Mike Smith (62)

American jazz saxophonist, born March 3, 1957 in Chicago. Smith graduated in 1980 from the University of North Texas and played in the The North Texas State University Lab Band. He studied with notable saxophone professor Jim Riggs. That same year, he moved to Chicago. He toured with Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich in the early 80s. While he was with Buddy Rich, he toured with Frank Sinatra and worked for Frank Sinatra Jr.. In 1993, he won the Cannonball Adderley Award for alto saxophone. He has had a weekly spot at Andy's Jazz Club in Chicago for over thirty years.