Thursday, March 4, 2010

Nassau County Legislature: 'Hale Smith Honored Posthumously In Freeport'


[Juanita R. Smith receives honors for her husband, the late Hale Smith (1925-2009), an African American composer, pianist and professor, pictured at top]

“Juanita R. Smith, widow of the late Freeport musician Hale Smith received her husband’s County honors from Nassau County Legislator Dave Denenberg (D-Merrick) during a Black History Month tribute held at the South Nassau Unitarian Universalist Congregation in Freeport. Hale Smith composed classical and jazz music performed by jazz legends and the New York Philharmonic. He died last November at the age of 84. Pictured with Legislator Denenberg from left to right are: Reverend Catherine Torpey, Paul Hefner and Juanita R. Smith (honoree).”

Hale Smith died on November 24, 2009 after a lengthy illness. “Tributes to Composer Hale Smith (1925-2009)” was posted the following day. In January 2010, AfriClassical interviewed Regina Baiocchi about her career and her close friendship with the late Hale Smith. The interview was published in five installments. A Feb. 1, 2010 post provided an overview of the interview along with links to all five segments. Hale Smith is profiled at AfriClassical.com, which features a complete Works List compiled by Prof. Dominique-René de Lerma.






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Many thanks, Bill. You are doing a wonderful job with AfriClassical. I'm sure Juanita Smith is proud of your coverage. All the best.... Peace, Regina Baiocchi

1 comment:

Unknown said...

Thank you for honoring a wonderful human being who inspired many......
Stafford James