JC Smith Band

Actor, guitarist and vocalist JC Smith is the winner of the 2024 Bay Area Black Music Awards Male Blues Performer of the Year, 2017 ECEM Male Artist of the Year, 2024 Bay Area Jazz and Blues Artist Lifetime Achievement Award, 2023 State of California Legacy Award from the State Legislature, Metro Newspapers’ Best of Silicon Valley Best Original/Local Band, and 2006 Bay Area Blues Society West Coast Blues Band of the Year Award winner.

Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, he is an outstanding performer noted for his energy and charisma. Prior to playing guitar, he was the drummer for the Back to Back Blues Band. In 2000, he emerged from behind his drums, armed with a Gibson 335.

J. C. attacks the blues as if he is being guided by the masters like T-Bone Walker, Albert King, and Johnny “Guitar” Watson. Recent records include Live With The South American Allstars (2019) and Love Mechanic (2015). Defining Cool (2009) was listed for the 52nd Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Blues CD, entered the Living Blues Radio Charts at #16, and was a “Pick to Click” on Sirius XM Radio. After 20 weeks on Roots Music Report, the CD climbed the charts to #25 nationally.

In 2004, Smith released That’s What I’m Talk’n ‘Bout, co-produced by Grammy Award Nominee Joanna Connor. This CD shows masterful songwriting, outstanding arrangements, and traditional quality. It features a host of Chicago players including Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, who worked with the Muddy Waters Band for 20 years.

2001 marked the release of Smith’s first effort, Midnight Creeper, which brought him international attention. Smith has toured throughout the United States, Eastern Europe, Mexico, South America, and Russia, to sellout crowds. Smith has work with and shared the stage with notable artist such as Hubert Sumlin, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Buddy Miles, Son Seals, Willie “Big Eyes” Smith, Pinetop Perkins, and many others. He is also known as radio personality Johnnie Cozmik on KKUP FM in Cupertino, Calif.  JC feels that his goal in life is “to keep the blues alive and take the message to the people.”