ABOUT JOHN AND JSM
John Smith. If you are from the Middle Tennessee area and do not recognize his name, you will most likely recognize the entertainment and promotional services his work provides to the Music City.John has never had to look a good opportunity in the eye twice. His ability to “go with his gut” has opened innumerable doors- making him largely, the “go-to” marketing person for much of the Nashville area.
John Smith Marketing specializes in flyer distribution, graphics and printing and the creation of t- shirts, professional business cards, brochure designs, posters, book covers, flyers, postcards, DVD covers, billboards, vehicle wraps, web design, banners, signs and over a million specialty items.
John was the promotional director for Street Flavor Records on Music Row in the early 90’s where he coordinated promotions for varied Country, R&B and Rap labels. As John Smith Inc. grew, he became the catalyst for urban events in Nashville. He promoted events for highly recognized artists, including, 2 PAC, Morris Day and the Time, Bone Thugs in Harmony, Dru Hill, SWV, the Def Comedy Jam Tour, Master P, Wu-Tang Clan, Luke, 2 Short, Outcast, Prince, Usher, Mary J. Blige, Janet Jackson, TLC, Jeffrey Osborne, Stephanie Mills, Angela Winbush, Chris Brown, Bow Wow, Young Buck, SOUL FOOD FESTIVAL, Anthony Hamilton, Charlie Wilson, Johnny Gill, Fantasia, Maxwell, Jill Scott, New Edition and others. John promoted the Janet Jackson Velvet Rope Tour. HBO Def Jam Comedy, Tyler Perry play, Marriage Counselor and Madea’s Big Happy Family starring Tyler Perry. Founder of STREETNIC, Founder of The Music City Hair Battle. John promoted locally for Don King Productions Inc. He was key in promoting the SHOWTIME fights at the Nashville Arena, a huge success that created many more opportunities. For more than 10 years John has handled the design, marketing and promotion for the annual African Street Festival in Nashville, TN, the marketing for the Annual Southern Heritage Classic Football Game for Tennessee State University and Jackson State in Memphis Tennessee.
John’s long list of client projects is impressive and includes many popular booklets and programs as well printing for major political candidates. His company is an approved vendor for Nashville Metropolitan Government and Tennessee State University. If you are in politics, John Smith Marketing is your one stop shop. He printed over 1 million campaign flyers for Bernie Sanders and over 20,000 Trump signs for Republican Parties. John also plans tour packages for large groups. In 2009 and 2013 John planned a bus tour to President Barack Obama’s inauguration in Washington DC. He transported over 500 people. John organized the entire tour, everything from buses to hotels. In 2017, John transported over 150 people to President Donald Trump’s Inauguration.
John has spent his entire adult life showcasing major talent, but in recent years, he has gotten some of the spotlights. In 2008, he was interviewed in a Rolling Stone Magazine Article about Kanye West and Jay-Z and the music business. He was featured in a 2017 H.B.O. Vice News Documentary on the Inauguration of Donald Trump. He was featured in a second HBO Vice News Documentary on The First 100 Days of President Donald Trump.
John has seen major success; however, he stays grounded and an active, reliable part of his community. He sits on the board of the American Marketing Association. He is also a member of the National Association of Black Journalist, NAACP, the Tennessee State Alumni Nashville and National Chapters, and an active member of Born Again Church.
