In college, I started listening to secular music – people like Shawn Colvin, Patty Griffin and then later on, Sheryl Crow and Alanis Morrissette. I loved the authenticity of their lyrics. It was good to branch out and listen to other writers, other singers …
I listen to everything. I love Sting. I love Coldplay. I like the Beatles and I listen to a lot of the old jazz vocalists. I’m just fascinated by music.
In Christian music, there were several women who really paved the way. Amy Grant. Margaret Becker. Susan Ashton. People who were really successful, really strong and influential in the contemporary Christian world
Jami Smith grew up in the small town of Chickasha, Oklahoma. She proudly recalls her life as a kid on a farm running with abandon through golden wheat fields, riding ATV's with her brothers and singing at church.
These small town values have shaped who Jami Smith is today. Often recognized as one of the leading worship leaders of our time, a moment with Jami Smith will never reveal her significance in the world of music, in particular "worship music."
"When I was a student at Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, OK, I had the choice to pursue music or sports," Smith says. "I wanted to be the next Amy Grant until one day one of my mentors said 'I think God told me that you are a worship leader.' He got my attention. At that time, a worship leader was always male and stood in front of the church singing traditional hymns. I couldn't dream that I would be that. God began to show me what this meant. I felt like God was telling me to start singing songs to Him. So, instead of emulating wonderful women who had impacted me (Amy Grant, Margaret Becker etc.), I starting writing and singing songs that were true to who God was calling me to be in the world of music ."
For over 15 years, Jami Smith has traveled the world using music as a tool to connect people to a loving and merciful God. "When I take the stage, if I give you ME, then I cheat you but if I set the stage for you to converse with your creator then that is success."
Smith's songs are played on radio stations around the world.
Your Love is Deep is a favorite for churches.
Salt and Light from her 2002 release "Wash Over Me" hovered at the top of the charts and is still widely played.
Faith in You her title track to her 2008 release was named one of the top Worship albums of '08 by Christianity Today. The title track was featured in Oklahoma City's St. Anthony Hospital holiday commercials. This project received several Addy Awards in '08 & '09.
Hope of All the Earth, Jami's Christmas album was noted once again by Christianity Today as "something of a revelation. An excellent Christmas project...with originals like 'Draw Near Emmanuel'_ and 'Birthday of the King' shine with resplendent harmonies similar to Alison Krauss. Hope could well be Smith's best album."
Jami Smith's life was changed because of significant teachers who took the time to care. "My high school music teacher said to me 'You could really do something with music if you settle down and focus.'
The miracle is not only did someone take the time to tell me but that I actually listened. I could go through my life and rattle off scores of selfless teachers who have been a part of who I am today."
Jami has hosted her annual Oklahoma City You Dreamed for Me Christmas Concert to Oklahoma educators. A community favorite with the support of community, business, religious and political leaders. Jami hopes that this effort to honor teachers in her home state of Oklahoma will spread to every state in some way. Let's take time and say "thank you" to a teacher. Hear Jami_s song You Dreamed for Me by going to her store. All of her music is also available for download on ITunes.com.
What others are saying about Jami
“Jami Smith is becoming one of the essential worship leaders for those looking for mostly original songs that draw the listener into closer communion with the Lord.” - Russ Breimeier, Christianity Today
Jami Smith has a gift. Her music is soulful and straight from the heart. She sings with passion and a genuine joy about the kingdom of Christ.” – Joni Eareckson Tada
"Jami Smith is one of those rare people -- creations or gifts from God if you will -- who explodes on stage with ultimate musicianship, singing, ministry and blessing yet at once remains quietly profound and naturally lovely." - Jon Rivers, KLOVE Radio
Video –
experience Jami in a variety of settings by going to her video catalogue
Discography: Follow the Leader 1992; In the Shadow 1994; Come Unto Me 1996; Soul Thirst 1997; What I Know 1998; Mysterious Love 1998; Jami Smith 1999; Home 2001; Wash Over Me 2003; Breathe Deep 2003; Bravo God 2005; Hope of All the Earth 2005. Faith in You – April, 2008 - Other CDs featuring Jami Smith: Passion “Better is One Day”; Orange WOW Worship; Open the Eyes of My Heart Vol 1 & 2; Millennium Worship; Beyond Sight; World Vision Anniversary CD; Living Proof; Women in Worship/Beth Moore Ministries.
Faith in You
Jami Smith (Spring Rain Ministries)
Christianity Today
Breimeier: I've long admired Jami Smith as a worship leader who is equally comfortable with writing for the church and the radio, with an earthy pop style reminiscent of Jennifer Knapp. But this album pleasantly took me by surprise, not only because of the album's decidedly more folk/country sound, which really suits her, but also as a thoughtful example of the effective use of lamentations in worship. Written in response to grief, the songs are very simple and plainly stated, yet say so much—almost like a mantra to remind us of God's faithfulness and remind us of his comfort when he may seem far away from us.
Farias: Faith in You is one of those quiet wonders that take careful listening before they can be truly affecting. Smith is a forceful, commanding worship leader, but here she scales things back and creates something so sparse and unassuming that it's almost an antithesis to her explosive rock-chick output heard ..fforts. That's precisely the point: these are songs of worship to be sung over the people—warm, reflective pieces that help worshippers ponder God's supremacy and constancy even in times of trouble. "Let Your Kingdom Come," in particular, is the type of comforting piece that fits the uncertainty of the times like a glove, reminding us of ways we can still pray and have hope even when things look bleak or uncertain
"Failure to execute" is one of the biggest problems in organizations today. Many people confuse activity with accomplishment. They talk continually, hold endless meetings, and wonderful plans, but in the final analysis, no one does the job and gets the results required.
Jami Smith, You are invited to Alyssa Duke's Broadway camp!!! June 29-July 3, 09; 8:00am - 3:00 pm. Camp fee: $100 per person. Instructors: Alyssa Duke & Cody Carlton Students will learn song and dance numbers, as well as stage acting techniques. At the end of the camp, students will perform their show for all friends and family at Downtown Gadsden's First Friday.
DANCE CAMP: July 6th & 7th, 09; 8:00 am - 12:00 pm. Camp fee: $45 per person. Instructor: Alyssa Duke Students will learn the basics of ballet/contemporary and jazz. They will work on techniques, learn new choreography, and learn some of the hottest new leaps and turns.
Hey Jami, How are you? Forget that i asked you to make me an accompinament of the song Find A World. I found it online and I have it now. I have to sing on tuesday May 26th one week from this next tues. I am really nrevous I always get stage fright. Will you pray for me? There is also alot of things going on with my family at home. Also, my job is losing kids and not getting of business because of the economy. So please keep me in your prayers. I hope that you are doing well. I hope to hear from you soon. Write me back as soon as you get this. Love in Christ, Lacey
Just wanted to say sorry to hear about the loss of your friend. I hope and pray that God would put his hands of comfort on you and that family at this time.
I wanted to say too, I have some of your music and really enjoy it alot.
I have your Wash Over Me album and I must say that is probably one of my favorite worship albums I have.
Just saw you were on, so thought I would say hello and hope everything is going good.
Hey Jami, how are you? Could you make me an accompaniment of your song Find A World? I am singing that song on May 26th at my recital for my voice lessons. I need to have it by monday. Let me know if you can and i will give you my address so you can send it to me. Write me back as soon as you get this. Lacey
