Bio

​​RONNY SMITH – Guitarist. Groove Maker. Jazz Luminary. Born in Baltimore, Maryland, Ronny Smith is one of contemporary jazz's best-kept secrets—and one of its most undeniable forces. A Grammy-considered guitarist with a signature sound that merges the silky soul of Nick Colionne, the finesse of George Benson, the slick polish of Norman Brown, and flashes of 70s funk à la Johnny "Guitar" Watson, Smith has carved out a distinct and dynamic lane all his own.

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Renowned jazz author Scott Yanow calls him "a mellow-toned, subtly creative artist whose groove-driven sound is making waves in contemporary jazz." That wave has become a movement. Over the course of his vibrant career, Smith has released a steady stream of unforgettable music since his 2001 debut Long Time Comin’. With albums like Laid Back, Got Groove, Simply Stated, Just Groovin’, and Can’t Stop Now, Smith has consistently delivered the kind of tracks that stick to your soul and make your body move. His Billboard hit single “City Groove” climbed to #1 on the BDS New & Active Smooth Jazz chart and reached #25 on the Billboard BDS Smooth Jazz National Airplay Chart.

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His 2020 release Raise the Roof, and the island-flavored Coastal Sunset (2021) pushed his creativity even further. With Struttin (2024) earning a spot in SmoothJazz.com’s Top 100 Albums of the Year and his latest release Cruisin (2025) currently sitting at #54 on the SmoothJazz Network Top 100, Smith continues to captivate new listeners while satisfying longtime fans. In a major nod to his growing influence, Sirius XM has licensed his full catalog for broadcast -cementing his place in the upper echelon of smooth jazz storytellers.

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A seasoned session player, Smith has worked alongside some of the industry’s top-tier musicians including Gary Lunn (Peter Cetera), Pat Coil (Michael McDonald), Craig Nelson (Ben Tankard), Dan Needham (Euge Groove), and Andy Martin (Gordon Goodwin’s Big Phat Band), among others. Whether on record or on stage, he is a master at crafting melodic atmospheres and electrifying grooves that leave audiences smiling, swaying, and always wanting more.​ Smith’s touring history is as global as it is impressive. From the U.S. to Germany, Holland to Bolivia, his genre-defying sets have graced major stages, and he’s shared the spotlight with legends like Donald Byrd, Bobby Durham, and The Marvelettes.​ His music has been described as both deeply expressive and joyfully rhythmic. His guitar sings, speaks, and grooves. Music journalist Brian Soergel (Jazz Times) wrote, "After hearing the first few seconds of Ronny Smith, you’ll feel the essence of Benson, Montgomery, and Pass. Their legacy is safe in his hands."

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Even when labeled a “tweener” by traditional smooth jazz gatekeepers, Smith leaned into his individuality, choosing artistry over algorithm. That decision has earned him a loyal global following and the respect of peers, critics, and fans alike.​ From the lush vibes of Coastal Sunset to the streetwise funk of Feelin’ Froggy and Blues Like This, Ronny Smith continues to redefine the possibilities of jazz guitar. His latest single, “String of Hearts”, is a no-holds-barred jam that’s lighting up urban jazz charts and redefining what smooth jazz can be.

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Ronny Smith doesn’t follow trends. He creates timeless moments. If you love instrumental music that blends sophistication with soul - and a guitarist who plays not just from his fingers but from the depths of his spirit - then Ronny Smith is your kind of artist.

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