Tribute To Andrew Smith

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“Tribute to Andrew Smith”

I was on a session at Detroit’s Golden World studio when I first met Andrew and his father, Joe. They were both carrying Andrew’s drums into the studio. I guess Andrew was about 16 years old. There was an apprehensive look on their faces as Andrew set up his drums. The greatest thing about the Detroit musicians was the warmness that they projected to their fellow musicians, and for me it was ten-fold with Andrew and his father! Then, when Andrew started playing it was as if he was there playing with us all of the time. I said to myself “Wow, Young Genius”..... From that day on my relationship with Andrew was like two Brothers! We played together on many recording sessions, many Hit Records, and Live performances. When Motown made it’s move to California, Andrew and I went to the East Coast to pursue our careers. It was here, that I saw Andrew’s talents develop into a major force in the music industry! He started arranging for artists which eventually led to producing them as well. When I moved from the East Coast Andrew and I constantly stayed in touch and saw each other several times over the years. My son, who was still living in New Jersey started to hang out with Andrew and he informed me of Andrew’s passing.......For myself and my family it was a sad day for us, we all loved Andrew, he was one of us.........Being that Andrew was always an up-beat, happy, positive personality, I know he would want us all to go on with our lives with the same attitude that he had toward life. For me, when I think of Andrew I still to this day think “Wow, Young Genius” Let’s not forget him...

With respect and love,

Bob Babbitt

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