Kenny Smith


Nickname: Freight Train
Born: July 22, 1954
Died: August 8, 1976
Instrument: Vocals


Nickname: Freight Train - Named by Marion Spain from the days when they played football together. Marion said Kenny coming at you in a football game was like a "Freight Train."

Then: Kenny was an original member of CSA and then Midnight Sun. Kenny was the lead singer for CSA and Midnight Sun. Kenny could also play trumpet and played trumpet when others sang lead. Chip remembers that when Jim Teachey was added as an additional singer, Kenny learned how to play trombone on his own, and played trombone so the brass section would be complete. The boys in the band say Kenny was always willing to do what it took to make the band better. He was always willing to step back to let someone else step forward. It was his way.

Now: After a long bout with cancer, Kenny died August 8, 1976 and was buried at Little Flock Baptist Church in Amelia. Many members of Midnight Sun attended the funeral and were pall bearers. Each year one or more of the Midnight Sun boys visit Kenny's grave during the holidays to honor him.


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