Charles Smith Kool and the Gang Tribute

[OneUnitedGroove]

It is amazing to me how God takes care of the ones that need to be comforted. I think of my father often and some of the thoughts that comfort me are thoughts of how much he loved life and music and me. It's an amazing feeling knowing that some one so loved by the world.... loves me. I miss him dearly. He is with me always. I want to thank you all for the loving and kind words towards my father. He lives on through us. God bless you ~Uranus (Rainy) Garay

[hotnsaxy2010]

My cousin I never had a chance to meet. Any family members out there contact me and leave me a message

[gittahfiend]

Claydes,R.I.P.

[dexfx69]

God bless.

[truvillionaire]

Weeping again My dear sweet brother my heart........I am so delighted we NEVER parted without teling each other how much we loved each other. I have NO regrest. You were my true brother and dearest friend, all I can do is smile when I hear your name or your chords.

Your music lives forever in my soul! Light of Worlds My brother Light of Worlds! Phynjuar

[freein2339]

I've been a fan of Kool and the Gang since the 60s..Charles was always the anchor of the group. His solos was not loud and whinning but controlled and with purpose...I never met him but I'm glad I heard his sound...RIP my brother...

[RedRobin2010]

@freein2339 well said. Im glad he could share his talent with us and made music

[depailler80]

respect to the man, he's a funkmasta

[ghicaccatta]

i met Charles Smith and other band members in 1993 in Palermo/Sicily... after the concert we met in a "Pizzeria"

that was awesomw

R.i.P.

[todayishoy]

Charles was a great man and musician. In '71 we played on the same bill as Kool. We panicked since 90% of the songs we played then were Kool & the Gang. & quickly revised our repetoire. After we played Charles saw me in the bathroom and complemented me on the diminished 7's and augmented 9th's I was playing - I didn't know what that meant at the time (as a sax player) but I was thrilled that he took a moment to encourage a high school -age musician. Thank you Charles!

[storejs]

I met Charles on a flight from Houston to NYC. He and Robert were kind enough to sign my guitar and Charles even let me play a few notes on his guitar. Quite the gentleman and so very kind. I grew up with their music and feel so very blessed to have met him in person. RIP Charles and to Kool and the Gang, thanks for the background music of my life.

[Boogalooonetheone]

Claydes Charles Smith had a deep impact on many funk and jazz musicians, even today. He was so creative and get a unique style and sound. A genius is gone but his musical heritage and quiet spirit will live forever

[freddypknight]

Excellent Tribute!

When I heard of the passing of C. Charles Smith, I was deeply saddened. Tears came to my eyes as I watched this for the first time. In the early 70's this band inspired me tremendously as a young musician. I knew the name of each and every member. I knew the playing style of each member as well. Charles' guitar was as unique as his quiet, serious presence on stage. Rest in Peace, Mr. Claydes Charles Smith. You have impacted my life.

[jadesystem]

I love this tribute - it is well deserving

for a great man such as this. I love the line "Love is Stronger than Death". Based on the video collage, his past

performances, his writing contributions

to many of the band's hits, and his zeal for life, I would consider him one of the greats in modern music. I just love him

as he is dearly missed.

[elieltonable]

MUITO SHOW.........

[ny3l]

perdemos um dos maiores músicos da época

shom de bola

[NatTurner]

where can i find that recording of Save the Best for Last?

[spesyalist]

amaxing :)

[ny3l]

gostaria de saber o nome da música que charles smith esta tocando quanto apesentação dele tocando com a guitarra pequena ?

[spookiemoonstar]

im still touched after all these YEARS! from a boy growing up in Bush Hall BARBADOS to england to manhattan you all kept me SANE n SPIRITUAL! All love is magic but real love amongst black brothers is cosmic. I will continue to spread the warmth given from kool n gang thats my tribute to you charles. ps you was top heavy on "wisper you love me" keep on stummin WHERE EVER you are MR FRUIT MAN

[esmereldatitswallop]

Charles was a really really lovely guy, I had teh pleasure of meeting him on numerous occasions and he was one of life's gentlemen. R.I.P Charles x

[Thatduderomeo]

R.I.P. A legend

[SeeMeFlow]

RIP Charles.

[frekolay]

grande charles smith,de chile,uno de los buenos

ya partio a tocar esa maravillosa guitarra.adelante kool and the gang.elvio aguayo.

[cathejay]

Claydus Charles Smith U will never be gone!!! U live on in every note you played and wrote, I listen to you and the gang all the time U R

here with us forever Luv U Cat

[ricardorodrigues89]

We will never forget your blessed hands playing those outstanding solos! Kool&The Gang 4 LIFE!

You'll always have a huge fan here!

May your "other life" be a SUMMER MADNESS!!!

Rest in Peace! God bless you, Charles!

[cantotona]

grazie Claydes...

[nytony1960]

Bless the Smith family and Kool & The Gang...

We still miss you...

Ace~NYC

Ganghead from 1960

[funksoulbrother1000]

This is beautiful and very moving.Bless his spirit and thankyou.

[Odawg96]

Damn. This is great. I remember when his passing was announced. He had a very distinguished and recognizable musical voice. Man...the guy lost a lot of weight before he passed. I knew he was sick, but wow...RIP brotha.

[mrpower328]

Charles Smith was the best of the best. Love always. RIP

[hs1955]

RIP Charles! The man and the music!!!!!

[SoulTooSoul]

This is a fitting tribute to the one man who helped elevate Kool and the Gang's sound. You would always hear a touch of jazz because of Charles. You could tell that he took his craft very serious. This became very infectious on the other members of the band. Charles wrote some great Kool and the Gang songs. He has left quite a legacy.

[jumbosilverette]

A very touching tribute. Rest in peace, Charles Smith.

[ghandhu]

the guy was a genius im 21 years of age and i love too hot and summer madness the whole group was unbeleivable charles smith rest in peace u deserve too

[mrpecoke]

Charles Smith was an excellent, albeit underratedguitarist whose rhythm and lead guitar lines were the staple to Kool and The Gang's sound overall. May God keep you and may you rest in peace.

[nino2lu]

RIP I'm so sad...

[juankysmen]

Es fabuloso...! Charles Smith nos ha regalado su talento en 40 años de carrera musical y de fidelidad a los hermanos Bell, los impulsores de Kool And The Gang. Su carácter jovial, melancólico y creativo está en su guitarra sonando en ritmos tan alegres como Celebration o en inmortales melodias suaves como Too Hot o Joanna, un tema de su inspiración. Vaya para el gran Charles y sus compañeros un gran homenaje.

[kgeefunk733]

I never forget him.

His guitar phrase will be played through all eternity.

It is likely to be loved indefinitely.

[mirky]

RIP Charles :( K&TG FOREVER !

[superman21980]

Charles may be an over-looked member, but je sure was great. he played a fantastic intro to "Too Hot" in 1987 and he would of given George Benson a run for his money...WOW. love the music he and the Gang made together

[Koolazzmike]

This was a great tribute. RIP Charles, you certainly knew how to play the electric pace. Your tunes contributed to every Kool & the Gang song. because you weren't in the forefront, people don't realize how important you were to the gang. Here is K&tG fan that recognizes you!