It can safely be said that Jon Smith is a Gulf Coast music legend. Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jon, along with childhood friends Edgar Winter and Jerry LaCroix, formed the now legendary Edgar Winter’s White Trash band in the latter part of 1969. Though that band was only together for a too-short period of time, they left an indelible mark on popular music. Jon R. Smith's full, round tenor sax sound and his superb horn arrangements contributed greatly to the success of that group.
Also known as a member of Louisiana legends, The Fabulous Boogie Kings, Jon contributed greatly to the blue-eyed soul sound they popularized throughout the Gulf Coast.
For over 40 years, the unique and powerful sound of Jon Smith’s saxophone has been sought out by some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Edgar Winter’s White Trash band, Albert Collins, the Grammy Award-winning group Toto, Boz Scaggs, Philip Glass, Dr. John, Randy Newman, The Rascals, Sarah Vaughan, Johnny Winter, Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown, Doobie Brothers, and European superstar Peter Maffay, just to name a few.
A self-taught musician whose first job came at the age of 13, Jon plays as if he was born with the saxophone in his mouth. Some who have heard him play compare his distinctive rich, powerful and breathy sound to that of Gene Ammons, Plas Johnson and David “Fathead” Newman.
Jon has now released his self-titled debut solo CD, "Jon R. Smith", a rich collection of great classics that will touch your heart. Give it a listen today.