Born in Germany and raised in California, Reggie Smith Jr. first picked up the saxophone at the age of twelve.
At age 13 he performed his first solo, ‘Amazing Grace,’ at Greater Community Church, foreshadowing his upcoming experience as a gospel artist. At age 15, his family relocated to Mississippi where Reggie performed alongside Vinard Johnson as well as Twinkie Clark & the Clark Sisters. It was his biggest performance yet with 44,000 in attendance.
Before graduating high school, Reggie had the privilege of playing for Congressman Johny Isaccson. This opportunity led him to play for Wally “Famous” Amos which officially marked the beginning of Reggie's professional career as a musician. After graduating high school, he attended Alabama A&M University, where he majored in music education and led the saxophone section in the school’s marching band. During his time there, Reggie became a member of Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia Music Fraternity Inc and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.
Reggie formed the group "The VIP Band" who would soon be featured on his debut radio gospel single, “Walk with Me” off of his “Walk with Me” gospel album. Other than performing on WJAB, Reggie would give lessons around the city at Boy and Girls Clubs as well as private and public schools.
Reggie met Steve ‘Coolbone’ Johnson and began touring Eastern Europe and South American jazz festivals with Johnson’s band, ‘Coolbone Brass Band’. Upon arriving back in the states, Reggie was inspired to move to New Orleans, Louisiana where played with the #1 Zydeco Band, “Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers”. During this time, he went on tour performing in festivals in France, Switzerland and Brazil to name a few. While on the road, Reggie wrote and produced his first original album titled “Elephant Shoes”. After returning to the states, Reggie started his own live jazz band ‘Reggie Smith & The Smithsonian’s’. They released their album of jazz standards and New Orleans traditionals.
Reggie was discovered by Kirk Franklin’s House of Blues Gospel Brunch and was appointed Music Director under Ms. Linda Wright. He was inspired to combine his experiences and teachings in the form of an eBook and DVD titled: “Note Expression Explained”, which provides an easier way to play and understand the sounds and styles of music around the world.
Today, Reggie aspires to be a household name as one of the saxophone greats, changing the lives of others through his music.