Earl "Chinna" Smith
Awards & Honours
0
Awards Won
3
Honours
2
Rankings
2
Records
Earl "Chinna" Smith's legacy is built on an extraordinary body of work rather than individual trophies. He is one of the most recorded guitarists in reggae, with over 500 sessions to his name. His playing appears on some of the genre's most celebrated albums, including Bob Marley's Exodus, often ranked among the greatest albums of all time. Smith's guitar work helped define the sound of dub through his contributions to Lee "Scratch" Perry's Super Ape and Blackboard Jungle Dub. His influence extends across generations of musicians who cite his melodic, reverb-drenched style as a touchstone. The 2015 documentary Inna De Yard cemented his status as a living repository of reggae history.
Honours & Distinctions
JaRIA Honor
Recognized for lifetime contributions to reggae music.
Bob Marley Museum Honoree
Recognized for his work with Bob Marley and the Wailers.
Reggae Gold Award
Received multiple recognitions for session work.
Rankings & Lists
Top Reggae Session Guitarists
Most Influential Reggae Guitarists
Records & Feats
Over 500 recording sessions
One of the most recorded guitarists in any genre, with more than 500 session credits spanning five decades.
Played on two of the most recognizable reggae songs
Smith's guitar appears on Bob Marley's 'Waiting in Vain' and 'Three Little Birds,' both globally iconic reggae tracks.