Kerry Marshall

Guitarist/Producer/Instructor

Kerry "2 Smooth" Marshall is a talented and celebrated guitarist, instructor, session player, social influencer, producer, artist developer and voting member of the Recording Academy. His unique, innovative and signature sound is one that is sought after by many all over the country. This North Carolina native began learning guitar at an early age, and immediately began a quest to make a difference in the world of music. After relocating to Birmingham, Alabama at the age of 11, he rapidly became known as a phenomenon in the region. In 2012, his band Nurdy Tunes, won first place in the Strange Arrange competition where they were awarded $10,000 and an opportunity to remake a live version of one of Musiq Soulchild’s records with him in studio. A driven perfectionist at heart, Marshall has been fine-tuning his craft for over 20 years. His musical style is influenced by guitarists such as Erick Walls, Tim Stewart, Kevin Wilson, John Mayer and Eddie "Spanky" Alford, yet infused with his own individual touch.

In November, 2013, Marshall made the cross-country move to Los Angeles where his career has really flourished. Marshall has had the fortuity to be a facet on the entertainment scene with many artists. Currently, he is Lead Guitarist for Melanie Fiona, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, V Bozeman and Sebastian Kole. The roster of performers he has graced the stage with is extensive and continues to grow, performing with legendary and rising star power artists like superstar Jason Derulo, 2 Chainz, film actor and R&B singer Tyrese Gibson, Ledisi, Ty Dolla $ign, Sean Kingston, The Roots, Michelle Williams of Destiny’s Child, Raheem DeVaughn, Leela James, Chrisette Michele, Musiq Soulchild, Anthony Hamilton, Jill Scott, Fantasia Barrino, Jacob Latimore, Kevin Ross, Chante Moore and many others.

2015 to 2017 have been his biggest years yet, having performed all over the US and internationally. Marshall went on tour with Ledisi, Raheem DeVaughn and Leela James in front of sold out crowds in 27 cities across the US. Following the tour, he traveled extensively through the US and abroad for shows with Jason Derulo and Ledisi. The international dates with Jason Derulo brought him to Morocco, Dubai, Malaysia, Malta, Hungary, Switzerland and Germany. Marshall has also toured with Melanie Fiona and done dates with several artists domestically and internationally. He has also played internationally in Beijing, Hong Kong, England, Canada and many other countries. Marshall has performed at countless world famous venues such as The Roxy, The Troubadour, Whiskey A Go Go, Hard Rock Cafe Los Angeles & Nashville, Club Nokia, The Mint, Hotel Cafe, The Hollywood Bowl and the Forum. Aside from touring, Marshall is also a session guitarist, having recorded in studio sessions for Chrisette Michele, Rita Ora, Emeli Sande, Mali Music, Ledisi, Michael Bolton and internet sensation James Wright Chanel.

Marshall has been featured in Guitar Player magazine, Electronic Musician, Soundtrack Entertainment, local newspapers in Birmingham, Alabama, several online outlets and blogs and has made television appearances on Good Morning America, in the TV series R&B Divas LA, Perez Hilton’s PerezTV, and Talk of Alabama. He has a significant online presence with over 2,600,000 views on his YouTube channel, and over 60,000 followers and subscribers on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram combined. He has several guitar tutorials on YouTube and Facebook which have earned him his audience along with many students all over the world to whom he teaches guitar.

2018 is a year full of promise for Marshall. Expanding his brand by launching an extensive R&B guitar workshop and appearing in advertisements, photoshoots, and receiving brand and endorsement deals with several companies has him excited for the next phase of his career. He is constantly cultivating his gift, and his humble demeanor paves a path for constant recognition.