LR Smith was born and raised in Cleveland and started playing piano at the age of five. He began formal training as a freshman at Cleveland State University. LR received his BA in music at Ashland University. He studied with Luba Deninzon at the Cleveland Music School Settlement.

LR has played with many local artists in bands of varied genres. LR has worked with Broadway star Helen Welch, International society pianist Peter Duchin, and glass harp bass player/vocalist Dan Pecchio, and played for many years with The Avenue, Jerry Bruno's most popular wedding band in Cleveland. He was the pianist for the "Mostly Jazz Mass" at Trinity Cathedral  for some 10 years.  LR is currently the music director at New Life Missionary Baptist Church, is a private piano instructor, and plays with several Jazz ensembles including Gateway Band.