Bryan Simmons was born in Vallejo, California and raised in a culturally rich community of music and musicians. Vallejo is a town that changed the sound of music by embracing the Funk Era in the late 70’s with  music greats such as Sly and The Family Stone.

Bryan was born into a family of musical talent and developed an ear for music. His mother, Joyce Ann Gordon Simmons is a nationally known gospel recording artist, songwriter, publisher, and director of the Gospel Music Workshop of America. 

Church and gospel music has a big influence on Bryan’s playing and even his career as a pianist. He plays in various bands and at events in his home church, Revival Center Ministries (Vallejo Ca). 

Several local professional musicians in the Bay Area including Guy Artostuto, his first piano instructor and mentor, have also influenced Bryan as a musician; and also his College professors - Dr. Michael Zilber (saxophone); Erik Jekabson (trumpet); Jeff Marrs (drums); Sylvester Henderson (piano and voice); and Grammy award winning Trombonist and arranger Doug Beavers at Los Medanos College (Pittsburg Ca) where Bryan studies Jazz Theory, Composition, and Music Education. Bryan will continue his studies in the fall at San Jose State University. 

Bryan has begun to establish himself as an accomplished professional pianist in demand over the last two years - being spotted at various venues with a number of bands including the Jazz Cartel, The Quasar Quartet, The Adam Everett Trio, Tijay Star, and his own piano trio as well - The Bryan Simmons Trio. Bryan has also performed at Greater Bay Area restaurants such as Havana Sol (Vallejo, CA); Sticky Rice Bistro(Green Valley, CA); Favellas Fusion (Fairfield, CA); and Shutter Bistro (Brentwood CA).  Performances at wine vineyards such as Tarra Valentine's (St. Helena, CA); The Lava Vineyard (Calistoga, CA); and country clubs and hotels such as Green Valley Country Club (Green Valley, CA) and Hiddenbrooke Country Club (Vallejo, CA); Hotel Kabuki (San Francisco, CA) and The Union Hotel (Benicia, CA) have all become a part of Bryan's resume of performance activities. Bryan has performed at UC Davis, Cal State Sacramento, Cal State Eastbay, San Jose State University, and Solano College where he accompanies the Vocal Jazz Choir under the direction of Kristy Juliano.  

On a different note, Bryan enjoys his contribution to the community as Director of Music at Bright Futures, a Non Profit Growth and Development Center in El Sobrante, California. Bryan has taught, directed and arranged music for musical performances in the last two years for students between the years of five and sixteen years old.