d: November 4, 1994 in Detroit, Michigan, U.S., from heart failure

Fred "Sonic" Smith was an American guitarist, best known as a member of the band MC5. Later, he founded Sonic's Rendezvous Band, which released one single, "City Slang", during Smith's lifetime. In 1980 he married singer Patti Smith. The two co-wrote Patti's 1988 album "Dream of Life". Smith was named as one of top 100 guitarists of all time (#93) by Rolling Stone, 2003. Inducted into West Virginia Music Hall of Fame, 2018.

For the saxophonist, see [a=Fred Smith (2)].
For the songwriter and producer (1933-2005), see [a=Fred Smith (3)].
For the hardcore guitarist, see [a=Fred Smith (4)].
For the drummer, see [a=Fred Smith (5)].
for the Television bassist, see [a=Fred Smith (7)].