Kester Smith

Kester Smith
Smith in 2018
Smith in 2018
Background information
Born(1941-05-14)May 14, 1941
Grenada
OriginTrinidad
DiedJanuary 15, 2024(2024-01-15) (aged 82)
Saint Helena, California
Genres
OccupationPercussionist

Kester Winston "Smitty" Smith (May 14, 1941 – January 15, 2024) was an American percussionist. Born in Grenada and raised from a young age in Trinidad, he was the drummer for the Taj Mahal Trio and collaborated with jazz, blues and world musicians. He performed with and alongside Taj Mahal for over forty years. He recorded music with Taj Mahal, Geoff Muldaur, Peter Rowan, Cedella Booker, Morgan Freeman, Ellen McIlwaine, Mary Coughlan and Pinetop Perkins.

Selected discography

Death

Smith died surrounded by family, in his adopted hometown of St. Helena, California on January 15, 2024.

References

  1. ↑ Britt, Grant. "Taj Mahal Review - Raleigh, NC 2-18-12". Blogs. No Depression. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  2. ↑ Hayden, Mark. "Taj Mahal is tale of blues legend". Arts & Entertainment. The Durango Herald. Archived from the original on 26 June 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  3. ↑ Penn, Roberta. "Global sounds inspire Taj Mahal". News. Star News. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  4. ↑ "Kester Smith". AllMusic. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  5. ↑ "Mo' Roots". Dead Disc. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  6. ↑ "Taj Mahal - Big Blues: Live at Ronnie Scott Audio CD". CD Universe. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  7. ↑ "Taj Mahal - Mule Bone Audio CD". CD Universe. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  8. ↑ "Secret Handshake". Dead Disc. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  9. ↑ "Taj Mahal - Sugar Mama Blues Audio CD". CD Universe. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  10. ↑ "Maestro". CD Universe. Retrieved 6 January 2013.
  11. ↑ "Kester "Smitty" Smith". Napa Valley Register. Napa, CA: Lee Enterprises, Inc. March 14, 2024. Retrieved March 14, 2024.