Allan Smith

With his songs selling more than 10 Million in sales, producer/songwriter/keyboardist Grip Smith is a known as musician’s musician. He’s a force to be reckoned with when it comes to pulling together and leading a band as Musical Director. It’s his technical musicianship that sets him apart and his services are so sought after.

A Pittsburgh native, Grip graduated from the Beckom Freeman School of Music. He studied classical piano from the age of eight and says he always knew he’d become a musician. He sharpened his skills performing in church, community choirs, concert jazz bands, and on the road with R&B groups. Along the way he became a fan of great jazz keyboardists like Herbie Hancock and Oscar Peterson.

In fact many feel this is why his transition into producing and composing music came so easy. Having amassed an impressive list of composing and writing hit songs he secured a publishing deal with Rondor that was confirmation his skill set is on point.

He has written and produced for LSG, Keith Sweat, Xscape, Silk, TLC, Immature, Dru Hill, Ol Skool and Sera; served as Music Director for Jagged Edge, Keith Sweat, Silk, Marcia Barrett (Boney M), Athena Cage, and Xscape.

As one of the top keyboardists in America, those who have benefited from his keyboard magic are En Vogue, TLC, SWV, Big Boi, New Edition, Tony Rich Project, Alexander O’Neal, Cherrell, SOS Band and Sleepy Brown.

When not on the road, Grip can be found in his studio composing and writing new songs.

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