Richard Smith was born on December 12, 1971, in Beckenham, Kent, England. Music surrounded him from an early age. His father, a guitarist and lover of Chet Atkins and Merle Travis, encouraged Richard to explore the instrument. By the age of five, Richard was already playing guitar with remarkable skill, showing an ear that could capture melodies almost instantly.
At just 11 years old, he had the life-changing opportunity to perform on stage with his idol, Chet Atkins, at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London. The performance left Atkins impressed, and it gave the young Smith recognition as a child prodigy with rare potential.
Quick Bio
| Full Name | Richard Smith |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | December 12, 1971 |
| Age (2025) | 53 years old |
| Birthplace | Beckenham, Kent, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Profession | Guitarist, Composer, Educator |
| Known For | Fingerstyle guitar, versatile repertoire |
| Height | Not publicly available |
| Marital Status | Married to Julie Adams (cellist) |
| Children | Not publicly disclosed |
| Net Worth | Not verified (from touring, recordings, teaching) |
| Residence | Nashville, Tennessee, USA |
| Official Website | richardsmithmusic.com |
Musical Influences and Development
Richard Smith playing grew out of his admiration for legends like Chet Atkins, Django Reinhardt, Jerry Reed, Joe Pass, and Merle Travis. He didn’t confine himself to one style. Instead, he developed a flexible approach, moving effortlessly from ragtime to classical, from jazz improvisations to folk traditions.
What set him apart was not just skill, but a near-photographic musical memory. He could listen to a complex piece once and reproduce it with precision. This ability allowed him to learn vast repertoires and build a career spanning multiple genres.
Career Breakthroughs
During the 1990s, Richard formed the Richard Smith Guitar Trio with his brothers, Rob and Sam. They recorded albums such as Welcome to Smithville (1997) and Strike It Rich! (1998), which showcased the family’s deep musical chemistry.
In 1999, Smith relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, after marrying American cellist Julie Adams. The move placed him at the heart of a thriving musical community and opened the door to collaborations with artists across jazz, country, and classical music.
One of his most notable groups in Nashville is the Hot Club of Nashville, a band blending gypsy jazz with western swing. Featuring players like John Jorgenson and Stuart Duncan, the group became a local favorite and reflected Smith’s love for diverse sounds.
Awards and Recognition
Richard Smith excellence has been recognized with several prestigious honors. In 2001, he won the National Fingerstyle Guitar Championship in Winfield, Kansas, cementing his place among the best acoustic players in the world.
He was also awarded Thumbpicker of the Year in both 2008 and 2021, and in 2009 he was inducted into the National Thumbpickers Hall of Fame. In addition, the Golden Thumbpick Award from the Association of Fingerstyle Guitarists celebrated his lasting influence in the field.
Signature Style
Richard Smith guitar playing is best described as a blend of technical mastery and emotional depth. He can command the stage with fast ragtime runs, switch to delicate classical melodies, and then surprise listeners with jazz improvisations. His performances often include percussive effects, using the guitar body as rhythm, adding texture and dynamics.
The range of his repertoire is stunning. He performs Bach, Django Reinhardt swing tunes, classic country, fiddle songs, and even pop hits — often within a single concert. This versatility makes his shows engaging for both casual listeners and dedicated guitar enthusiasts.
Instruments and Gear
Richard Smith is loyal to instruments that suit his versatile style. His main guitar is a nylon-string acoustic-electric crafted by luthier Kirk Sand, a favorite among fingerstyle guitarists.
He also plays Stonebridge steel-string guitars, praised for their clarity and balance. For amplification, Smith prefers AER amplifiers, known for producing warm, natural tones. He often uses D’Addario strings, which complement his precise playing.
Personal Life
Richard Smith personal life is closely tied to his music. His wife, Julie Adams, is a talented cellist who frequently performs with him. Their duo performances blend guitar and cello beautifully, offering audiences a rare combination of classical finesse and folk intimacy.
Although Richard is a public performer, he tends to keep his private life low-key. What is clear, however, is his love of community. Based in Nashville, he regularly performs at local venues, festivals, and international tours.
Age, Appearance, and Personality
At 53 years old, Richard Smith maintains the energy and passion of his younger years. While details like height and weight are not widely published, fans recognize his slim build, warm smile, and down-to-earth stage presence.
He dresses simply, often in shirts and jeans, letting the guitar be the focus. His approachable personality shines in workshops and meet-and-greet sessions, where he encourages aspiring players with patience and humility.
Net Worth and Career Earnings
Unlike mainstream celebrities, Richard Smith finances are not publicly disclosed. There are no verified figures for his net worth. What is clear is that his income streams include touring, album sales, teaching, instructional materials, and occasional endorsements.
Instead of chasing fame, Smith has built a sustainable career based on passion, skill, and loyal audiences. His focus remains on sharing music rather than financial success.
Online Presence and Social Media
Richard Smith stays connected to fans through his official website, richardsmithmusic.com, where he shares tour dates, recordings, and updates. He also engages audiences via Facebook and YouTube, uploading live performances and tutorials.
While he is not as active on platforms like Instagram or TikTok, his digital footprint reflects his priorities: genuine connection with guitar lovers and students rather than chasing trends.
Fun Facts
- Richard Smith could play entire Django Reinhardt solos as a teenager.
- At age 11, he stunned Chet Atkins by flawlessly performing Atkins’s own arrangements.
- He has performed worldwide, from small clubs to international festivals.
- Smith has a talent for mixing humor into shows, often joking with audiences while executing near-impossible fingerpicking.
- He once described his guitar as “an orchestra in a box,” reflecting his ability to create bass, rhythm, and melody at once.
Influence and Legacy
Richard Smith has inspired countless guitarists with his dedication to the craft. His teaching workshops give students more than technique; they encourage creativity, storytelling, and love for the instrument.
As fingerstyle guitar continues to gain global popularity, Smith’s influence ensures that traditions of Atkins, Travis, and Reed are not only preserved but also reinvented for modern audiences.
His legacy rests not just in recordings, but in the thousands of young musicians who pick up the guitar after seeing him perform.
Conclusion
Richard Smith is more than just a guitarist; he is a musical storyteller. From a child prodigy in England to an internationally respected performer in Nashville, his journey reflects discipline, passion, and authenticity.
Whether dazzling audiences with a Bach prelude, swinging with gypsy jazz, or playing tender duets with his wife, Richard Smith shows that the guitar can carry both heart and fire. His story is proof that true artistry is timeless — and his influence will continue to resonate for generations.
FAQs about Richard Smith
1. Who is Richard Smith?
Richard Smith is a British-born fingerstyle guitar virtuoso known for his mastery of multiple genres, including jazz, classical, country, and folk. He has built an international career as a performer, composer, and educator.
2. How old is Richard Smith?
Richard Smith was born on December 12, 1971, which makes him 53 years old as of 2025.
3. Is Richard Smith married?
Yes, Richard Smith is married to Julie Adams, a professional cellist. The two often perform together as a duo, blending guitar and cello in beautiful arrangements.
4. What guitar does Richard Smith play?
His main instrument is a Kirk Sand nylon-string acoustic-electric guitar, although he also plays Stonebridge steel-strings and uses AER amplifiers for live performances.
5. Where can I listen to Richard Smith’s music?
You can explore Richard’s albums on platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. He also shares tour schedules and recordings on his official website, richardsmithmusic.com.
