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Jeffery Smith was born on September 14, 1955 in Queens, New York and began honing his voice at a very early age, under the influence of his mother, a classical singer. At the age of 18, he moved to Los Angeles and worked as a singer, actor and artist, landing several bit parts in television, and film, while performing in the local clubs.

In 1980 he starred in the production of “Hollywood & Highland” and was awarded the coveted 1981 Drama Critic’s Award, from Drama Logue Magazine. Returning to New York in 1985, the baritone co-starred on stage in “Jesus Christ Superstar”, “Hair” and “Capitol Cakewalk”, as well as performing in most of the city’s major clubs through 1991.

By 1991, Smith’s visit to Paris lasted for 7 years and while working with Claude Bolling, he recorded four albums, had two world tours with the big band, sang commercial jingles, and was signed with Universal/Verve for a 3-album deal, all of which received international acclaim. His 1995 debut recording “Ramona” was dedicated to his mother, and his U.S. debut came in 1998 with the release of “A Little Sweeter” on the Verve label.

Jeffery Smith has worked with Wynton Marsalis, the LCJ Orchestra, Dianne Reeves, Kenny Barron, Regina Carter, Ernie Watts, Pete Levin, Winard Harper, Joe Lovano, Dee Dee Bridgewater and TK Blue. He was the founder of the jazz cultivation not-for-profit Tri-Loxodonta Productions, a not-for-profit music organization cultivating jazz in upstate New York. Vocalist Jeffery Smith continued to perform internationally and record until he passed away on July 5, 2012..

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