Mama Jan Smith is an American singer, songwriter, vocal coach and Grammy-nominated music producer from Atlanta, Georgia, who founded Jan Smith Studios.
Mama Jan Smith | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Vocal coach, producer, singer, songwriter |
| Website | www |
Studio career
editMama Jan Smith began her musical career as a performer, singer and songwriter, releasing her first album at the age of 15.[1] She has recorded albums both as a solo artist and with music projects, including her 1995 solo release Rain on Rogue Records, and releases from the Jan Smith Band and the Eclectic Cowboys.[2][3] She also provided background vocals for Atlanta Rhythm Section on their 1997 release Partly Plugged.[4] As the founder of Jan Smith Studios, Inc. in Atlanta, Smith is a vocal coach/producer providing services for a wide range of vocalists, including Rob Thomas, Usher, Ciara, Sugarland, India.Arie, TLC, The Band Perry, Legarda, Drake, Justin Bieber and MattyB.[5][6] Smith has appeared as a guest on television and in documentaries, including Duets, Behind the Scenes, R U the Girl?, The Real Housewives of Atlanta, and in the documentary Justin Bieber: Never Say Never.[7][8][9] She also co-wrote and produced the Justin Bieber song "Where Are You Now?", which appeared as a bonus track on the Australian and Wal-Mart versions of the singer's debut album My World 2.0.[10]
Publications, organizations and awards
editSmith has written two books. The first, So You Want To Sing Rock-n-Roll, is a guide for singers who want to become artists. The second, Run The Other Way, is a compilation of her autobiographical writings on her spiritual beliefs.[11] In 2002, she teamed up with producer Huston Singletary to form Smith & Huston Productions, a production facility that worked primarily with unsigned artists to produce demos.[12] In 2010, she founded Plumbline Music Group with business partners Andre Young and Jeffrey Wooten. The company offers a range of music industry services, including production, marketing, management and legal representation.[13] In 2011 Smith, along with businessman Jim Ramseur, founded the Bridge Music Foundation, a non-profit that teaches aspiring musicians the business aspects of a musical career.[5]
Smith was inducted into the Georgia Music Hall of Fame on September 17, 2011, and presented with the Chairmen's Award.[3] Usher and Justin Bieber were present at the ceremony, joining her on stage.[14][15] She was also recognized by ASCAP, when she was honored in 2011 at ASCAP Rhythm & Soul's 3rd Annual Women Behind the Music Series.[16] She has served as a member of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, for 25 years, including as a trustee of the Atlanta Chapter, and is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Association International, and the Georgia Music Industry Association.[17] In 2005, she was named as a member of the expert committee for the Chinese Golden Disc Awards, awards that recognize artists, acts and members of the Chinese recording industry.[18] In 2012, Smith was nominated for a Grammy for the Diane Warren song "Born To Be Somebody."[19] Produced by Smith and co-produced by Brandon Hamilton, the song was part of the documentary Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, and earned a nomination for Best Song for Visual Media.[20]
References
edit- ^ "The Marietta Daily Journal - Behind the music Jan Smith earns her spot in the Georgia Music Hall of Fame". Mdjonline.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "Rogue Enterprises, Inc. - About". 2005-03-06. Archived from the original on 2005-03-06. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ a b "GA Music Hall of Fame Awards | The Backstage Beat Atlanta". Atlanta.thebackstagebeat.com. Archived from the original on 2012-04-29. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ Jan Smith. "Jan Smith - Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ a b "Justin Bieber + Usher to Honor Vocal Coach/Producer Jan Smith on Sept. 17 @ARTISTdirect". Artistdirect.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "Jan Smith". The John Jarrard Foundation. 2013-01-18. Archived from the original on 2011-10-15. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ Blazetrak. "Blazetrak". Blazetrak. Retrieved 2013-03-07.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Real Housewives of Atlanta: Auto-tune, acting & other annoyances". Atlanta INtown Paper. 2010-12-06. Archived from the original on 2012-10-12. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "Jan Smith on IMDB". IMDb. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ Ross, Kevin. "Justin Bieber'S 'Secret Weapon' Vocal Coach Jan Smith Talks About Prepping Teen Idol Bieber For His Rise To Stardomradio Facts". Radiofacts.com. Archived from the original on 2013-04-11. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ "Newest Inductee, Georgia Music Hall of Fame | Arts & Entertainment". Womenetics.com. 2011-08-23. Archived from the original on 2013-05-02. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "iZotope, Inc - Audio Processing Technology and Plug-Ins for Pro Tools, VST, MAS, Audio Unit, and DirectX". Izotope.com. Archived from the original on 2013-01-17. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ "JEZE December 2012". Digital.modernluxury.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "InfoStar Celebrity: Video - Justin Bieber Performs in Honor of Mama Jan Smith – Backstage Pics!". Infostarcelebrity.blogspot.nl. 2011-09-18. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ Justin Bieber & Usher Honor Vocal Coach Jan Smith (2011-12-20). "Entertainment Tonight - Music - Justin Bieber & Usher Honor Vocal Coach Jan Smith". M.etonline.com. Archived from the original on 2013-04-09. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "Backbeat: Janelle Monae, Jan Smith & Uwonda Carter Honored At ASCAP Rhythm & Soul Event". Billboard. 2011-11-23. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ GRAMMY.com (2012-10-09). "Jan Smith Is Atlanta's Secret Vocal Sauce". GRAMMY.com. Retrieved 2013-03-07.
- ^ "People's Daily Online - China unveils second "golden disc" award". English.people.com.cn. 2004-10-11. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ "Complete List of Nominees for the 54th Annual Grammy Awards | E! Online". Uk.eonline.com. 2011-11-30. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
- ^ "Brandon Hamilton's "Blue" Streak". Ascap.com. 2012-02-22. Retrieved 2013-03-08.
External links
edit- Jan Smith Studios
- Bridge Music Foundation Archived 2013-02-17 at the Wayback Machine