Karen Smith, fondly known as “the songbird of Jamaica,” was a beloved and acclaimed Jamaican recording artiste and cabaret singer. She passed away on 11 September 2021 at Baywest Hospital in Montego Bay, St. James, just six days after celebrating her birthday.
Smith had been battling Stage Four colon cancer, and her passing came as a shock to many Jamaicans. Tributes poured in from across the island, as people remembered her for her enchanting voice, radiant smile, and undeniable charm.
A Leader in the Music Industry
Smith was not only a performer but also a leader in the Jamaican music industry. She served as the president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and Affiliates Union (JFMAU) and was a member of the all-female group “Pakage,” alongside Patricia Edwards and Gem Myers. Her exceptional talent earned her numerous accolades, including the Jamaica Music Industry Award (JAM) for Jazz and Cabaret, which she won nine times.
In recognition of her contributions to Jamaican music, Smith was honoured with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Officer Class by the Jamaican government in 2006. She also served on the Government’s Entertainment Advisory Board (EAB), where Howard McIntosh, the board’s president, praised her professionalism and dedication to mentoring young entertainers.
Early Years and Career
Jamaica was first introduced to Karen Smith in the early 1980s when she appeared alongside balladeer Mallory Williams in an advertisement for Grace Cock Soup. This performance was the beginning of many memorable appearances, as Smith’s versatility allowed her to seamlessly move between jazz, pop, classical, and other genres of Jamaican music.
She quickly became a sought-after performer, gracing the stages of national and state events, as well as more intimate gatherings such as weddings and funerals. Although Smith initially began her career in banking, her passion for performing led her to leave that field and pursue music full time. She found success as a cabaret singer, performing in hotels throughout Jamaica and even in Las Vegas, the global entertainment capital, where she captivated audiences as a casino lounge performer.
Tributes from Leaders and Fellow Artistes
Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed his sorrow over Smith’s passing, noting that he was deeply saddened by the loss. He fondly remembered her spirit and warmth, as well as her remarkable talent. “It was always a pleasure to interact with her,” he said. “She truly captured the essence of what it means to light up a room.” Holness extended his condolences to her husband, rocksteady bassist Jackie Jackson, her daughter Courtni, and her mother Barbara Smith.
Edmund Bartlett, Jamaica’s Minister of Tourism, also mourned her loss, highlighting Smith’s close connection with the tourism sector. For many years, she had performed as a cabaret singer in Jamaica’s resort areas, becoming a household name in tourism. Bartlett, who had been a friend of Smith, praised her “bubbly persona and distinct voice.”
Jamaica’s Director of Tourism, Donovan White, echoed these sentiments, stating that Smith was synonymous with entertainment in the tourism industry. “You knew that once Karen was booked, the performance would be seamless and engaging,” he remarked.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Karen Lee Murphy, a former president of St. Hugh’s Alumnae Association of Florida, shared a heartfelt tribute in honour of Smith’s passing. She reminisced about their two decades of friendship and the special moments they shared. “The Lord took her pain away, gave her her wings, and welcomed her sweet serenade in Heaven,” she wrote.
Murphy reflected on Smith’s love for performing, recalling how her audience gave her life. She also shared a personal memory of Smith launching her album at one of the alumnae association’s Swansation Tea Parties, expressing her sorrow at no longer receiving Smith’s cheerful phone calls. In a final tribute, Murphy said, “Well KK, you’ve taken your last bow, but your singing lives on! Walk good!”
Photo by Adrienne Addy Chin-Ogilvie
