Hap Smith was born in a small log cabin. He grew up in Las Vegas, and studied music at both the University of Nevada at Las Vegas and the Berklee College of Music. In 1989, he moved to New York where he quickly established his reputation as being a versatile musician, touring and performing with a veritable who's who in jazz. Kennys first road gig was a world tour with The Ray Charles Orchestra. After leaving Ray Charles band, Kenny went on the road with legendary jazz drummer Panama Francis and The Savoy Sultans and soon thereafter, with The Jimmy McGriff Quartet. As a sideman, Kenny has also performed with jazz greats Wynton Marsalis, Jon Hendricks, The Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra, The Lincoln Center Afro-Latin Jazz Orchestra, Chico OFarrill's Afro-Cuban Jazz Big Band, Lionel Hampton, Charlie Persip and Supersound, Illinois Jacquet, Dr. John, Edy Martinez, Dr. Lonnie Smith, Reuben Wilson, Charles Earland, Tony Monaco, Clark Terry, Slide Hampton, Marcus Roberts, Christian McBride, Geoff Keezer, Richard Bona and a host of others.

He currently lives in Las Vegas.

He plays the guitar.