San Francisco, California
Jazz trumpeter and educator Allen Smith died in San Francisco on February 3, 2011 following a period of physical decline. He was 85 years old. Born in Midland, PA, Frederick Allen Smith, Sr. was the youngest son in a musical family; his father was a choir director and his mother taught piano....
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To the family of Allen Smith, I was happy to be counted as one of those who had the opportunity to perform with Allen, and feel blessed with the fact that he is immortalized on my last cd. He will be forever missed by the Bay Area music scene. God Bless you, Allen, and have a well deserved rest. You'll be missed. Always, Darlene Langston.
Darlene Langston
February 09, 2011 | El Cerrito, CA
Me kissing my opera and jazz singing parrot
Allen, you were such a warm and generous person, a bright light and what a great sense of humor. It was so nice getting to know you during my years as a young jazz vocalist in the Bay Area. You and your wife were always so complimentary and encouraging. Even though it has been ten years since I saw you with your wonderful smile and great spirit, you will always be a wonderful friend, close to my heart, and the outstanding artist that I was fortunate enough to sing with and enjoy. My heart...
Sarah Sweet
February 08, 2011 | Mill Valley, CA
I had the good fortune to play next to Allen in Jon Hendricks' band and Rudy Salvini's big band - so swinging! Peace and warm wishes to Allen's family and so many, many friends. A true pillar and gentleman of the scene!
Chip Tingle
February 08, 2011 | Novato, CA
My heartfelt condolences to Allen's family, friends, fellow musicians and other professional colleagues. We are all so fortunate to have known him. He certainly is missed. The first time I saw Allen, before hearing anything about him or from him, he immediately struck me as a dignified, impressive man. Allen exuded elegance and naturally added it to every ensemble of musicians he worked with over the years. He made it a privilege as well as a pleasure to see him and hear him play. Whenever he...
February 07, 2011
i learned so much about playing this american music from allen. he was a good man & a good friend. my condolences to all of his family.george diquattro
February 07, 2011
Dear Allen,
You will remain one of the brightest lights of my childhood memories. Sending love and many hugs to your beautiful family.
Emily Sims
February 07, 2011
allen and my father bob anderson were friends and it is sad to see all of there friends passing away
February 07, 2011
Thank you, Allen, for all the wonderful times we danced to your music and for your warmth and kindness. Our deepest condolences to your family. Love - Jeremy & Peggy
Jeremy Sutton
February 06, 2011 | San Francisco, CA
Dear Allen, I learned so much simply by sitting in front of you for years. We will all miss you terribly, and I wish for comfort and solace to his family and many friends at this time of loss.
Rick Walsh
February 06, 2011 | San Francisco, CA
