The labor movement is mourning the loss of Todd Smith, vice president of the Cleveland Federation of Musicians Local 4 and a delegate to the North Shore AFL-CIO.
Local 4 remembered Smith as “a union official, labor attorney, singer/songwriter, wood craftsman, supreme defender of workers’ rights and so much more,” adding that he “was always at the ready to lend his watchful eye, offer a considerate ear, or give experienced direction towards a solution.”
“He lived a life that all of us should aspire: one of cheerful service to community,” the union said in a statement.
Labor Heritage Foundation board chair Saul Schniderman praised Smith’s contributions to labor music and solidarity, saying, “Todd’s songs of union solidarity brought a ray of light and some cheer to many workers.”
Quoting the 19th century labor paper Voice of Labor, Schniderman added: “Greater than the philosopher or the legislator is the child of song.”
Our condolences to Todd Smith’s family, friends, fellow musicians and union siblings.