On January 29, 2025, after a long life, well-spent and full of accomplishment, Drew Smith passed away of natural causes, age 96. The Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering, along with the entire autoharp community, bids a bittersweet farewell to one of its most widely known, longest tenured, and most valued members. Drew Smith participated and contributed in every way imaginable to the autoharp and its community through his musicianship, innovation, instruction, inspiration, encouragement, production, support and, not least, ambassadorship.

Drew took up the autoharp near the end of the Folk Revival boom of the 1960s, which provided a new forum for an instrument that had played a prominent part in folk and county music’s bloom many decades earlier. He was a part of the New York City/New Jersey folk music scene playing guitar and a little banjo when personal encounters with Mike Seeger and Kilby Snow reset his footsteps on a new course. From then on, it was the autoharp that became exclusively nestled in his arms.

By the late 1970s, Drew was accomplished enough to be invited as a member of the noted Roger Sprung and Hal Wylie Progressive Bluegrassers. Autoharp in a bluegrass band was certainly progressive, and still is, but Drew carved a place in the mix with his daggerlike pick, using an assertive thumb lead style and knack for blending his musical contribution for a unique sound. He performed with this band at Lincoln Center in New York, and at the Philadelphia  Folk Festival for 18 years.

Over the years, Drew partnered with other bands – Ben Borscht and the Beats (performing at the Carter Fold in Hiltons, Virginia, and the Appalachian String Band Festival in Clifftop, West Virginia), Double Play, Parting the Waves, Poor Valley, Triple Play All-Stars, and Waking Up Tillie – as well as often collaborating with good friends Mike Resnick and Susan Sterngold. Drew also prized his sessions with balalaika player Sasha Polinoff. He was a frequently requested featured performer at festivals such as the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering (PA), California Summer Solstice Festival, California Autoharp Gathering, Willamette Valley Autoharp Gathering (OR), the Ozark Folk Center Autoharp Jamboree (AR), Augusta Heritage Arts Workshops (WV), Swannanoa Gathering (NC), Cranberry Autoharp & Dulcimer Gathering (NY), and others.

When he wasn’t performing, Drew was an enthusiastic festival attendee and contest entrant and won the National Autoharp Championship in Avoca, Iowa, the International Autoharp Championship (twice) in Winfield, Kansas, and the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering Championship (twice). As well, he took home his share of blue ribbons at the Galax, Virginia, Old Fiddlers Convention (which he attended 40 years in a row until his age and health constrained him). If not the winner of a contest, Drew still usually finished among the top prize awards.

It was Galax stalwart Drew who prevailed upon the Galax Moose Lodge to add the autoharp to their roster of traditional instrument contests. He also organized and facilitated an annual autoharp round robin workshop, the only activity of its kind at the festival. One year he assembled all available autoharp players, taught them in a workshop to play The Star-Spangled Banner, and then led them in concert, onstage, to officially open the Convention. Thereafter, he recruited many outstanding musicians of all instruments to open the Convention with the national anthem. His enthusiasm and enterprise contributed immeasurably to the footprint of the autoharp at Galax.

Drew engineered a four-album series of all-instrumental recordings from the International Autoharp Championship titled Winfield Winners – Autoharp, I-IV that entertained and served as an inspiration for autoharp players everywhere. As well, he produced an instructional double tape and accompanying book set titled Play-By-Ear Autoharp Workshop for new players. He also produced a solo album, Now, That’s Autoharp! and one by his band, Having a Ball! – Triple Play All-Stars. Drew was a contributor on the amazing Autoharp Legacy album. He also did some session work for others’ albums.

At festivals (and by mail order) Drew would set up his Great All-American Autoharp Emporium (and Pickin’ Parlor), featuring strings, felts, tuners, picks, and tapes/CDs to supply vital needs of autoharp attendees. If you cared to join him behind the merchandise table, you could sit and chat or jam to your heart’s content. He was never happier than when teaching a new tune one-on-one. Few could boast his repertoire!

Of course, Drew’s knowledge and instructional ability were ever in demand in festival settings and at teaching schools, and handout-supplied workshops were always filled with eager students of all skill levels. He had a warmth and sense of humor and mission that made the work fun while keeping the lessons on track. Drew was also a reliable contributor of tips and song lessons to autoharp publications like Autoharpaholic, Autoharp Clearing House, and Autoharp Quarterly.

If not from a classroom, many people knew Drew from time spent jamming with him in groups, large and small. He was never at a loss for a tune to lead. Sometimes, you’d need to be on your toes, for he had an appreciation and knowledge of folk music and song styles from around the world. You might find yourself craning an ear to pick up a melody from eastern Europe or Scandinavia. But he was ready with the American and Celtic standards if the group cried for mercy.

Drew’s many and diverse contributions to the autoharp community have been acknowledged by his induction into the Autoharp Hall of Fame at the Mountain Laurel Autoharp Gathering in 2002 and presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award from the California Autoharp Gathering in 2011.

In his youth, Drew was a championship-level motorcycle racer, and motorcycle road touring remained a second love of his long after he had moved on to the autoharp. He’d happily tell you all about the restored 1951 Harley-Davidson that was his pride and joy.

It should be noted last, here, but not least, that Drew, whether across an autoharp, in a class, or just sitting in the mud at Galax, conversing under a pattering tarp and waiting for the rain to clear, was a consummate gentleman and pleasure to spend time around. Armed with a smile and quick to laugh, he never had an unkind word and was always ready to share his collected wisdom on life, the autoharp, motorcycles, or whatever interested you. He was into people and appreciated the time he spent with them in whatever capacity. Those who had the pleasure of his company will appreciate, in turn, having had that opportunity and will always carry that memory. He may have passed on but, for many of us, Drew Smith was a life mile marker.