Mama Jan Smith is an American singer, songwriter, vocal coach and Grammy-nominated music producer from Atlanta, Georgia, who founded Jan Smith Studios.
Studio career
Mama 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
Smith 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]
