This music world is about to get a music legend. Bobby Smith is a 24 year old Urban-pop funk Artist, who reins from Houston Texas
Bobby Soloman Smith remembers the moment he realized what path his life would take.
The young singer already knew he had inherited talent from his grandfathers, who dabbled in the mariachi and country-music genres during their youth. But it wasn't until Smith was a junior at Woodlands High School when he realized the full scope of his musical passion.
"We did a talent show. I did a performance to Como la Flor by Selena. A lot of people were freaking out because of a guy singing a Selena song. What's up with that?" recalls Smith, who graduated in 1999. "I had girls jumping up onstage dancing; I was throwing out roses. That's pretty much when it hit me."
After being spotted crooning a Bon Jovi tune in a karaoke bar (which he still occasionally does) Smith hooked up with manager Diana "Mama D" Liner, of Liner Entertainment Group, Inc.
She originally oversaw his career as part of local boy band E'ccentric, though Smith has now been a solo artist for almost three years and released his first official disc, Take a Back Seat, in 2005.
"It helps to have a manager. We have a really strong relationship," Smith says. "The thing with (Diana) — yeah, there's been business, but there's been more fun and family atmosphere more than anything."
Take a Back Seat is a slick collection of R&B-flavored pop treats and a nice showcase for Smith's versatile vocal style. Slow and Steady rides a shuffling party groove, and the wistful Alone builds to a dramatic pop climax.
The electro-tinged In My Eyes is a soulful ode to a perfect lover, and I'll Be the Wind is a power ballad of the first order. Smith even tackles Etta James' oft-covered classic At Last.
"I wanted (the album) to reflect something new and fresh and kind of get away from my past," Smith says.
The highlight of the disc is More Than That, a polished club track featuring Houston rapper — and platinum MTV star — Paul Wall. Liner made the arrangements, and the pair recorded the song last May.
The charmed connection didn't end there. More Than That is now set to be featured in the film Swap Meet, due in August. It stars Nelly and focuses on a group of colorful Los Angeles characters who rally to save a local flea market.
"That was the last thing on my mind, was meeting Paul Wall and recording that song," Smith says. "We laid it down within 45 minutes. I just got lucky.
"He told me, 'Just remember this Bobby: If you do make it, there's always somebody out there that's struggling. If somebody wants help, just be humble and help them. I'm just doing what I was supposed to do. I'm returning the favor.' I was part of that chain."
Smith hopes to translate that momentum into a record deal, and he is scheduled to tour Ireland in May.
"I want to go other places. I've always been in Houston, all my life. I just recently got back from New York, and I was a virgin there," Smith says. "I love my home, this is where I'm going to live for the rest of my life, but I want to go experience other things, and I want to write music and take it to other people."
"He is no stranger to the stage, once he opens his month, your frozen to his incredible hypnotic vocals" c. smith --Pasadena Citizen
"bobby has a bright future in the music industry" T. Long (Sony Music)
Bobby is currently seeking a record deal,, but until then he continues to write music and rock the stages all across the country doing what his does best. www.bobbysolomansmith.com
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