Johnny Smith

Guitarist Johnny Smith remains most closely associated with his 1952 recording of the mellow ballad "Moonlight in Vermont," which also spotlighted Stan Getz. Self-taught in a chordal approach, Smith had first taken up trumpet, violin, and viola before adopting the guitar. Working steadily as a studio musician from 1947 onward, he attracted steady calls for his precise technique and understated tone well before the success of "Moonlight." Although that track remained his sole hit, he stayed in demand as a live performer across the 1950s. Relocating to Colorado during the following decade, he launched a music store, gave lessons, kept a lower public profile, and made occasional trips back to New York for recording dates. Smith passed away at his Colorado Springs residence in June 2013, aged ninety.