Rock Musician. Fred "Sonic" Smith was a legendary rock and roll guitarist from the Detroit scene. His pure, driving sounds can be heard in the works of the MC5 (1967-1971) and Sonic's Rendezvous (1975-1980). These bands (along with the Stooges and other Detroit-centered groups) advanced a strong political aesthetic in rock, as well as a totally "in your face" sound that was a prototypical influence for Punk. Author John Sinclair's book "Guitar Army" delves into the story of Fred and the MC5. In 1979, Fred met poet/lyricist Patti Smith at a press party hosted at Detroit's Lafayette Coney Island. The two wed in 1980, and, besides continuing to write and produce great music, raised two children named Jackson and Jesse. In 2024, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of MC5 under the Musical Excellence category.
Rock Musician. Fred "Sonic" Smith was a legendary rock and roll guitarist from the Detroit scene. His pure, driving sounds can be heard in the works of the MC5 (1967-1971) and Sonic's Rendezvous (1975-1980). These bands (along with the Stooges and other Detroit-centered groups) advanced a strong political aesthetic in rock, as well as a totally "in your face" sound that was a prototypical influence for Punk. Author John Sinclair's book "Guitar Army" delves into the story of Fred and the MC5. In 1979, Fred met poet/lyricist Patti Smith at a press party hosted at Detroit's Lafayette Coney Island. The two wed in 1980, and, besides continuing to write and produce great music, raised two children named Jackson and Jesse. In 2024, he was posthumously inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of MC5 under the Musical Excellence category.
Bio by: Smilin
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Frederick D. Smith
Musician, XX century
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