John Smith:  

I go by Johnny Smith now. A big change huh? Please surch for me on yahoo. I think I'm on the first page. For Johnny Smith singing has always been a passion. Songwriter and self taught musician, Johnny began playing guitar at the age of 9 when, living in rural Missouri, he saw and heard Elvis sing ¿ Hound Dog¿ during a program ¿Aloha from Hawaii¿ on their family's one channel T.V. He grew up in Ventura CA where His early musical influences were The Beatles, Bob Dylan, Super Tramp and Tom Petty . At age 12 during a trip to Las Vegas, Johnny's guitar was left in the trunk of their car where it warped from change of climate. So consummate was he about music he continued to play the mangled instrument. His mother took him to a music store and bought him a Martin D-35 which he continues to play today. He played for his family and school talent shows as well as competing in the Horace Heidt Jr. and the Musical Knights Talent Contest at the Top of the Harbor in Ventura where he won the semi final competition. His high school years took him briefly away from this music as his interests turned to working, cars and military weaponry. He enlisted in the Marines right out of High School where he re-ignited his love while stationed in Okinawa. He wrote 12 songs that year at the age of 19. Inspired by his uncle Delaney(whom is the father of Michele Bramlett also class of 1980 at Ventura Senior High) and aunt Bonnie Bramlett of the 70's hit group Delaney and Bonnie (Only You Know & I Know, Never Ending Song of Love) and encouraged to sing with feeling, they composed three songs, (two with Delaney one with Bonnie) as well as a couple of recording sessions and once sang on stage with Delaney. Johnny played in three bands in the Los Angeles area, most notably LA Rain, before moving to the Bay Area in 1994 where he struck out on his own and formed a band called the Smithtones. After winning the r...Expand for more