Remembering Fred Smith: A Tribute to the Bassist of Blondie and Television
The bassist known for his work with Blondie, Fred Smith, has passed away at the age of 77. His death was announced by the band Television on Instagram, with reports stating that he died on February 5 in a New York hospital due to cancer. Smith initially played with Angel and the Snake, which later evolved into Blondie, before joining Television to replace Richard Hell.
Following his time with Blondie, Smith collaborated with various artists, including Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd from Television, as well as The Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and The Revelons. He rejoined Television when they reunited in 1992 and continued to tour with them over the years. In addition to his music career, Smith and his wife, Paula Cereghino, founded the artisanal winery Cereghino Smith in Bloomington, New York, which they operated until last year.
Born as Fredrick Edward Lefkowitz in Queens in 1948, Smith's musical journey began at a young age, learning to play guitar and bass. He had connections with the Ramones even before graduating high school in 1966. Smith is survived by his wife and brother, leaving behind a legacy in the music industry and winemaking business.
In memory of Fred Smith, his contributions to the music world and winemaking industry will be remembered and cherished. His talent and passion for music and entrepreneurship have left a lasting impact on those who had the pleasure of experiencing his work. Fred Smith's legacy will continue to inspire future generations of musicians and entrepreneurs alike.