Tom Smith

Musician

What is Tom Smith known for?

Tom Smith, a proud alumnus of Junius H Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina, has made a significant impact in the world of jazz music. Introduced to the fine arts at an early age by his father, a noted trombonist, Smith carved his niche as an American jazz musician and an educator.

Smith’s contributions to the North Carolina Artist-in-Residence Program, from 1984 to 1992, were exceptional. He earned a reputation as a pioneer of the American community jazz movement through this program by founding over fifty large community jazz ensembles. His most recognized group was the Unifour Jazz Ensemble, the first entirely state-funded big band in the United States, which ranked seventh in the 1988 Down Beat Readers' Poll. As a testament to his personal prowess, Smith placed fifth in the trombone category in the same poll.

A gifted improvising soloist, Smith performed and toured with notable jazz artists like Louie Bellson, Clark Terry, McCoy Tyner, Joe Henderson, and many others.

Beyond his musical contributions, Smith has made his mark as a music historian and researcher. In 2001, he and his research partner, Gary Westbrook, received accolades for their work in identifying the musical fingerprint for the identification of unknown personnel on early recordings. In light of his research, Smith was awarded the Brubeck Award for Jazz Research in 2014.

In addition to his musical ventures, Smith's global jazz education works have garnered considerable attention since 2002. Recognized as a 'preeminent jazz Fulbright Scholar', Smith received The Romanian National Radio Prize, a rare honor for a foreigner. His contributions include founding the Romanian Jazz Education Seminar and co-founding the first Western-styled jazz music college in Romania. Smith's dedication to jazz education earned him the International Association for Jazz Education Jazz Ambassador Award in 2008 and several 'Outstanding Service to Jazz Education' honors. Smith also held his eighth Fulbright award, a record for musician professors.

In later years, Smith and his wife relocated to Northeast China, where he developed a unique strategy of teaching English through jazz music to native Mandarin speakers. As a professor at Ningbo University, Smith established the first entirely functional jazz program on the Chinese mainland, which led to the formation of numerous instrumental groups and a 40-member jazz choir. His innovative efforts in teaching and improving societal conditions through music were recognized when he was awarded the Camellia Award for significant artistic contributions in the Greater Ningbo Region.

For more on Tom Smith, the jazz maestro, visit his personal website.