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Fred Smith (bassist)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with Fred "Sonic" Smith.
For other people named Fred Smith, see Fred Smith (disambiguation).
Fred Smith
Smith in 2014
Smith in 2014
Background information
Born
Fredrick Edward Lefkowitz

(1948-04-10)April 10, 1948
New York City, U.S.
DiedFebruary 5, 2026(2026-02-05) (aged 77)
New York City, U.S.
Genres
OccupationBassist
Formerly of
Spouse
Paula Cereghino

Fredrick Edward Lefkowitz[1] (April 10, 1948 – February 5, 2026), known professionally as Fred Smith, was an American bass guitarist, best known for his work with the rock band Television.[2]

Personal life

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In 1999, he and his wife, artist Paula Cereghino, started making wine in their apartment on Houston Street in New York City's East Village. In 2003 they shifted production to Bloomington, New York, and in 2007 formally established their artisanal winery, Cereghino Smith.[3][4]

Smith died of cancer at a hospital in Manhattan, New York on February 5, 2026, at the age of 77.[1][5]

Career

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Smith was the original bassist with Angel and the Snake, which changed names to Blondie and the Banzai Babies, and then Blondie.[6] He quit on March 7, 1975[7] to replace Richard Hell who had left Television over disputes with Tom Verlaine. Hell went on to form The Heartbreakers with Johnny Thunders and Jerry Nolan of the New York Dolls. At the time, Television played at CBGB along with Blondie. According to Smith, "Blondie was like a boat that was sinking and Television was my favourite band".[8] He stayed with the band until they broke up in 1978 and rejoined them when they reunited in 1992; the band has played off and on ever since. Smith also participated in the solo albums of the Television guitarists Tom Verlaine and Richard Lloyd, and played with such artists as The Roches, Willie Nile, Peregrins, and The Revelons.[9] From 1988 to 1989 he played bass, recorded, and toured with The Fleshtones.

References

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  1. ^ a b Traub, Alex (February 9, 2026). "Fred Smith, Who Left Blondie for the Band Television, Dies at 77". The New York Times. Retrieved February 9, 2026.
  2. ^ "Happy Birthday, Fred Smith of Television". Rhino.com. April 10, 2014. Archived from the original on March 12, 2018. Retrieved February 8, 2026.
  3. ^ "Hudson Valley Wine magazine Featured Winery CEREGHINO SMITH". Hvwinemag.com. Archived from the original on February 7, 2018. Retrieved August 23, 2018.
  4. ^ Barrett, Peter (August 13, 2013). "From the Bowery to Bordeaux". Chronogram.com. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  5. ^ Madarang, Charisma (February 6, 2026). "Fred Smith, Bassist for Television, Dead at 77". Rolling Stone.
  6. ^ Atkinson, Jessie (October 1, 2019). "Debbie Harry's memoir FACE IT: 17 amazing anecdotes". Gigwise.com. Retrieved November 17, 2020.
  7. ^ Kramer, Barry L., ed. (November 24, 2025). "Blondie Gig List". Official Blondie Web Site.
  8. ^ Robbins, Ira. "Television". The Wonder. Archived from the original on March 28, 2008. Retrieved March 25, 2008.
  9. ^ "Television: Biography". The Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of Rock and Roll. 2001. Archived from the original on October 14, 2007. Retrieved March 25, 2008.
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