Born in 1971 in Beckenham, England, Richard started early and first picked up the guitar at the age of 5 with his father teaching him his first chords and songs.

After some early solo performances and six years of working as a trio with two of his brothers, Rob and Sam in the 90's, Richard moved to Nashville, Tennessee in January 2000.

In 2001 he won the National Fingerpicking championship and has since forged a career as a solo artist, performing all over the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and Brazil, releasing solo records, duet and ensemble records.

Constantly touring with a repertoire of fingerpicking classics, Richard plays originals, fiddle tunes, blues, Joplin rags, jazz standards, classical repertoire and everything from pop to Sousa marches.

He has also performed or recorded along the way with Chet Atkins, Les Paul, Tommy Emmanuel, Suzy Bogguss, Steve Wariner, Jimmy Fortune, Earl Klugh, Martin Taylor, Joscho Stephan, Sam Bush, Stuart Duncan, John Schneider, Lee Roy Parnell, Brent Mason, Rory Hoffman and a host of others.

“The most amazing guy I know on the guitar. He can play anything I know, only better.”
Chet Atkins, CGP (music legend)

“If you like my playing, you should hear Richard Smith! The world champion!”
Tommy Emmanuel, CGP (two-time Grammy nominee)

“Guitar playing at its finest. Don’t miss this one.”
Doyle Dykes (thumbpicking wizard)

“He is one of the world’s greatest guitarists.”
Muriel Anderson (All-Star Guitar Night)