Today Bermuda is mourning the passing of Hubert Smith Sr. (pictured), one of Bermuda's pioneers and legends of the local music scene.

And last night tributes and well-wishes poured in to his family for the legendary musician, who was considered a ''true ambassador of Bermuda''.

Mr. Smith died suddenly yesterday of a massive heart attack, according to family members. He was 83-years-old.

And although Mr. Smith's family said they are struggling with the tragic loss, they are also celebrating his many contributions to shaping Bermuda's music scene and culture.

Mr. Smith 's daughter Velda Ming said she last spoke to her father the night before his passing and said she is coping with the shock.

"He enjoyed good health in his 83 years," she said. "Thursday night, I just spoke to him - he sang 'Happy Birthday' to me. And then around 2 p.m. today, they rushed him to the hospital. But he went peacefully - he would not have wanted to linger."

Mr. Smith, who has spent close to 70 years in the business, was by all accounts a hero in his own right throughout Bermuda's music scene.

He was a major influence in shaping the traditional sound of Bermudian music, such as calypso and jazz, and is probably most remembered for crooning 'Bermuda Is Another World', which he wrote in 1969.

But his dedication to the local music scene went far beyond his singing and song writing talents.

And last night, his family took the time to remember their "beloved Hubert", recounting a man who was humble, giving and "a true gentleman".

"I spent about thirty years with him working with his band The Coral Islanders," said his son George Smith. "He travelled extensively for the Department of Tourism spreading the culture of Bermuda to the US, England and Canada. He was a true ambassador for Bermuda.

"It goes without saying that we all loved him dearly and he was always giving of himself."

Mr. Smith said his father loved the traditions of Bermuda and tried to impart his love of the Island to all he came into contact with.

"He played in all the hotels of Bermuda," Mr. Smith said.

"Every Christmas he used to travel to the Brangman Home at 6.30 in the morning and play Christmas music for the elderly. He used to travel to all the schools playing for and talking to the children - he was a true gentleman, he never refused any charity work. You could never forget his warmness - it won't be the same without him, he was a real giant and he will be greatly missed."