Jimi Smooth, born James Smoot, is an "Entertainer's Entertainer." A native Washingtonian and product of DC Public Schools, Jimi has been in show business and performing with a live band since he was 15 years old. He began singing on the street corner singing Doo-Wop in the 50’s. He was influenced by such legends as The Moonglows, The Drifters, and The Spaniels led by “Pookie” Hudson.
At the age of 17, Jimi became an usher at the Howard Theatre in Washington, DC, and was thrilled to be able to see the shows. Influenced by these shows, he fashioned his talent after the performers he watched and formed his own group, "Smoot & Wilson and the Dynamics Band.” The band began playing at some DC nightclubs including The Carnival Club and The Ebony. Jimi later joined DC's quintessential local band, The El Corols, which included trumpeter Joe Quarterman and guitarist Greg Gaskins.