Earl Smith

'Buster'

Drums

Born: March 20, 1932 in Englewood, New Jersey

Died: July 7, 2003 in Englewood, New Jersey

Drummed with Dolphy and Sun Ra

Copyright © 2003 

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Earl Clarence 'Buster' Smith was a drummer who played with Eric Dolphy, Sun Ra Arkestra, Boo Pleasant Band, and the Shirley Scott Trio. He recorded a live session with Eric Dolphy in Berlin in 1961, and also featured on recordings by Sun Ra, John Gilmore, Oscar Dennard and John Lewis.

He served in the Air Force in the Korean War. He is survived by his brother, Marvin 'Boogaloo' Smith, who is also a drummer, and also played with Sun Ra; another brother, a sister, and two daughters.


JJA members are invited to submit a full obituary or appreciation.