DES MOINES, Iowa — Beloved Des Moines pianist Scott Smith has passed away, his family shared on social media Tuesday.
Smith performed across the country for more than 60 years — from local restaurants like Ingersoll Diner and Chuck's to larger venues like Hoyt Sherman Place and the Civic Center — and leaves behind a lasting musical legacy.
According to a post from jazz club Noce DSM, Smith first began performing when he was less than 3 years old. His career took him from Des Moines to Chicago, Chicago to the West Coast and far beyond alongside celebrities like Ann-Margret and George Burns.
Smith's daughter, Marianne Peterson, shared a post on Facebook Tuesday remembering his carefree nature and love for music.
Peterson wrote in part:
"There wasn’t a song he didn’t know. I loved to watch people who had never heard him play in awe of his ability to play just about anything they requested. Even when his body was failing him, he could still play the piano as well as he ever had. His mind was still sharp. He would tell stories about his days playing with Ann-Margret. He would talk about the places his music took him. I loved listening to his stories."
Smith was also an avid philanthropist and worked closely with Local 5 during the annual Variety - The Children's Charity Telethon.
"I will miss going to watch him play the music that I grew up loving, but I know he is no longer suffering. My dad had a very strong faith and that brings me comfort, knowing he’s playing the piano in Heaven now," Peterson shared.
A visitation for Smith will be held at Oakwood United Methodist Church in Pleasant Hill on Monday, April 15. He will be laid to rest on Tuesday, April 16.
