Paul Smith

He was born in San Diego, California. After playing early on with Johnny Richards in 1941 and spending a couple of years in the military, he worked with Les Paul (1946–1947) and Tommy Dorsey (1947–1949) before moving to Los Angeles and becoming a studio musician.

Smith recorded frequently both with his trios and as a soloist. In addition he is featured on work of artists such as Dizzy Gillespie, Anita O'Day, Buddy DeFranco, Louie Bellson, Steve Allen, Stan Kenton, Mel Tormé and others.

Between 1956 and 1978, Smith was active as a conductor and pianist for Ella Fitzgerald.

Smith authored a number of educational books and CDs, most of which focus on explaining his particular approach to jazz piano. He was married for more than 50 years to singer and pianist Annette Warren, with whom he often appeared and recorded.