Claydes Charles Smith

Claydes Charles Smith
Birth nameClaydes Eugene Smith
Born(1948-09-06)September 6, 1948
Jersey City, New Jersey, U.S.
DiedJune 20, 2006(2006-06-20) (aged 57)
Maplewood, New Jersey, U.S.
GenresR&B
OccupationMusician
InstrumentGuitar
Years active1964-2006
Formerly ofKool & the Gang

Claydes "Charles" Smith (born Claydes Eugene Smith; September 6, 1948 June 20, 2006) was an American musician best known as co-founder and lead guitarist of the group Kool & the Gang.