Biography
G.E. Smith ranks among the most active and esteemed guitarists working in contemporary music, seldom headlining on his own yet serving extensively as a session player, supporting musician, and music director for leading figures across rock and blues. Renowned for his adaptable approach and sharp solos, he directed the house band on Saturday Night Live between 1985 and 1995, traveled extensively alongside Daryl Hall & John Oates as well as Bob Dylan, and contributed to recordings by David Bowie, Tom Waits, and Mick Jagger. Stepping forward as bandleader, he introduced his work with the spare, new-wave-leaning rock of In the World in 1981, highlighted his blues and roots leanings on Incense, Herbs & Oils in 1998, and joined forces with the robust R&B singer Leroy Bell for Stony Hill in 2020.
Born George Edward Haddad on January 27, 1952, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Smith began playing guitar at age four; seven years later his uncle purchased him a Martin acoustic instrument. Early inspirations included folk performers Odetta and Josh White before Bob Dylan exerted a strong pull. At age eleven his mother presented him with his first electric guitar, a Fender Telecaster built the same year he entered the world—an instrument he retains and occasionally performs with today. By his mid-teens he was performing regularly at venues ranging from school dances to elaborate resort productions in the Pocono Mountains. He appeared frequently on the East Coast with the Scratch Band and participated in the sessions for Dan Hartman’s 1978 album Instant Replay; after the title track achieved success, Hartman recruited him for a European tour that often featured the musicians lip-syncing the hit on television. In 1979 Smith joined the ensemble for Gilda Radner’s Broadway production Gilda Live; the two married the following year and divorced in 1982.
That same year Smith began a five-year association with Daryl Hall & John Oates both live and in the studio. The partnership coincided with the duo’s resurgence via the 1980 album Voices and its string of hit singles, among them “Private Eyes,” “Man Eater,” “You Make My Dreams,” and “Kiss on My List.” He remained until the pair paused activities in 1985. During this period he also recorded his own debut solo album, In the World. In July 1985 he performed at the American Live Aid benefit, accompanying Mick Jagger and Tina Turner among others.
Later that year he assumed leadership of the band for the sketch-comedy program Saturday Night Live, supplying theme music, performing in interstitial segments, and supporting guest artists while regularly inviting notable guitarists such as Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, and Eddie Van Halen to join the ensemble. He also co-wrote the theme for the recurring “Wayne’s World” sketches. In 1992 he released his second solo album, Get a Little, featuring the SNL Band. Beginning in June 1988 he toured with Bob Dylan’s band, often flying back to New York for weekend broadcasts; the arrangement lasted until October 1990. He additionally served as musical director for the 1988 Emmy Awards, the 1992 Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden, the 1993 Rhythm & Blues Foundation Awards, and several Rock & Roll Hall of Fame events. Departing Saturday Night Live in 1995, he marked the occasion by recording Live: The Real Deal with Buddy Guy and the SNL Band.
Smith next issued the blues-oriented solo album Incense, Herbs & Oils in 1998 and continued directing music for major broadcasts including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Awards. In 1990 he married vocalist Taylor Barton and produced or performed on several of her projects: Thoroughbred (1997), Skinny Kat (1998), and Dry Land (2002). Between 2004 and 2006 his group entertained at Cleveland Browns home games and performed his team anthem “Browntown.” From 2010 through 2013 he participated in Roger Waters’ staging of the Pink Floyd album The Wall. He directed music for the Republican National Conventions in 2012 and 2016, clarifying to journalists that he held no party affiliation. In 2015 he and Barton inaugurated the Portraits concert series, presenting intimate performances with admired artists that explored the creative process; participants have included Billy Squier, Richard Thompson, and Ethan Hawke. In 2020 Smith and Leroy Bell released the soul album Stony Hill.
Born George Edward Haddad on January 27, 1952, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Smith began playing guitar at age four; seven years later his uncle purchased him a Martin acoustic instrument. Early inspirations included folk performers Odetta and Josh White before Bob Dylan exerted a strong pull. At age eleven his mother presented him with his first electric guitar, a Fender Telecaster built the same year he entered the world—an instrument he retains and occasionally performs with today. By his mid-teens he was performing regularly at venues ranging from school dances to elaborate resort productions in the Pocono Mountains. He appeared frequently on the East Coast with the Scratch Band and participated in the sessions for Dan Hartman’s 1978 album Instant Replay; after the title track achieved success, Hartman recruited him for a European tour that often featured the musicians lip-syncing the hit on television. In 1979 Smith joined the ensemble for Gilda Radner’s Broadway production Gilda Live; the two married the following year and divorced in 1982.
That same year Smith began a five-year association with Daryl Hall & John Oates both live and in the studio. The partnership coincided with the duo’s resurgence via the 1980 album Voices and its string of hit singles, among them “Private Eyes,” “Man Eater,” “You Make My Dreams,” and “Kiss on My List.” He remained until the pair paused activities in 1985. During this period he also recorded his own debut solo album, In the World. In July 1985 he performed at the American Live Aid benefit, accompanying Mick Jagger and Tina Turner among others.
Later that year he assumed leadership of the band for the sketch-comedy program Saturday Night Live, supplying theme music, performing in interstitial segments, and supporting guest artists while regularly inviting notable guitarists such as Buddy Guy, Johnny Winter, and Eddie Van Halen to join the ensemble. He also co-wrote the theme for the recurring “Wayne’s World” sketches. In 1992 he released his second solo album, Get a Little, featuring the SNL Band. Beginning in June 1988 he toured with Bob Dylan’s band, often flying back to New York for weekend broadcasts; the arrangement lasted until October 1990. He additionally served as musical director for the 1988 Emmy Awards, the 1992 Bob Dylan 30th Anniversary Concert at Madison Square Garden, the 1993 Rhythm & Blues Foundation Awards, and several Rock & Roll Hall of Fame events. Departing Saturday Night Live in 1995, he marked the occasion by recording Live: The Real Deal with Buddy Guy and the SNL Band.
Smith next issued the blues-oriented solo album Incense, Herbs & Oils in 1998 and continued directing music for major broadcasts including the Kennedy Center Honors and the Mark Twain Awards. In 1990 he married vocalist Taylor Barton and produced or performed on several of her projects: Thoroughbred (1997), Skinny Kat (1998), and Dry Land (2002). Between 2004 and 2006 his group entertained at Cleveland Browns home games and performed his team anthem “Browntown.” From 2010 through 2013 he participated in Roger Waters’ staging of the Pink Floyd album The Wall. He directed music for the Republican National Conventions in 2012 and 2016, clarifying to journalists that he held no party affiliation. In 2015 he and Barton inaugurated the Portraits concert series, presenting intimate performances with admired artists that explored the creative process; participants have included Billy Squier, Richard Thompson, and Ethan Hawke. In 2020 Smith and Leroy Bell released the soul album Stony Hill.