Tommy Smith aka “Mr. Mambo” leaves a legacy

The dance community has lost a respected and remarkable member with the passing of Tommy Smith aka “Mr. Mambo” on June 13, 2022. Tommy Smith, President of Mr. Mambo Productions, started the legendary “Mr. Mambo’s Salsa Social,” perhaps the largest and longest running Salsa social in the DMV. He was a talented, enthusiastic dancer whose contribution to dancing will long be remembered.

A video of Tommy Smith dancing can be seen here.

Below is a tribute to Tommy from the Mr. Mambo Facebook page.

“With a very heavy heart, WPFW ‘s Latin Flavor Classic Edition joins DC’s Latin dance community in mourning the passing of DC’s own “Mr. Mambo”: Tommy Smith. Reflected in his radiant smile, Tommy’s positivity and kindness were apparent from our very first encounters back in the mid-1980’s. He was so kind and supportive as I was only just beginning my journey of celebrating Latin music and dance, but I knew I was walking on parquet floors that Tommy had helped to pave. This 1959/60 photo shows Tommy (on the left) with his dance-duo partner, Joe Manley, at The Casbah on U Street NW (the location of today’s Ben’s Next Door restaurant) DC’s “Home of the Mambo” from 1957 until 1968. Despite his illness in recent years, Tommy’s iconic dance parties continue to flourish under the brilliant stewardship of his daughter, inspiring creativity and community to this very day. The LFCE offers its heartfelt condolences to Tanya J Smith during this time of loss. A loss surpassed only by her father’s extraordinary talent. Rest In Power, Tommy.”