J. Wesly Smith

Cincinnati, Ohio State and Hippodrome Theaters. live stage shows genesis of James Wesly Smith's career. Piano- playing father, James, Senior, loosely affiliated with Cincy's King Records. Piano lessons, but not enjoyed. Wrote faith based songs in parochial school. Cut his first secular record in the '50s. Self taught guitar, then with a recording group. Sang-- with square notes-- in the Latin Rite Church choir Played clubs from 14 years of age. Grew up with neighborhood mentor Al McKay and Ray Jackson All three cut extensively for LA's labels. Switched to full time faith based music in 1980s. The St. Brigid Gospel choir grew to nearly 100 souls--an admixture expressing the ancient Latin Rite liturgy in a new fabric of African diasporic consciousness. For 30 years Smith trekked the 44 miles, freely playing for at the 10:30 Gospel Mass. Writes, produces, arranges an as an artist in various musical, film and television endeavors with the Church. Writing and producing faith- based Black Catholic/African Diaspora compositions, and screenplays now proves Smith's sole focus.