JJSmith began his rock & roll journey on the highways and byways of Buffalo NY. After witnessing the British Invasion in the 60's, he knew at an early age that his passion for the music was deeply embedded in his soul.
Influenced by the prophets of rock he set out to live his dream!
He formed his first rock band "Transparent Days" in high school playing the dances and basements on the westside of Buffalo NY.
After a 9 year momentary lapse of reason, he survived the deep freeze of 77' in Buffalo, packed up and moved to the west coast.
Inspired by his dear friend John Swann's love for the music they founded "The Hellhounds" hard rockin' blues band in San diego and played venues the likes of O'Connells rock club, Bodie's, in the Gaslamp and Casey's in Pacific Beach to name a few.
Getting the blues bug, his wanderlust got the better of him and led him to Sarasota, Florida where he played with the "Mike Shannon Blues Band" at the World Famous 5 O'clock Club.
Returning to San Diego in 89', the guitarist sideman turned frontman and
gave birth to "The Kingpins Blues Band" playing the San Diego club scene until 96.' Moving to the entertainment capital of the world- Fabulous Las Vegas - he began writing his lyrics and music for his first CD project, "Innocent Bystander".
"Innocent Bystander's" concept is that we the people of the human race are in fact innocent bystanders to the world with all its mayhem and mystery.
We endure everyday at the hands of dirty politicians and warhawks who rape and pillage the environment and our lives while they tell us lies about God and government! It is JJ's hope that thru his lyrics and music maybe someday the people of the world will live as one! Sound familar?
