Todd Smith (singer)
Todd Smith | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | James Todd Smith[1] |
| Genres | CCM, Christian rock |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, Songwriter |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Labels | Curb Records |
| Website | toddsmithonline |
James Todd Smith (who goes by Todd Smith) is a singer and founding member of the contemporary Christian music band Selah. Smith remains an original member since its founding in 1997.
Early life
In a home built by his grandparents, Smith grew up the son of missionaries in Zaire, Africa now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. His grandparents became missionaries to the continent in the 1930s. His grandfather worked as a dentist in the United States before moving to Zaire. Smith's father was born in Africa, but later returned to Detroit, Michigan. Both his grandparents died in Africa.[2]
At the age of five, Smith's family home burned to the ground. His father felt after this experience that he was being called into the mission field of Africa. Smith's father moved his mother, three siblings, and himself from Detroit, Michigan to Africa. His family remained there for the next eight years.[2]
His upbringing was strict, but Smith admittedly never questioned his Biblical teaching.[3] Smith gives credit for his music career to his missionary upbringing. “I've been singing in front of people since I was three,” he said. “My parents are missionaries. When we came back to the United States, we had to visit each church that sponsored us. That was a good training ground.”[4] Smith is married to Angie Smith and they have five daughters. Abby and her twin sister Ellie, Kate, Audrey Caroline, and Charlotte. Audrey Caroline Smith was born on April 7, 2008 and died a few hours later due to her heart rate being low.[5] Audrey Caroline is buried in Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens in Nashville, Tennessee.[6] Angie wrote two books called "I Will Carry You: The Sacred Dance of Grief and Joy" and "What Women Fear: Walking in Faith that Transforms".
Recording career
Outside of Selah, Smith took time to work on a solo project. His debut album Alive was released on August 10, 2004 with Curb Records.[7] The album steered from the common sound Selah offered, better known for well integrated harmonies, singing hymns and melodic ballads. A passion for the sound of rock music was more of what Smith had in mind when working on this album. Bands such as Boston, Foreigner, Journey, and Genesis influenced the sound in Alive. This has been his only solo release to date.
Smith continues to work with Alan Hall and Amy Perry, current members of Selah. Their most recent album, Hope of the Broken World, was released on August 23, 2011 with Curb Records. He recorded the solo song "Broken Praise" on the various artists compilation album Music Inspired by "The Story" and the album won the "Special Event Album of the Year" on the 43rd GMA Dove Awards in 2012. He performed the song on the awards show.[8] Smith wrote a song called "I Will Carry You" after Audrey Caroline died. "I Will Carry You" is dedicated to the memory of Audrey Caroline Smith.
Discography
Solo Albums
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Alive |
Albums With Selah
| Year | Album |
|---|---|
| 1999 | Be Still My Soul |
| 2001 | Press On |
| 2002 | Rose Of Bethlehem |
| 2004 | Hiding Place |
| 2005 | Greatest Hymns |
| 2006 | Bless The Broken Road - The Duets Album |
| 2007 | Timeless: The Selah Collection |
| 2009 | You Deliver Me |
| 2011 | Hope of the Broken World |
Compilation Contributions
| Released | Song | Album | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| September 23, 2011 | Broken Praise | Music Inspired by The Story | EMI Christian Music |
References
- ^ "Todd Smith". Christianmusiclighthouse.com. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
- ^ a b Sunday Evening Praise. http://sundayeveningpraise.net/praise/selah.htm
- ^ The Fish. http://www.thefish.com/music/reviews/11620546/
- ^ The News-Sentinal. http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20100217/NEWS01/2170314/1001/NEWS
- ^ Reported By Dennis Ferrier (May 13, 2009). "Nashville news story on baby Audrey Caroline: Woman carries child she knows will die". Benotafraid.wordpress.com. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ "Audrey Caroline Smith (2008 - 2008) - Find A Grave Memorial". Findagrave.com. Retrieved May 22, 2012.
- ^ Curb Records. http://www.curb.com/artists/artistbio_T1.cfm?ID=154
- ^ "'The Story' wins Dove Award for Special Event Album of the Year". World Vision. Retrieved April 28, 2012.