Based in the Washington D.C. - Baltimore area for most of his 40-year career, Smith played with many jazz greats including Dave Liebman, Herbie Hancock, John Abercrombie, Randy Brecker, Tommy Flanagan, Billy Eckstein, Astrud Gilberto, Freddie Hubbard, Herb Ellis, and Milt Jackson.

At age 8, Smith began taking drum lessons from local jazz drummer, Cootie Harris.

His father and Harris took young Smith to local jam sessions throughout Northwestern PA. His early influences included drummers Art Blakey and Philly Joe Jones.

In 2003, the electronic music artist Four Tet sampled, without permission, the Entourage composition, Neptune Rising, and used it as the basis for the hit single, "She Moves She."

He left Flack's band and returned to his home base in Washington D.C. where he performed and recorded with local jazz musicians.

He toured Europe and appeared with pianist Adam Makowicz at the North Sea Jazz Festival in 1986 and 1987 playing to large appreciative crowds.