NEW YORK: Popular New York radio host Terrence Keith Smith, aka TK Smith died in his sleep on Sunday, March 16 2008 at his home in Long Island, New York.
Smith was born on June 28 1967. He migrated to Jamaica with his parents Maude and Kenneth Smith and his sister Elaine Smith in 1971. He attended Norman Manley High School and Kingston Technical High School (KTHS) where he served as Head-boy.
TK loved sports and music. Cricket was his favorite sports. He garnered fame at KTHS for scoring 102 runs for the team in an important cricket match. At the time of his death, he played for Mid Island Cricket Club in New York.
Music was in his blood. He lived, breathe and slept music. His catch phrase was 'music of the past, present and future." He specialized in music of the 70s and 80s.
Some of the personalities who influenced his career were Barry G, Errol Thompson, Winston Williams, Allan Magnus and Marie Garth.
TK migrated to the USA over twenty years ago. He attended Kingsborough Community College in New York, majoring in Mass Communication. While at Kingsborough, a predominantly caucasian college at the time, he championed and was successful in producing and hosting the first reggae program at the college radio station, 90.9FM, WKRB. The program was called "Midnight Reggae."
In 1998 he worked at WWRL, 1600AM in New York with the Keeling Group. In 1999 he joined Culture Jam Radio program at 93.5FM in New York and was later enlisted by Clinton Lindsay to be the new host of the Top 30 Reggae Charts that aired on the same station.
He catered to the Caribbean and international communities where he strived to maintain the authenticity of reggae music.
TK is survived by his sister Elaine Smith Hibbert, Paulette Vann, nephew Nicolas, uncles Teddy and Trevor, aunts Verlita, Olga, Violet, Joyce and Eunice plus many cousins and loved one Nzinga Myton.
God took TK to a different musical world on March 16 2008.
TK we love you.
by Primrose McLean
Posted on March 18, 2008 19:41
My condolences to his family. This was an extraordinary talent and DJ. TK you are loved and will definatley be missed by the reggae community
C
Posted on March 18, 2008 22:22
One of the most dedicated person I have ever met. His passion for music is unbelievable.
Posted on March 19, 2008 00:47
Really Really miss u. If only I could roll back the hands of time. I would have given you that listening ear.
Posted on March 20, 2008 14:25
Although I did not know TK personally, I extend my payers to his family and friends at this time. His death comes almost a week after the passing of well know Jamaican jock Mikey Dread. To lose two stalwarts in succession is indeed quite sad. I certainly hope that the legacy that they left behind in their individual careers will be an inspiration for the future generation of Caribbean Broadcasters.
R.I.P TK
R.I.P Mikey Dread
Posted on March 21, 2008 11:50
TK was a very special friend of mine for years. He was an amazing man who had so many more years to live and so much more to accomplish. My heart is broken and there is no one in this world who could possibly walk in his shoes. TK you will always hold a special place in my heart where no one else can enter.
I LOVE YOU & MISS YOU
THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, THE TALKS, THE TIME, & THE LOVE
I look forward to seeing that handsome face and that beautiful smile on the other side when God calls me home too.
Loving You Always
Tanya
Posted on March 24, 2008 17:15
This is a call to us all. Work continues after our death. Work in moderation. TK is an extremely hard worker. Irreplaceable.
Live. Laugh. Work and Play moderately. As we cannot turn back the hands of time. Bless
Posted on October 23, 2008 22:16
I will always love you TK I think of you every day. You will always be the love of my life. I will treasure all the times I spent with you and be thankful for everything that you have done for me.
I Love You!!!
I Miss You Sweetheart
Tanya
xoxoxo
Posted on December 26, 2008 02:20
Until today I still google your name to see whats new. Just never understand why the good ones has to go. missing u so much especial furing the holidays. may your sole rest in peace.