A musical Journey with Jazz artist Benny J. Smith

Bennie J. Smith aka "BENNY J" is a Danville, KY native raised simultaneously in Danville and Lexington, KY. He is the eldest of 4 born into the union of Bennie and Dolores Smith and is currently a Louisville, KY-based musician, vocalist, promoter, and event planner who has been in the entertainment arena for over 40 years. 

While growing up in the Charlotte Court housing complex, he developed his early interest in music while listening to the sounds of STEVIE WONDER; THE TEMPTATIONS; THE SUPREMES featuring DIANA ROSS; DIONNE WARWICK; MARVIN GAYE; and THE BEATLES. He learned to play the saxophone at Edna L. Toliver Elementary School in Danville under the direction of Mr. William Gravely. By the age of 14, he played his first professional gig at the old Boxing Ring. Later, he played with area bands: TOUCH of FUNK; VANISHING POINT; and SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION (currently called SCANDALOUS) and others. He decided to further his education and musical career and auditioned for the KSU Marching Band and was awarded a music scholarship.  Bandleader Reggie Calloway to form the hit techno-funk band, MIDNIGHT STAR. As a saxophonist and vocalist, he performs and records instrumentally and vocally. He had the BLESSED opportunities of being on the same billing with several national recording artists such as: MIDNIGHT STAR; S.O.S. BAND; READY FOR THE WORLD; ROGER TROUTMAN & ZAPP; THE DEELE; INSTANT FUNK BAND; CHOCOLATE MILK BAND; THE BAR-KAYS; SLAVE; EVELYN CHAMPAGNE KING; BOBBI HUMPHREY; CHANGING FACES; ALEXANDER O'NEAL; BRIAN O'NEAL; THE DAZZ BAND; and NAJEE.