Tyrone Smith – Musician, Producer, Composer, Entrepreneur, and Activist
Dallas-born and New York-based, Tyrone Smith is a multifaceted musician, producer, composer, entrepreneur, civil rights activist, and advocate for positive perspectives. Born on March 18, 1986, Tyrone grew up in a family where music was more than a passion—it was tradition. From gospel solos sung by his grandfather after sermons to relatives who sang, played, and arranged, music shaped the rhythm of his childhood and inspired his earliest creative pursuits.
By the age of 11, Tyrone was playing piano, organ, and saxophone, immersing himself in the discipline of practice and performance. Though raised on gospel and R&B, his curiosity soon led him to explore jazz, funk, rock, and hip-hop—genres that broadened his musical voice and laid the foundation for his eclectic artistry.
He refined his talents at the prestigious Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts, where he performed in both the jazz combo and R&B ensemble. Under the mentorship of respected musicians such as Shelly Carrol, Roger Boykin, Jim Riggs, and Pat Franklin, Tyrone cultivated technical excellence and creative range. His talent earned him recognition through awards including DownBeat Student Awards, the NAACP ACT-SO Award, and a Wabash School of Music Scholarship. Determined to pursue music at the highest level, he moved to New York City to study at The New School for Jazz & Contemporary Music.
As his career unfolded, Tyrone’s skills as both a musician and producer brought him into collaboration with an impressive list of artists across genres. His credits include work with Al Jarreau, Reggie Workman, Joss Stone, Erykah Badu, Bernard “Pretty” Purdie, Benny Powell, Lonnie Plaxico, Musiq Soulchild, KT Tunstall, Charlie Persip, Roy Hamilton III, Ky-Mani Marley, Eliza Neals, and Kelly Wright, among many others. Whether performing or producing, Tyrone approaches each project with artistry, respect, and an ear for innovation.
In 2009, Tyrone signed with 18th & Vine Records, securing international distribution through Allegro Media Group. His debut album, Playing It By Ear (2010), produced by Grammy-winning veteran Jack Kreisberg, highlighted his skills as a primary artist and composer, with five original works and performances from esteemed musicians including Onaje Allan Gumbs, Vince Ector, Bob DeVos, Ron Anthony, Sarah Elizabeth Charles, Marcus McLaurine, and Ben Elliot.
Beyond performance, Tyrone has proven himself an astute businessman and visionary. He founded T’s Groove Inc., a production company that has become the hub for his solo projects and collaborations. Through this platform, he continues to merge artistry with entrepreneurship, carving out space for creative independence while maintaining strong ties to the industry.
Passionate about music, advocacy, and empowerment, Tyrone Smith embodies the modern artist: deeply rooted in tradition, yet forward-looking in vision. His journey reflects not only a life dedicated to sound but also a commitment to using his voice—both musical and personal—to inspire, uplift, and drive meaningful change.
