Sy Smith
Sy Smith has an impressive career. As a much in-demand vocalist, Sy has gained as much respect behind the scenes as she has on stage. Her musicianship has attracted the attention of fellow artists such as Whitney Houston, Macy Gray, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Me’shell N’degeocello, DJ Quik, Eric Benét, Ginuwine and Brandy who recruited her to sing background vocals on various television shows and tours. She has appeared in tv commercials (e.g. Gap, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola) and regularly sang with Vonda Shepard on the FOX television series “Ally McBeal.” In addition, Smith shares the vocal spotlight with legendary singer Al Green performing the title song to the hit drama “Soul Food.” Sy pushed her own boundaries by serving as musical director for BET’s spoken word series, “Lyric Café.” Currently, Sy can be seen and heard in the latest seasons of FOX’s wildly popular series American Idol as a backing vocalist in the house orchestra.
Born in New York, raised in Washington, DC. and drawing on a wealth of influences; Sy was exposed to a diverse musical palette at an early age. She studied classical piano for most of her childhood and early teens, and later found a musical outlet in the school choir. Smith went on to attend Howard University earning a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Music Therapy (magna cum laude).
Soon after graduation, Smith’s musical aspirations began to swirl – she joined a local all-female band. With encouragement from fellow musician-friends, she packed up and moved to LA, hoping to get a toehold in the business. Studio sessions and local clubs allowed her to have her voice heard, and luckily, producer/songwriter Sauce (Somethin’ For The People, Will Smith) was listening. Sauce summoned her for vocal and writing sessions, pushing her to develop her own skills as a producer; Sy was a quick study! She quickly went on to write songs for artists in various genres including Santana, Mya, Me’shell N’degeocello, and Gerald Albright.
She has since released 3 CDs independently to critical acclaim (“One Like Me”, “The Syberspace Social”, “Psykosoul Plus” and most recently the top-selling “Conflict”) and a live DVD (“Worship At The Temple – Sy Smith Live”). In 2001, she was nominated for an Emmy for her writing contribution to “Welcome Back All My Soulmates”, the opening title theme of HBO’s Dancing in September. In 2007, Sy was elected to and now proudly serves on the Board of Governors for NARAS’ Los Angeles Chapter!
