Saw Johnny many times at Shane’s Supper club in Denver in the 60’s. Great man, musician and friend. He was friends with my dad, who was a great guitar player in his own right. My dad just passed in September 23, and hearing Johnny play, makes me really miss dad. Thanks Johnny for your beautiful contribution to life.🙏
I was the guy in the 3rd-from back row next to George Leech...still amazing memories and still one of the most talented guitarists of all time. RIP Johnny!
Love this! Mr Smith gave me my first teaching gig at age 17 at his store in Colorado Springs. I was too young to be aware of his legendary status because he was so modest. So to me he was just the nice old guy who owned the local music store. It was much later when I found out who he “really” was. But Johnny gave me my first professional job teaching drums to kids. I went on to play with Colorado bands like Opie Gone Bad and The Samples. Got my start because of Mr Smith. Beautiful man. Peace!
Anyone familiar with his recorded catalog, has to give it up for Johnny Smith. Harmonically sophisticated beyond his years, Johnny was shredding before the word was invented. Easily one of the best guitarists who has ever lived.
A grand grand man. And a remarkable musician. Spoke with him often on the phone, and really cherished the connection. A very droll, gentle funny man, and his humility was damn near intimidating. Not as if he did not know his own worth, but he was not one to blow his own horn. PS: That story about playing the cornet in an army band. Didn't want to be assigned to the motor pool, so he set out to to master the rudiments of the cornet in two weeks on the instrument. HELLO!
I started playing with his studio when I was 7 yo. He was sooo cool. I was in his honor band & traveled around Colorado as part of his seminars- best time of my life
Lovely video. My teacher was lucky enough to know him when he himself was coming up. Johnny Smith was one of the best to ever live. My heart feels full watching this.
Perhaps, my greatest guitar inspiration. I seen him perform in the late 60s, 70s and 80s when ever I learned he was playing. What a personal loss that I never took lessons from him?
that was great . thank you. I saw Smith twice in the late 70's in Denver. My guitar teacher studied with him. I have since gotten the Mosaic set. Great!!
In the early 60s, my dad took me down to his music store in Colorado Springs. I didn’t appreciate how well known JS was and was more interested in the drums in his store. Thanks for posting; interesting story and a few old memories along the way. Paul.
Johnny was awesome! Anyone know how much those old D'Angelico guitars sell for now, if there are any? I never see them anywhere or for sale at all. They are making them again now, but sadly, most are Chinese junk made overseas. Anyone know if they are making good ones again in the US at all?
Saw Johnny many times at Shane’s Supper club in Denver in the 60’s. Great man, musician and friend. He was friends with my dad, who was a great guitar player in his own right. My dad just passed in September 23, and hearing Johnny play, makes me really miss dad. Thanks Johnny for your beautiful contribution to life.🙏
sounds like you heard some good music coming up between this virtuoso and your dad .. fantastic
I was 8 yo & they let me sit in at Shaner’s with the trio… i used to fall asleep on my guitar cause I didnt want the night to end.
I was the guy in the 3rd-from back row next to George Leech...still amazing memories and still one of the most talented guitarists of all time. RIP Johnny!
Love this! Mr Smith gave me my first teaching gig at age 17 at his store in Colorado Springs. I was too young to be aware of his legendary status because he was so modest. So to me he was just the nice old guy who owned the local music store. It was much later when I found out who he “really” was. But Johnny gave me my first professional job teaching drums to kids. I went on to play with Colorado bands like Opie Gone Bad and The Samples. Got my start because of Mr Smith. Beautiful man. Peace!
The Samples! Nice.. my friends and I from CT and NY loved you guys
Anyone familiar with his recorded catalog, has to give it up for Johnny Smith. Harmonically sophisticated beyond his years, Johnny was shredding before the word was invented. Easily one of the best guitarists who has ever lived.
A grand grand man. And a remarkable musician. Spoke with him often on the phone, and really cherished the connection. A very droll, gentle funny man, and his humility was damn near intimidating. Not as if he did not know his own worth, but he was not one to blow his own horn. PS: That story about playing the cornet in an army band. Didn't want to be assigned to the motor pool, so he set out to to master the rudiments of the cornet in two weeks on the instrument. HELLO!
2 weeks? What? I can only learn one song in 2 weeks..
I started playing with his studio when I was 7 yo. He was sooo cool. I was in his honor band & traveled around Colorado as part of his seminars- best time of my life
Lovely video. My teacher was lucky enough to know him when he himself was coming up. Johnny Smith was one of the best to ever live. My heart feels full watching this.
Perhaps, my greatest guitar inspiration. I seen him perform in the late 60s, 70s and 80s when ever I learned he was playing. What a personal loss that I never took lessons from him?
This is the best video of Johnny Smith of his life in music...the best guitar virtuoso.
Johnny Smith s day is every day.He is my heroe...!!!!!
'heroe'
Excellent guitarist!!!
Thanks so much for posting this. I can't get enough of his playing. I don't know if he was camera shy but it's a shame there isn't more of it on here.
A true genius and inspiration.
Thank you so much for bringing attention to the life and guitar playing of Johnny Smith. What a great player!
Great video. I appreciate your uploading of this information about the wonderful Johnny Smith!
My inspiration since I was 15
that was great . thank you. I saw Smith twice in the late 70's in Denver. My guitar teacher studied with him. I have since gotten the Mosaic set. Great!!
Thanks for this (from Ireland) ... what an interesting life he led -one of THE top jazz players.
such a great documentary
I know many very advanced jazz guitarists who do not even know who he is. amazing.
Absolute legend
I remember Johnny as very humble and kind although very famous...
He was great.
In the early 60s, my dad took me down to his music store in Colorado Springs. I didn’t appreciate how well known JS was and was more interested in the drums in his store. Thanks for posting; interesting story and a few old memories along the way. Paul.
Beautiful - thanks for sharing.
What a star he was.How do you get in touch with his daughter,thanks.!!!!
Easy recognizable sound top guitarist
Most amazing Johnny Smith video that ever seen before. Thank you very much. 過去にこれほどジョニースミスについてのビデオがあったでしょうか？素晴らしい。感謝感激です！
Johnny was awesome! Anyone know how much those old D'Angelico guitars sell for now, if there are any? I never see them anywhere or for sale at all. They are making them again now, but sadly, most are Chinese junk made overseas. Anyone know if they are making good ones again in the US at all?
A genuine D'angelico will run you more than $10,000 if you can find one
Thanks Johnny
Love the first song playing in the background. Anybody an idea what it’s called?
At 4:05 is that an ES-335? Interesting to see him with that
double cutaway. I have his Mosaic box set. Fantastic.
You said he join the army and played Coronet. All of a sudden he's playing guitar in New York City? What the hell
Strange, how “learning” to play from radio, (and records), sounds so glib. Try doing it.