Sensational Soul Cruisers Singer Alan Smith, 49, Dies Suddenly
If you’ve lived at the Jersey Shore these past 20 years, chances are good that you’ve seen the Sensational Soul Cruisers performing at a bar or club. 100.1 WJRZ is saddened to learn of the passing of long-time lead singer Alan Smith on Saturday Feb. 9th at the age of 49.
Known for being a kind soul and amazing singer (especially his Motown sets), Alan was a fixture on the Jersey Shore music scene and last performed on Feb. 8th at Hemingway’s in Seaside Heights. He also performed with the band and Bruce Springsteen at a Clarence Clemons tribute show at the Wonder Bar in Asbury Park.
The band’s “captain” Steve Barlotta told the Courier Post, “He was the one to go out there and talk to the crowd, talk to people. He had a definite understanding love. When we did shows with kids with autism or special needs, he would go out there, sing to them, and brought them on stage.”
“Alan never forgot a birthday”, Barlotta said, remembering the cards he or his son would receive right on time for their special day every year. Sometimes Smith would leave a little gift in his bandmates’ wardrobe bags before a gig.
The last two days have been “extremely sad,” Barlotta said. “It”s one of the last things we expected.”
100.1 WJRZ passes along our condolences to Alan’s family, friends and bandmates.
