Larry Smith, long time sax player and singer with Butch Wax & The Hollywood’s passed away on September 18, 2013.  Larry was a great friend, great musician, and a great band mate!  He was a dedicated and valued member of our band for more than 15 years and he’s missed every day.  Larry and I go back to the mid 70’s when we played on a slow pitch softball team together.  Yes you read that right – Larry Smith and me patrolling center and right field at Golden Triangle Park in St. Peters for our team “Coaches Corner”  J  We had a blast and played with a bunch of great guys.  Larry had his band Nugget at that time and I had a band called Ruckus.  We always talked a lot about music and our bands at the games and talked about playing music together.  In 1997 Larry and I got together for dinner and I invited him into the band. I was thrilled to have Larry join Butch Wax.

Through the years Larry performed with Bob Kuban, Johnnie Johnson, Johnny Rivers, Billy Peek, Theo Peoples, and many other notables.  He also fronted his own bands including The Commotions, Clique, and Nugget.  Larry worked with Kenny Rogers in the 60’s in the Stanley Steemer band that Rogers produced.   Larry is survived by his wife Joy and 3 daughters and 2 grandchildren and many friends.  He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie. 

Larry loved The Righteous Brothers and particularly the song “You’ve Lost That Lovin Feeling” which was his signature song with Butch Wax and he did a fantastic job on it.  We still play that song every night and always dedicate it to Larry - our wonderful friend and band mate.  

Written By Gene Ackmann February 2016