Clark Anthony SmithWas born in East Saint Louis to the parents of Clark Smith Sr and Ocie Smith.
He was a young boy from the deep south who later with his family re located
to the bay area in the early 60’s. Jazz and blues was rampant with its
influence and the bay area’s funk scene was in its infancy. Clark as a young
man and student in school became fascinated with music and its fundamentals.
He had the determination to be one of the best musicians in his own
right and in our time. He started out playing tenor sax with a talented musician
named Eugene Blacknell and the group the New Breed and he and the group were part of the birth of the bay area funk scene . At that time he wore polished suits and shoes on stage and with his horn in the air blowing riff’s side to side and hip steps to the beat he was an awesome sight to see and hear. Many bands during that time had so much
showmanship and togetherness. As the music evolved Clark became
immense in writing, arranging, composing. He studied deep into all phases
of the music genre as he mastered the theory to the ultimate fundamentals
where the music could take him. The many musicians who knew him gave him
much respect. He played with everybody from sessions with Buddy Miles to the
Dramatic’s (live at the Fillmore), to the Whispers and the Natural Four. He played the tenor sax solo on the classic tune ( Can this be real ) and showed his arranging skills with co-partner Curtis Moore on the tune ( Hangin on to a lie ) which is another classic hit.
The many musicians who knew Clark called him Smitty . Others called him
Baby Coltrane because he played like him and sounded like him because
Coltrane was his idol and mentor. He also was a very loving family man and
father who encouraged good values to his children and his ever so teachings of
music to me, his son. This tribute profile is well deserved and fitting for Clark Smith.
His legacy will live on through the music he recorded with many musicians who
witnessed his awesome contributions to the music industry that he loved so much .Clark was born on June 28th, 1947 and he passed away on February 27th, 1992.
He will always be remembered.
