Bill Smith

Full biography Bill Smith

William Overton Smith, who was commonly known as Bill Smith, was an American composer and clarinetist. Smith was born on September 22, 1926, and passed away on February 29, 2020. Throughout his musical career, Smith worked extensively in both modern classical music and jazz. He was especially well-known for his compositions and arrangements for the novel octet he co-founded , which included jazz and classical musicians.

Smith was a groundbreaking clarinetist who developed a new technique known as "multiphonics," which allowed him to produce multiple sounds from a single note. His innovative approach to playing the clarinet had a significant impact on contemporary music, and he was widely recognized as a leading figure in the world of modern classical music.

In addition to his skills as a performer, Smith was also highly respected as a composer. He wrote compositions and arrangements for various ensembles, including the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Among his most well-known compositions are his Quintet for Clarinet and Strings and his Octet for Wind Instruments.

Smith's contributions to the world of music have been widely recognized, and he has received numerous awards and honors throughout his career. These include a lifetime achievement award from the National Endowment for the Arts and a Guggenheim Fellowship.

Despite passing away early last year, Smith's legacy continues to influence modern music. His innovative contributions to the clarinet and his innovative approach to composition have left an indelible mark on the world of music, and his work will continue to be celebrated for many years to come.