The latest recording, "Worship Beyond Church Walls" is probably the most publized for Richard Smith but not the first. In fact, his songwriting and creative
skills have been an integral part of his life as far back as he can remember.
Even before his conversion at age 18 Richard was writing songs, playing piano, writing poems, short stories, illustrating, painting and designing throughout his grade school years. Reared in Rockland County (approximately a 1/2 hour outside of Manhattan) he formed a singing group in High School called the "Baptist and Methodist Youth Singers". Comprised of his counsins, friends and schoolmates, the BMYS sang and toured their region inspiring other young people with soul stirring contemporary Gospel songs. Ironically, today as a school teacher and club advisor to young people Richard encourages young musicians to do the same.
Richard's conversion came in the summer of 1974 just as he finished High School and enrolled in College as an Art major. His 'calling' from the Lord to use music as a medium to witness to others came shortly after his conversion. He was listening to a song entitled "Tell Them" by Andrae Crouch and The Disciples. At one point the singer (Danniebelle) said "Tell then on the streets and on the highways,...compel then even on the byways,...tell then I can mend the brokenhearted & restore the ones who've parted,...and I came to let them know!" Just then something happened. The presence of God filled the room, Richard began to weep, shake and hear the spirit of God say "This is what I want for you and your life". Richards initial response was that of inadequacy. "How can I go when I'm not skilled, or trained or scholarly?" The spirit of God was insistent,...and so Richard said "Yes!'
Through his college years Richard joined campus singing groups such as "Hypernicus" from "The King's College" and "His Voice" from "Nyack College" gaining much knowledge about combining performance with testimony. Yet God's prompting was for Richard to venture out and use the songs God was giving him to minister to others.
The first Christian band Richard formed was called "Second Birth". The members included: Gary Smith, (Rich's brother) Iris Smith, (Rich's sister) Paulette Kee, (Rich's cousin) Pam Lima, Beverly Cox, Ronnie Harris, Yvette Moore, Paul Riley, Alan Green and Anthony Franklin. Their outreach was to local churches, jails hospitals and street meetings,...much like what 'Richard Smith and Friends' continues to do today.
In the eighties "Second Birth" evolves into "Ordinary People". The list of friends involved the included Charles Norfleet, Joy Norfleet, Ray Welch, Liz Welch, Anthony Franklin, Iris Smith, Dean Beaver, Clavin Waldron, Magdalena Santiago, Hiram Colon, Amy Smith, (Rich's wife) Arlene Whiteman, Ken Whiteman, Eva Evans, Helen Johnson and Jac Gnirrep. Added to their itinerary of outreaches was Christian Coffeehouses in New Jersey, Staten Island and Manhattan's Bowery mission area (known as the Apple's Core).
It was then that, the first recording "The Faith" by Richard Smith & Friends' got under way. Richard was out of work and focused his energies on recording the songs God was pouring out to him during that season. In an anxious frenzy over how to make ends meet God gave Richard the song "Yes I Can Do That' where he solicited the assistance of Suberta Roberson and the choir direction of Sister Lucy Warren. After the recording Suberta beacme a regular member of 'Richard Smith & Friends, and eventually throughout the years Hattie Lassiter, April Cobb, (Rich's cousin) Sharon Heller, Rev. Richard Briggs, Chris Heckler, Rene Simons, Arlene Whiteman, Hiram Colon, Chris Mangan, Guillermo Garcia, Bob Higgins, Diane Torres, Ruth Pierre, John Angiletta, Donna Harris-Gault, Jason Rodman, Tonette Smith, Esther Noel, John Moore, Dave Menageaux, Steve Cox, Peter Pandolfo and Scott Smith.
In 2002 'Richard Smith & Friends' released their 2nd CD entitled "Not Out Of The Race". This CD affirmed the Biblical principle that we are in the Christian race to the 'finish',...regardless of our setbacks. Inmates in partuclar love singing along with the chorus that says, "If I fumble, stumble flat on my face/I'm not out of the race!"
When "Worship Beyond Church Walls" became a reply to God's leading Richard knew he wanted a full choir, the help of younger/innovative muscians, Suberta to arrange the vocals and the choir to be directed by Sister Lucy Warren. The undertaking of a 'live' recording seemed so great that only prayer, fasting and listening for the Lord's instruction could possibly pull it off.
As is with most large capacity projects the behind the scenes events brought drama and spiritual attacks to the various choir members and musicians which only caused people to pray more. Some choir people experienced tragedy with their families, and some even experienced life-threatening health attacks. But the Lord wanted this worship CD under submission of His Lordship. That night, no one got glory for their efforts but God. His Holy Spirit took center stage and brought a unity that can only happen when He is at the helm.
Our current prayer is that the CD will reach and be heard by everyone God ordains to hear. What sort of blessings to follow is completely up to Him. We do believe that it will land in places far and near within the confines of the Lords perfect timing
and perfect will.
Read more...