBing Crosby
WithElla Fitzgerald
With Ella Fitzgerald andLouis Armstrong
With Ella Fitzgerald andCount Basie
WithPlas Johnson
WithBuddy Rich
With various artists
WithBill Withers
WithFrank Zappa and hisAbnuceals Emuukha Electric Symphony Orchestra
