Rhonda Smith
Known For: Acting
Biography
Smith was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Her family moved to Montreal when she was a child. She and her three siblings were encouraged to play music and she began playing baritone horn, keyboards, guitar, and eventually electric bass. In addition to taking private classical training on upright bass, Smith attended McGill University in Montreal studying jazz performance. After gaining some experience in the local rock scene, she moved on to work with Canadian artists Claude Dubois, Daniel Lavoie, Robert Charlebois and James Blovin. She won a Juno award for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album", for her work with Jim Hillman and The Merlin Factor. While attending a music convention in Germany, Smith met Sheila E. and gave her a press kit after learning Prince was putting a new band together. Two months later, Prince called and Smith went to Paisley Park to record on the Emancipation album. Smith recorded and toured with Prince for almost 10 years. Other musicians she has worked with include Chaka Khan, Beyoncé, T.I., Erykah Badu, Lee Ritenour, Jeff Beck, and Terri Lyne Carrington. In 2000, she released her first solo record, Intellipop.
Filmography
2018
- Jeff Beck: Still on the Run as Self
2016
- Jeff Beck: Baloise Session 2016 as bass guitar
2015
- Life In Squares ... (Producer)
2014
- Jeff Beck - Live in Tokyo as bass
2009
2007
- Miss Marie Lloyd: Queen of the Music Hall ... (Producer)
2003
2001
- Teachers ... (Producer)
1998
- Prince: Beautiful Strange as Self
1959
- The Grammys as Self
1952
- Today as Self