Influential R&B Guitarist & Session Musician; Former Guitarist for Tony Toni Toné; Collaborator with Whitney Houston & Frankie Beverly & Maze
Jubu Smith Biography
John "Jubu" Smith is recognized as an influential and versatile R&B guitarist. Smith began his musical career as a harmony vocalist in his father's Oakland gospel quartet before expanding his role to include bass and guitar. He developed his skills through the Berkeley High School jazz program, and his first paid performance as a guitarist was a weekly engagement at Yoshi's at age 15. After graduating from high school, Smith was accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston with a full scholarship but chose to pursue a professional music career instead.
At 19, Smith began a decade-long tenure as guitarist for Tony Toni Toné, contributing to the group's signature rhythms and melodies. He had a longstanding connection with front man Raphael Saadiq, having grown up together in the local quartet circuit. Smith's musicianship led to demand as a session player, resulting in numerous collaborations with other artists. After his time with Tony Toni Toné, he joined Whitney Houston on a world tour, further establishing his reputation in the R&B and soul music industry.
For more than 15 years, Smith has maintained a presence on the international music scene, performing with Frankie Beverly & Maze and contributing to recording sessions for artists such as Luther Vandross, Mary J. Blige, Boyz II Men, Toni Braxton, George Duke, and George Benson. His session work also includes collaborations with Angie Stone, Deborah Cox, CeCe Winans, Hootie & The Blowfish, Alicia Keys, Chaka Khan, and Rahsaan Patterson. Smith has been described by collaborators as a significant yet often behind-the-scenes figure in popular music.
In addition to his collaborative work, Smith has pursued solo projects, leading soul-blues bands such as Legally Blynd and The Jubu Smith Experience, which feature musicians including his brother Eric "Pik Funk" Smith and Carl Wheeler. Smith also partnered with Grammy Award-winning drummer Calvin Napper and three-time Grammy-nominated guitarist and producer Charlie Hunter to create the groove guitar album "Jubu." Released on the Little Village label, the self-titled album highlights Smith's broad stylistic range and stands as a testament to his enduring influence on R&B and soul music.
Jubu Smith Videos
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What topics does Jubu Smith speak about?
Jubu Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include Music -
Where does Jubu Smith travel from?
Jubu Smith generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA, but can be booked for private corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. For more details, please contact an AAE Booking agent. -
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Jubu Smith is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Jubu Smith for your event is available upon request. Jubu Smith generally travels from Atlanta, GA, USA and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Burton Cummings, Ari O'Neal, The Marcus King Band, Mick Taylor and Mike Shinoda. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Jubu Smith for an upcoming live or virtual event.
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