He first performed in a group led by his father,[1] and learnt saxophone from Ralph Pommer, an alto saxophonist.
[2] In 1947 Smith joined a band led by Gaby Rogers,[2] before working at the Sydney Trocadero with Frank Coughlan in the mid-1950s.
[6] Smith died of a heart attack at the beginning of 1974,[1] leaving behind few recorded works, apart from the incidental underscore throughout the Hunter series.
[7] A memorial concert, compered by Bert Newton, was held to raise money for Smith's wife and five children, and was broadcast live on TV, during which a number of Crawford regular actors sang or displayed their musical abilities.
[8][9] He was a mentor or influence for Graeme Lyall, Graham Morgan, Alan Turnbull, Ted Nettlebeck,[10] Barry Duggan,[11] and Bernie McGann.