Born in St. Louis, Missouri, Smith studied music theory as a teenager and learned ukulele as a child before taking up guitar.

He spent his early career in territory bands, playing in groups such as Eddie Johnson's Crackerjacks, the Jeter-Pillars Orchestra, the Sunset Royal Orchestra, the Brown Skin Models, and Andy Kirk's 12 Clouds Of Joy.

[4] Smith enlisted during World War II and was stationed in Britain as a sergeant.

He produced two albums with R&B star, Loleatta Holloway for Aware Records of Atlanta, as well as two (one completed, but unissued when the label folded) with John Edwards, who later became lead singer of the Detroit Spinners.

[1] With Jo Jo Adams (featured vocalist with Floyd Smith's Combo) With Mildred Bailey and Her Oxford Greys With Krazy Kris / Chris Columbo and The Swinging Gentlemen With Wild Bill Davis Trio With Bill Doggett and His Combo With Dizzy Gillespie and His Orchestra With Al Grey With Earl Hines Swingtette With Andy Kirk and His Clouds Of Joy With Johnny "Hammond" Smith With Buddy Tate With Noble "Thin Man" Watts Quintet With Mary Lou Williams (featured pianist with Six Men & A Girl)