joelesmith.com

For more than 30 years, Joel Smith has been serenading the music and gospel music industry with his own laid back, in the pocket, lock, grove and bottom musical style. Born in Oakland, California, the eldest of 5, Joel has ministered to many with his God given “Talent of Music”. His mother, Feddie Hawkins-Smith (sister of Bishop Walter Hawkins and Edwin Hawkins) and father, Elvis Smith, knew something was special about their son, Joel. He was always getting in trouble for hitting everything with butter knives and sneaking tree branches (as drumsticks) in the house because of his uncontrollable urge to play beats in his room upon his Tonka trucks and other toys. At church, his mother was not able to keep Joel still, because he had to be with the musicians and on the organ with his uncle Walter.

Bishop Walter Hawkins, Edwin Hawkins, and Daniel Hawkins were the first musical influences in Joel’s life. His uncles nurtured the “talent”, God had placed in him. They took Joel around with them everywhere they went. Another very important influence in Joel’s life, was Carl Lockett, famous electric guitar player and stepfather. At the age of 12, Joel discovered that he could play electric bass as well. Joel started his professional career at the tender age of 13 when he appeared on Edwin Hawkins, Grammy Winning “Wonderful” album. Some of Joel’s other musical influences included, Chuck Rainey, Anthony Jackson, Gaylord Birch, Eddie Bayers, Verdine White and Rusty Allen.

When Joel was 42 years, God blessed Joel with a family. He met his wife, Alicia Bradford, in 1996 while they were both recording in the studio, and married her 5 years later, after seeing her only, that one time. Joel Jayden Jr. was born in 2002 and has made his life complete. Being a father of 4; Harwell Lang, TiAna Hester, DeShaun Hester and Joel Jayden-Errell Smith Jr. (3 step-children and 1 biological).

Joel places an emphasis, and leads by example of how a Godly home should be. Blessed with musical talents, God has added the Ministry of Marriage to his plate. Joel says, “Keeping these priorities in perspective and in this order, you can’t go wrong”.One of The Smith’s Family scriptures is Matthew 6; 25-34.