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Television's Unsung Bass Hero Fred Smith Dies at 77
19 Feb
Summary
- Fred Smith, bassist for influential band Television, passed away at 77.
- He was crucial to the sound of the band's debut album, Marquee Moon.
- Smith later transitioned to a career as a winemaker in New York.
Fred Smith, the bassist celebrated for his vital role in the New York band Television, has passed away at the age of 77. Smith was instrumental in shaping the sound of Television's seminal 1977 debut album, *Marquee Moon*, providing a subtle yet powerful rhythmic and tonal foundation. His basslines were essential to the band's intricate musical explorations, often described as a blend of punk, new-wave, and experimental jazz.
Before joining Television, Smith played in early iterations of Blondie, a group that also featured Debbie Harry and Chris Stein. He made the pivotal decision to leave Blondie in 1975 to join Television, a band he favored. Though *Marquee Moon* achieved legendary status, it did not chart highly in the US. Television released a second album, *Adventure*, in 1978 before disbanding.
In his later years, Smith pursued a second career as a winemaker in New York's Hudson Valley with his wife, Paula Cereghino. He also contributed to solo projects by Television bandmates Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd and worked with other notable musicians.
