Steve Smith

Born Aug 21, 1954 in Los Angeles, CA

At age nine, in 1963, Smith began studying the instrument in earnest with local teacher Bill Flanagan, who played in big bands in the swing era. Smith's early inspiration at this time was drawn from the great drumming stars of the big bands such as Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, Louie Bellson and Kenny Clarke, among others.

Smith performed in the usual school band program and garage bands while in his teens, but also began to broaden his performing experience by playing in a professional Brockton concert band and even the big band at the local college, Bridgewater State.After high school, Smith began studying music at the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston in 1972. There he received valuable instruction from such renowned teachers as Gary Chaffee and Alan Dawson. His drumming influences at this time came to include such notables as Tony Williams, Billy Cobham, Lenny White and Steve Gadd.

Steve was the drummers for the band Journey and also performed with these artists

Mike Mainieri's group Steps Ahead, Michael Brecker, Mike Stern, Ahmad Jamal, Jeff Berlin, Michael Manring, Stanley Clarke, Randy Brecker and the Buddy Rich Big Band.

Other steve Smith sites

The Steve Smith Hompage