As the news of the death of Bermuda's own musical legend filtered through the Island, dozens took the time to pay tribute to a man who was a guiding inspiration to so many.

Hubert Smith Sr. passed away Monday afternoon after suffering a heart attack. He was 83- years-old.

Throughout his life Mr. Smith managed to make his mark on so many genres of the local music scene, especially calypso and jazz.

Mr. Smith played for presidents and princesses, spreading the culture of Bermuda through music, singing songs of an Island that he loved and cherished.

One local entertainer noted: "Every one of his songs was a tribute to Bermuda."

Mr. Smith `s family said the patriarch became involved in Bermuda's entertainment scene when he was 15 years old, performing songs he had written on Front Street for tourists.

His son George Smith, also a musician who played alongside his father, said Mr. Smith Sr. loved to entertain, and it showed with his tireless work in the community.

Mr. Smith said his father was a very versatile musician and did his best composing while he performing another one of his hobbies - swimming.

"He started fooling around with the trumpet, but the guitar was his main instrument," his son remembered. "He then began working with Mark Swan, who taught him how to read and compose music. He moved and played with the Big Society Bands - that's what they used to be called in those days - and when they changed, he started the trio and five piece bands."

His son said Hubert Smith Sr. started the Coral Islanders after the Big Band era.

"They named the band after the Coral Island Hotel - that's where he used to play most of the time," his son said. "They disbanded in the late 1980s."

Mr. Smith is probably most remembered for the local and international favourite `Bermuda Is Another World', which he wrote in 1969, and `Green Picket', which was recorded in the 1950s.

He was also an advocate of local musicians and making sure that they were supported in the industry.

He was the founder and first president of the Bermuda Musicians Union and never missed an opportunity to educate Bermuda's youth about the unique qualities of local music.

Gene Steede, Mr. Smith's long time friend and fellow musician, remembered his "special friend".

He told The Royal Gazette: "When I started to get involved in local entertainment, I worked with Hubert and he took me under his wing. He was like a father to me.

"He was a great interpreter of Island music and a great folk singer. He will be truly missed. There will be no more Hubert Smith's - he was one of a kind."

Clem Talbot, son of the late Ross (Blackie) Talbot - formerly of the Talbot Brothers - recalled Mr. Smith and his father's interactions over the years.

Mr. Talbot, who also spent close to 25 years in the hospitality industry, said he was always amazed at Mr. Smith's "ability" to give a first class performance to all of his audiences.

"I held him in the highest regard," he said. "I basically was able to see first hand his talent and ability. He was one of the key drawing cards throughout the hotel circuit. It was very much a shock when I found out about his passing.

Mr. Talbot continued: "My father and Hubert were very good friends. They complimented each other very well. They were not only good entertainers, but they were good personal friends. They often consoled each other with the challenges they faced in local entertainment. He will really be missed because of his vision and leadership."

Tourism Minister David Allen released a statement at the passing of Mr. Smith, that heralded him as an "icon" and "an outstanding Bermudian".

And he praised Mr. Smith's tireless ambassador efforts of travelling on behalf of the Department of Tourism to the US, Canada and the UK.

"For nearly half a century Hubert Smith Sr. was an icon of Bermuda's Tourism industry and of Bermuda itself," the statement read.

"He brought Bermuda's entertainment industry to a new pinnacle and prestige both at home and abroad."

Mr. Allen said Mr. Smith was chosen to be honoured by the Caribbean Tourism Organisation prior to his passing.

"Mr. Hubert Smith, the quintessential entertainer, was chosen to receive this award. However, all of Bermuda knows that Mr. Smith's illustrious career is indeed the most impressive monument to him. And his memorable compositions, most notably `Bermuda Is Another World' - serve as the ultimate recognition award for this outstanding Bermudian."

United Bermuda Party (UBP) Senator and professional golfer Kim Swan said he admired Mr. Smith as a friend and a fellow sportsman.

And he recalled the contribution to the sports world that Mr. Smith made, after becoming the first black Bermudian allowed as a member at the Port Royal Golf Club.

He said: "He was a great man who made a tremendous contribution to Bermuda. I'd known Hubert Smith's name all my life and I knew him personally for the past 30 years.

"I got to know him through playing golf at the Belmont when he recognised my talent and took me under his wing. It helped me significantly in my development as a professional player and I suspect he greatly affected many others.

"I came later to appreciate he was not only the president of Ocean View Golf Club but he was on the first board of trustees for the Port Royal Golf Course, which was such a tremendous development for golf in Bermuda.

"Everyone knew he made a tremendous contribution to entertainment in Bermuda over the years and to tourism and he also made a lot of other contributions over the years."

Local historian and Government MP Dale Butler said it was important that the contributions of Hubert Smith be preserved for future generations. He said that Government is hoping to have a Hall of Fame which will undoubtedly include Mr. Smith.

Mr. Butler said he also collaborated with Mr. Smith extensively with the writing of the 1978 publication `Jazz on the Rock', profiling local musicians.

"He has a place in history as being a giant in the industry," Mr. Butler said. "From a historical point of view, he inspired the book. He will definitely be missed - but fondly remembered."