Artist Johnny Smith was born in Long Beach California in 1962. He began his musical life at a very young age. Born into a musical family, Johnny’s mother nurtured his vocal talents while his uncle and aunt, well known music icons Delaney & Bonnie Bramlett, provided musical mentoring and advice. But it was a televised performance of Elvis playing “Hound Dog” that truly inspired the 9 year old Smith to pick up the guitar and pursue a life of performance and by the age of 10, he was regularly invited to perform on stage with local professional musicians.
Johnny eventually relocated to San Francisco and formed Alias Smith, a roots/rock influenced band which took first prize in a regional Battle of the Bands competition. Alias Smith’s debut CD by the same name garnered much praise, and helped the band to secure an 18 date tour throughout Sweden and Finland as well as stage performances alongside such reputable artists as The Beach Boys, Starship, Maria Muldaur, and Roger McGuinn to name a few.
Wishing to further his musical vision, Mr. Smith became a solo artist and released the album “Just a Man”. Johnny’s maturity as a musician is realized as his sultry, soulful voice weaves throughout songs reminiscent of sophisticated blues melded with upbeat rock tempos. The hit “Love Is like a Rock” became #1 on radio request lines, and the song “Fortune Teller” received honourable mention in the Napa Valley Music Festival Song Writers Competition.
Johnny has won best performer 3 of 3 times at the Northern California Songwriters Association competition, and is a regular on live television and radio broadcasts.
Through all of his successes, Smith has never lost “touch” with his roots and still performs on the original Martin D-35 that he’s been playing since age 12.
Johnny's Aunt Bonnie Bramlett co-wrote and performs , along with Johnny's cousin Bekka Bramlett, on "Never Even Thought About It", track number 5 on the 2009 album "Gentlemen X"
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