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“This award is dedicated to the many generations of ancestors that made it possible to pursue a career in music and education. This Hall of Fame Inductee award is a snapshot of where I am in this endless and unforgiving journey. After many years of hard work, determination, perseverance, focus and consistency… The results in dividends have begun to cumulate and gain interest. Everyday I am humble, thankful, and grateful for all of the people and situations I have come across in my life. I have been fortunate to have endless support from GOD, family, friends, mentors, and amazing teachers. Being a musician is a privilege. It is my mission to be a blessing to the world through performance and in the classroom. My goal is to inspire the young generation to be their best at all times. My ultimate goal is to bring all people together through music. Peace, Diversity, Inclusion and Equality… Dare to dream…”
Grammy award winner Neal Smith was born and raised in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. Smith has been playing drums since the age of five. By the time he completed high school he had achieved a remarkable list of performance accomplishments and earned an impressive array of awards, scholarships, and honors. With the support of his family, Smith continued his studies at the Oberlin Conservatory of Music where he received a Bachelor of Music in Jazz Studies and Performance, the first African-American to earn a degree in Jazz Studies from the Conservatory. In addition to his academic training, Smith has studied with Paul Samuels, Greg Bandy, Vernell Fournier, Bruce Collie, and Gordon Gottlieb. He performs regularly in clubs and concert halls, at colleges and universities, and at U.S. and International Jazz Festivals.
Smith leads his own group, which performs original compositions as well as classic arrangements of jazz standards. He also performs regularly with internationally recognized artists and has shared the stage with the likes of Wendel Logan, Tom Harrell, Mulgrew Miller, John Hicks, Donald Byrd, Kenny Burrell, Sonny Fortune, Donald Walden, Eddie Harris, Isaac Hayes, Gary Bartz, BennyGolson, Donald Walden, Frank Morgan, Brian Lynch, Benny Green, Cyrus Chestnut, Frank Foster, Dewey Redman, Mark Whitfield, Ronnie Mathews, Rufus Reid, Wendel Logan, James Moody, Marlena Shaw, Charles Davis and Vanessa Rubin.
In 2024 Smith won a grammy performing with Imani Winds, Harlem String Quartet and A.B. Spellman for Best Classical Compendium. He also leads his own group, which performs original compositions as well as classic arrangements of jazz standards. Beyond performing, Smith loves to teach developing drummers. He is currently a Professor at Berklee College of Music and Longy School of Music. Recognizing the need for a record label that focuses exclusively on the production of jazz recordings, Smith founded the NAS label in 2004. Neal Smith endorses Sonor Drums, Zildjian Cymbals, Evans Drumheads, Vic Firth Sticks/ Brushes, Hamilton Stands and Axis Pedals. Passion for what he does is the driving force behind Smith’s success, and sharing this with his students, truly makes him distinguished.
Oberlin Conservatory of Music – Jazz Studies and Performance
Musician and Professor at Berklee College of Music and Longy School of Music