The Jamaican entertainment fraternity is in mourning with the passing of songstress Karen Smith. Karen, a well-known Jamaican singer, died after a one-year struggle with colon cancer. Smith was an accomplished cabaret singer and recording artist. She was also a member of the band 'Pakage,' with Patricia Edwards and Gem Myers.
Throughout her career, she has received nine Jamaica Music Industry Awards. She has shared the stage with internationally recognised artists such as Natalie Cole, Seal, Air Supply, Anita Baker, Ray Charles, and Harry Belafonte.
Smith, a former president of the Jamaica Federation of Musicians and Affiliates Union (JFMAU), was a vocal supporter of the rights of Jamaican musicians.
Fellow cabaret performer and the lead vocalist of the band Third World, AJ Brown noted, 'Karen Smith is the Queen of Cabaret. The sister I never had. We created magic on stage whenever we performed. I was humbled and honoured to have sang at her wedding to Jackie Jackson in Las Vegas.'
Karen is survived by her daughter Courtni and her husband and manager, Jackie Jackson.