Jerome Smith
Born(1953-06-18)June 18, 1953
New York City, USA
DiedJuly 28, 2000(2000-07-28) (aged 47)
Miami, Florida, USA
GenresDisco, pop, funk
Occupation(s)Musician
Instrument(s)Guitar
Years active1973–2000
LabelsTK Records, Sunshine Sound Records, Rhino
Websitekcsbonline.com

Jerome Smith (June 18, 1953 – July 28, 2000) was a guitarist at TK Records in Miami, Florida, who was a member of KC and the Sunshine Band from their inception in 1973 until his death in 2000.

His rhythm guitar playing was a key part of the band's propulsive disco sound, first gaining international attention on George McRae's hit recording of "Rock Your Baby" (for T.K.) in 1974.

Smith's high-pitched, restless guitar solo on "Get Down Tonight", KC and the Sunshine Band's first US #1 single, resembled the sound of a synthesizer. It was achieved by speeding up the solo guitar track against a normal-speed rhythm guitar track in the studio.

With the group he recorded five No. 1 songs, including "That's the Way (I Like It)", "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty" and "I'm Your Boogie Man".

He was also sought after as a session guitarist, playing on 10 albums by the disco burlesque artist Blowfly. In the 1990s, he contributed to the soundtrack of the television series Melrose Place.

He died on July 28, 2000, aged 47, when he was crushed by a bulldozer in Miami where he worked as a construction worker.[1][2]

References

  1. ↑ Jerome Smith, 47, of K. C. and the Sunshine Band dies, New York Times
  2. ↑ Other obituaries at "Obituary: Jerome Smith Independent, the (London) - Find Articles". Archived from the original on November 20, 2007. Retrieved July 28, 2010.
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