| About William Smith, Jr. & The Renewed Voices for Christ | Mr. William Smith, Jr. a native of Chicago born August 14, 1967, started his music career under the teaching and direction of his mother Mrs. Barbara Paxton-Smith and his brother pastor LaRue Franklin Kidd. At the age of thirteen, he began playing the piano at True Light Church-Baptist where his grandfather, the late B.F. Paxton was the pastor. As he advanced in his skills, there were numerous churches he worked with including: The Free Salvation M.B. Church (Pastor Winfield Phillips), New Birth Strong Hope (Pastor Ernest McDonald), and Mt. Pisgah M.B. Church (Pastor Joseph Wells) and Christian Fellowship M.B. Church (Pastor Joseph Rainey). In 1980, when he was only in the eighth grade, William’s adventures working with community choirs began. Under the direction of Mrs. Sandra LaChut and Pastor LaRue F. Kidd, he played the piano for Hyde Park High School Gospel Choir. However, by the time he became a student, the gospel choir had ceased to exist because most of the members and teachers relocated. The remaining choir members decided to reorganize the gospel choir and appointed William as their musician. Although the choir did various engagements, it was not until January of 1983, that the choir entered WJPC’s choir contest. The reorganized Hyde Park Gospel Choir won 4th place out of ten choirs, with the assistance of Minister Carey Borders and Pastor LaRue F. Kidd. After reentering the same competition the following year and winning 1st place, Hyde Park Gospel Choir became well known across Chicago land. The choir ceased after 10 years when most of the members branched out into other areas. In 1990, a group of Spirit filled singers from the Hype Park Gospel Choir felt the need to move on to further their gospel music. William was asked to fill the position as Minister of Music. With a willing heart, he accepted the position as Chief Musician, Music Coordinator and Teacher. One of the Hyde Park members Theresa Smith suggested, the group be called “The Renewed Voices for Christ” and it was so. Under the leadership of William, this ministry has flourish with many Spirit filled, fire baptized believers that enjoy singing for the Lord. This gospel music ministry has performed throughout the city of Chicago and its surrounding areas, traveling throughout the Midwest and Southern portions of the United States. On March 11, 2002, this ministry independently released its first CD “Just For You And Me”. On July 5, 2008, RVC released its sophomore independent project entitled, “He Reigns”. In August, 2009, William Smith, Jr. & RVC signed a promotion deal with Psalms Music Group, managed by James Harris. The sophomore project was then re-released and retitled, “Send the Praise Up”. William Smith, Jr. and the Renewed Voices for Christ has also had the privilege of singing with many great recording artists such as Kim Stratton, Walt Whitman, Aretha Franklin, Ethel Holloway, Mavis Staples, Pastor Maceo Woods and Pastor Ray Berryhill. Also sharing the stage with: The Mighty Clouds of Joy, Albertina Walker, Dorothy Norwood, The Christianaries, The Chicago Mass Choir, Reverend Reginald E. McCracken & the True Voices of Christ Concert Ensemble, Pharis Evans, Jr. & SWV, Malcolm Williams & The Voices of Great Faith, Mnister Cary Borders & The Voices of Progressive and so many others. Williams Smith, Jr. & The Renewed Voices for Christ was the featured choir on the “Oprah Winfrey Show” on November 15, 2005, accompanying the world-renowned poet, Maya Angelou, as she recited her work performed for the national “White House Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration”. RVC was one of the featured guests during the inauguration of the new ABC7 State Street Studio here in Chicago. In March, 2009, RVC was also one of featured guest on the “Bobby Jones Show” in New Orleans, LA. RVC also had the privilege of performing for the Annual Gospel Announcer’s Guild (GAG) Showcase in Cincinnati, OH at the Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention ‘09. On September 14, 2002, William Smith, Jr. received the ECC James Chambers “Founder’s” Award for Outstanding Community Choir Leader. On February 8, 2003, the 22nd Annual Chicago Music Awards nominated William Smith, Jr. & RVC for the “Best Gospel CD” in 2002. On June 8, 2003, Williams Smith, Jr. and RVC sang for the 19th Annual Chicago Gospel Festival and will be performing for the Gospel Music Workshop of America Convention in Nashville in August, 2008. William Smith, Jr. & RVC, a ministry with a vision and a pastoral heart for God’s people, they have come to realizes that “only what you do for Christ will last, BE RENEWED.” |
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