Kester Smith | |
|---|---|
| Smith in 2018 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | Granada |
| Origin | Trinidad |
| Died | January 15, 2024 Saint Helena, California |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Percussionist |
Kester Winston "Smitty" Smith was an American percussionist. Born in Granada 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. [1] [2] He performed with and alongside Taj Mahal for over forty years. [3] He recorded music with Taj Mahal, Geoff Muldaur, Peter Rowan, Cedella Booker, Morgan Freeman, Ellen McIlwaine, Mary Coughlan and Pinetop Perkins. [4]
Smith died surrounded by family, in his adopted hometown of St. Helena, California on January 15, 2024. [11]