ArtistInfo

Derek Smith

p, *1931 GB, London
Singer / Musician of Jazz

Derek Smith (born 17 August 1931, London) is an English jazz pianist.Smith began his career in his native England, playing his first job for pay when he was fourteen. Someone rolled a piano out into the street, and he played for the VE Day celebrations. Over his parents’ protestations, he joined John Dankworth’s band when Cleo Laine was the female vocalist, and with many other noted British jazz musicians, including Kenny Graham and Kenny Baker. Smith also began performing and recording for the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), but soon realized the place for him professionally, was America.

Instruments

• Piano
• Keyboards
• Electric piano
• Organ
• Clavinet

Genres

• Jazz
• R&B/Soul
• Pop

Plays With