He was born in Buffalo, N.Y. into a musical family. His family had a singing group and a radio show. Smith credits his mother as a major influence in his musical career, introducing him to gospel, classical and jazz music. As a young man in the 1950s, Smith sang in several groups including the Teen Kings. Music store owner Art Kubera gave Smith his first Hammond B3 organ.

From his early years with George Benson to present day performances and recordings, Lonnie has acquired critical acclaim for his brilliant work in the jazz world. He earned the moniker "Dr." from his fellow musicians as a tribute to his ability to 'doctor up' their music when they had problems.

After recording several albums with George Benson, Lonnie became a solo recording artist and developed a career that has produced over 30 albums under his own name. Several legendary jazz artists have joined Dr. Lonnie Smith on his albums, including Lee Morgan, David "Fat Head" Newman, King Curtis, Blue Mitchell, and Joe Lavano among others. Lonnie has performed at the major world jazz festivals with Dizzy Gillespie, Grover Washington, Jr., Ron Carter, Lou Donaldson, Jimmy McGriff, Frank Foster, Leon Thomas, Willis Jackson and other prominent jazz artists. His extraordinary range has also included performances with the rhythm and blues greats Gladys Knight, Dionne Warwick, Etta James, Esther Phillips, the Impressions and the Coasters. Dr. Lonnie Smith's album, Lenox and Seventh Avenue, recorded in Paris, has become a classic jazz tour de force.

In addition to his recording talents, Lonnie is truly a dynamic performer who regularly tours throughout Europe and the Far East. He has a vibrant energy to his music which he plays with imagination and taste that has earned him respect from fans and peers wherever he performs.