Ladd Smith: A Blazin Fender Telecaster-style of Music

Ladd Smith, of the Nashville suburb of Hendersonville, was recently named Guitar Player Magazine's International Guitar Hero for 2007. Competing against thousands of guitarists from around the world, Smith was selected as one of only 10 players for the final showdown in San Francisco, performing in front of six world-renowned celebrity judges who had nothing but compliments for Smith as they named him the winner of the competition.

What made Smith, and his victory, so unique is the fact that, while he can play pretty much any style, he triumphed doing what he does best: playing blazin', chicken pickin', Fender Telecaster-style country music.

"I didn't even think I had a chance, and it was my fiancee's idea that I enter in the first place," Smith said. "I knew I would be going up against all these guys who shred (guitar lingo for guitarists who play hard rock at breakneck speed), and that's just not what I do."

Performing his original instrumental "Outrun the Train," which he composed when he was 15, Smith demonstrated what many Nashville musicians and songwriters already know: that he is a monster picker just waiting to be recognized. In addition to being a sought-after player for road bands and demo sessions, Smith is also a fine singer and songwriter who also owns his own studio, a studio that is now being revamped with the recording and computer equipment he won as the victor of the competition.

Legendary rock judges like Steve Lukather (Toto) and Elliot Easton (the Cars), as well as "shredders" like Joe Satriani and Nuno Bettencourt, gave the crown to Smith after all 10 guitarists turned in world-class performances. To say that the teary-eyed Smith was shocked as he accepted his award is an understatement.

"I never even expected to be there, much less to actually win," he said.

Smith was raised in Hendersonville at Argill's Music, the family music store. His upbringing, while normal to him, would be considered extraordinary to most. Customers at the store included everyone from members of the Cash family to Roy Orbison to Ricky Skaggs, and some of those stars were more than just customers, they were almost members of Smith's extended family. And Smith's godfather is legendary keyboardist Duane Hitchings, who played with Jimi Hendrix, Rod Stewart, and other legends of classic rock, and co-wrote many pop and rock hits as well.

After years of paying his dues, Smith said his time may have finally arrived. "Everything happens in God's time," he said, "and I believe everything's happening the way it's supposed to."

For more information about Ladd Smith, go to:
www.laddsmith.com
www.myspace.com/laddsmith

Article Written & Submitted by Rick Moore