Charles F. Smith

Charles Francis Smith, 72, of Albany, NY, passed away March 8, 2023. Charlie will be remembered as one of the greatest Blues musicians of the Capital Region.

Born January 4, 1951, he was the son of the late Dorothy Battese. Charlie spent his early years at St. Colman's Home, and then the Lasalle School in Albany before emancipating himself at the age of 15. While at St. Colman's, he learned to play the trumpet and sing, gaining the notice of singer and conductor Mitch Miller, who led several performances there. He got his first guitar at 11 and by 1972 Charlie was a musical force to be reckoned with, warming up for major acts including Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, the Allman Brothers, Sam & Dave, Johnny Winter, Mitch Ryder and The Detroit Wheels, Marshall Tucker Band, and John Lee Hooker. Many artists he opened for were duly impressed with his talents. Charlie provided back up for Roy Buchannon in a notable local performance, more than holding his own. Charlie played many NYC and local clubs including Cafe Wha?, Cafe Lena, Aerodrome, Shoestring Inn, Elbow Room, Lark Tavern, Lionheart, and had long running engagements at Quintessence and Dorato's in Guilderland.


Charlie enjoyed amusing stories and people always gathered around him with big smiles on their faces. They reveled in his musical genius and fantastic songwriting. He could be a frustrating and difficult bandleader to work with, as characterized by one band member: "A divine dictatorship, but it works out." From another, "He made you feel good. Playing music with him was always an exciting experience. He always showed up fresh and ready to put on a show, went home wet and wiped out." He worked relentlessly at his craft, and left behind thousands of handwritten lyric and chord sheets filled with notes and revisions. His vocal and guitar sounds were instantly recognizable and totally captivating. He was inducted to the Blues Hall Of Fame on November 12, 2012.

Charlie loved to share his gift with anyone willing to learn, mentoring many aspiring young guitar players with a 'blues school' held weekly at his apartment and working with students in local schools. Many young players got to share the concert and club stage with Charlie. Even pros in his band often felt like they were at school when rehearsing or gigging with Charlie, and he sure did put them all to the test. He changed his musicians lives and pushed all to play better, and inspired love from many. He was rich with passion, spirit and immense talent. Charlie knew his purpose in life and possessed the courage, strength and determination to live it everyday – creating original music.

He is survived by siblings Patricia Ulrich, Raymond (Mary) Smith, Robert Lindsay III, Diane (Mark) Carrk, Gail (Nick) Brock, Gloria Lindsay, Mathew Tenczar, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by siblings Ralph (Pina) Smith, Richard (Roxanne) Lindsay, and Carol Ann Lindsay.

Calling hours: Sunday from 1:00 - 3:00 PM, with a memorial service to follow at 3PM at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham.