Raymond G. Smith
Raymond Smith has been providing exceptional guitar and lead/back-up vocals for the tri-state area for over two decades.
 His musical career began at the age of 15 when he toured the United States with his first band, Brutus, and has consistently been with a band ever since. Known to many as “the little jukebox” and for his versatility, it is obvious why Raymond has been the “go-to guy” for providing substitute guitar and vocals to numerous artists and musicians.
Raymond has a remarkable ear for all musical styles. He can be heard crooning a Sinatra ballad with his velvety voice, or playing the big-band era and jazz, to rocking out the latest top 40 hits.
He has been a member of the following groups:
-
The Coup – soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, funk band;
-
Johnny O and The Classic Dogs of Love – soul, R&B, rock ‘n’ roll, funk band;
-
The Coalition – managed by Wilbert Heart of the Delfonics;
-
Shock Wave – funk band;
-
Brutus – funk cabaret band.
Raymond has played with renowned artists and band members including:
- Phyllis Hymen – recording artist with over 24 CD’s to her credit;
- Opened for Buddy Guy;
- Opened for Joan Jett;
- Opened for Tower of Power;
- International band – Better Days;
- Jerry Cohen – writer of Grammy-nominated “Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now”;
- Members of the bands for Bon Jovi, Boyz II Men, Delfonics, Michael Bolton, Patti LaBelle, Robert Hazard and the Heroes, Stylistics, and the Village People, among others.
He has played a variety of prestigious events and venues and for corporations such as:
Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA;
Baltimore Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD;
Bartenders’ Ball, Philadelphia, PA;
Benjamin Franklin Institute, Philadelphia, PA;
Binswanger International;
Channel 6 – WCAU-ABC;
DeBella DeBall, Philadelphia, PA;
duPont;
Franklin Mint;
GH Management;
Hahneman University Hospital;
Maryland State Fair;
New Jersey Meadowlands;
PA Convention Center;
Princeton University;
Revlon, New York NY;
Temple University;
Towson, MD Fest Fair;
Washington D.C. Convention Center.
After listening to this talented performer, it is hard for one to believe that Raymond is a self-taught musician with no formal training! With his versatile vocals and guitar work, he utilizes his God-given gift to bring you the funk and rock and roll.
|
