Making his mark on the world in the gospel music and entertainment industry is Writer, Producer, and Music Director, Joe Smith. Joe brings an unusual mix to the gospel industry working behind the scenes on many projects bringing his creativity, expertise, and, anointing mixed with his own original sound
Born and raised in the rough, east side neighborhood of Detroit known as the North End, Joe, through the strength and protection of God was able to beat the odds by overcoming several obstacles such as the lure of the streets and the death of his 23 yr old mother when he was 6 yrs old. While many of his friends and family members were killed or are serving lengthy prison terms, Joe escaped the negative environment that surrounded him through music. Beginning piano lessons at the age of 10 and writing his first song at the age of 15, Joe has gone on to play keyboards and/or serve as the music director for many major gospel music artist such as Fred Hammond; Karen Clark-Sheard; the Whitfield Company; Kierra “Ki-Ki” Sheard; and the late Chris Jones. Joe is presently music director (MD) for Dorinda Clark-Cole and the Legendary Clark Sisters as well. He can be seen on their live DVD release entitled “Live-One Last Time”. Joe has lent his expertise to countless independent and local solo artists, groups, ensembles, community choirs, and stage plays, either playing keys, producing, writing, or arranging for them.
Joe’s passion for creativity and perfection has been lauded in the music industry as he was chosen to produce songs on the soundtrack for the Warner Brothers movie Deep Blue Sea starring Samuel L. Jackson and L.L. Cool J; and has also worked on the music score for the movie Nikita Blues a Showtime independent film. His production credits also include American Idol finalist Anwar Robinson and Tyscot recording artist Chris Jones and Word of Praise. As a writer, Joe has had the pleasure of writing on several Grammy and Stellar nominated projects. He co-wrote the mid-tempo song “For the Rest of My Life” on Dorinda Clark-Cole’s album entitled The Rose of Gospel which was nominated for a Grammy and a Stellar award; and he also co-wrote, along with Fred Hammond, the stirring worship song entitled “Worthy to be Praised” on the Singletons album entitled Better Than That, which was nominated for several Stellar awards. He also has a song that will be on the soon-to-be-released Dorinda Clark-Cole album called “It’s Ok”.
But Joe’s biggest passion is helping new artist realize their dreams. Says Joe “One of my biggest musical heroes is Berry Gordy…because even though he worked with established artist such as Jackie Wilson, his biggest accomplishment was taking raw, undiscovered talent, and making them icons…THAT’S what I want Soul Food Entertainment to be about”. As a result, Joe is releasing the much-anticipated CD entitled Transparent in March of 2008. Transparent embodies many of the issues, struggles, thoughts, and feelings that many Christians experience but may feel shy about acknowledging or expressing. To help express these ideas, Joe assembled together a group of psalmist and minstrels called The Joe Smith Project, and several new and up-and-coming artist. The first single from the album is called “Every Breath I Take” and features Kelli Kinney-Brownlee, who has sang background for such artist as Deitrick Haddon and Vannessa Bell-Armstrong. The CD also features several new artist currently under development by Soul Food Entertainment, including female vocalist Treena Lashelle and male vocalist Van Artis. Transparent will cover many genres from Contemporary Gospel to Neo Soul and promises to be a major tool of ministry and healing to all who hear it. In addition to music, Joe is also developing a stage play, a TV show and a documentary film. So.keep your eyes and ears open for more Joe Smith/Soul Food Entertainment projects in 2008/2009.
