Todd Smith (singer)

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.

Not to be confused with James Todd Smith (rapper, a.k.a. LL Cool J) or Todd Smith (musician).

Todd Smith
Birth nameJames Todd Smith[1]
GenresCCM, Christian rock
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
InstrumentsVocals
Years active1997–present
LabelsCurb
Associated actsSelah, Allan Hall, Amy Perry, Nicol Sponberg, Melodie Crittenden
Websitetoddsmithonline.wordpress.com

Early life

Smith grew up the son of missionaries in Zaire, Africa (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) in a home built by his grandparents, who had been missionaries to the continent since 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 moved to Detroit, Michigan. Both Smith's grandparents died in Africa.[2]

Smith's family home burned to the ground when he was five. After the fire, his father felt a call to 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]

Smith has remarked that he 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 cardiac issues.[5] 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

Selah was originally formed by brother and sister, Todd and Nicol Smith, along with friend Allan Hall. Smith also worked on a solo project. His debut album Alive was released on August 10, 2004 with Curb Records.[6] 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.[7]

Smith continues to work with Allan 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
2016 There's a Light

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
2014 You Amaze Us

Compilation contributions
Released Song Album Label(s)
September 23, 2011 Broken Praise Music Inspired by The Story EMI Christian Music

References
  1. "Todd Smith". Christianmusiclighthouse.com. Retrieved April 10, 2012.
  2. Sunday Evening Praise. http://sundayeveningpraise.net/praise/selah.htm
  3. The Fish
  4. The News-Sentinel Archived January 11, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  5. 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.
  6. Curb Records. http://www.curb.com/artists/artistbio_T1.cfm?ID=154
  7. "NEWS: Selah's Todd Smith Chronicles Hope And Healing In 'THERE'S A LIGHT' August 26". The Gospel Music Association. August 17, 2016. Retrieved July 9, 2017.
  8. "'The Story' wins Dove Award for Special Event Album of the Year". World Vision. Retrieved April 28, 2012.
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