Mike Smith

Mike Smith was the "other" star of The Dave Clark Five, a little less visible by name than drummer/founder Dave Clark but at the center of their sound as the group's lead singer and keyboard player. Born in Edmonton, England, he had a natural ability as a pianist that manifested itself as early as age five. He started lessons in classical piano and at 13 passed the entrance exams for Trinity Music College in London. He first crossed paths with Dave Clark through their common interest in sports, as members of the same soccer team representing the St. George Boy's Club. By his mid-teens, he had also developed a strong vocal delivery, having idolized Little Richard, among other American rock & roll stars. At 17, while working for a finance company, Smith was asked by Clark to join his band, which had recently lost its lead singer and was busy rebuilding itself around the core of Clark and rhythm guitarist (later bassist) Rick Huxley.



Read More