CHARLES SMITH, JR.

When destiny and musical genius come together, you get the embodiment
of a prodigy ahead of his time. Charles Smith, Jr., keyboardist,
organist, producer, and arranger cut his creative teeth in his
hometown of Southfield, Michigan. This Detroit-bred, classically
trained musician/producer began producing at the tender age of 15 for
local Detroit R&B and Gospel artists. Through his classical training
at Detroit's Center for Creative Studies, his piano technique and
theory was developed. After Charles earned a scholarship to Belmont
University, Charles began a major ascent from raw talent to seasoned
professionalism as a studio keyboardist and producer, and has afforded
Charles to accompany many artists on stages across the nation,
including CeCe Winans, Anita Baker, Mary Mary, and Marvin Sapp. He has
earned honors from Belmont University, The National Black MBA Society,
the National Association of Recorded Music Merchandisers, and the John
Lennon Songwriting Competition.

Through music, Charles has transcended genres, and has lent his gifts
to numerous charitable foundations, including the American Heart
Association, Musicares Hurricane Katrina Relief, the American Cancer
Society, the Rainbow Coalition, and four presidential voting drives.
He has spearheaded holiday food drives to benefit the less fortunate,
and has been a champion for environmental responsibility through
recycling programs. Charles believes "we have a privilege and an
obligation to use our gifts to enhance our world and our community."
It is through the philosophy of community service that Charles also
mentors aspiring musicians in professionalism, education, and musical
technique. Charles's commitment to excellence in music and production,
in addition to his spirit of humility in serving his community,
Charles is destined for meteoric success as a musician, producer, and
humanitarian.