Jerome Smith (musician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jerome Smith
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| Born | June 18, 1953 New York City, USA |
| Died | July 28, 2000 (aged 47) Miami, Florida, USA |
| Genres | Disco, pop, funk |
| Occupation(s) | Musician |
| Instruments | Guitar |
| Years active | 1973–2000 |
| Labels | TK Records, Sunshine Sound Records, Rhino |
| Associated acts | KC and the Sunshine Band, Blowfly |
Jerome Smith (born June 18, 1953 – died July 28, 2000) was a talented American guitarist. He was a key member of the famous KC and the Sunshine Band. He played a big part in their popular disco and funk sound.
Contents
Meet Jerome Smith: A Disco Guitar Hero
Jerome Smith was born in New York City in 1953. He became a well-known guitarist. He joined KC and the Sunshine Band in 1973. This was right when the band started. He stayed with them until his death in 2000.
The Sound of the Sunshine Band
Jerome's rhythm guitar playing was very important. It gave the band its energetic disco sound. People first noticed his playing in 1974. This was on George McRae's hit song, "Rock Your Baby."
His guitar solo on "Get Down Tonight" was special. It sounded like a synthesizer. This song was KC and the Sunshine Band's first number one hit in the US. Jerome created this unique sound in the studio. He sped up his solo guitar track.
Hit Songs and Studio Work
With KC and the Sunshine Band, Jerome recorded five number one songs. These included "That's the Way (I Like It)", "(Shake, Shake, Shake) Shake Your Booty", and "I'm Your Boogie Man".
Jerome was also a popular session guitarist. This means he played guitar for other artists. He played on ten albums for the artist Blowfly. In the 1990s, he helped create music for the TV show Melrose Place.
A Sad Farewell
Jerome Smith passed away on July 28, 2000. He was 47 years old. He died in Miami, Florida, due to an accident at his construction job.
