Donald Smith

June 2008
DONALD SMITH

Mabel Mercer enchanted a young Donald Smith, who soon was not only a fan, but a tireless advocate. His devotion expanded to include the music she is renowned for. Accordingly, he has been, for decades, Cabaret’s “Pied Piper,” leading others to the music he cherishes. Founder and guiding spirit since 1985 of the Mabel Mercer Foundation, he created the annual Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention. From its beginnings in 1989 in New York, he has exported the event to Chicago, San Francisco, Palm Springs, The Hamptons, London, and a just-completed Fourth Annual Cabaret Convention at Sea. More than any other single person of our time, Donald Smith has ennobled cabaret, enriched its public image, enlarged its audiences, and enhanced the public’s appreciation of the Great American Songbook and its performers.

Tags: Mabel Mercer, American Songbook, Broadway Musicals, Cabaret, Cabaret Convention at Sea, Cabaret Reviews, Cabaret Scenes, Chicago, Clubs, Composers, Crooner, Donald Smith, Great American Songbook, Hall of Fame, London, lyricists, Mabel Mercer Cabaret Convention, Musicals, New York, Nightclubs, Palm Springs, Popular Song, Reviews, San Francisco, Show Tunes, Singers, Songbook, songwriters, Standards, Supper Clubs, The Hamptons, tribute show, Venues, Vocalists

Category: Hall of Fame