SPIMUSICINC:
:::: Featured Artist of the Week :::: RATED REGGAE CROONER
Artist: JD Smoothe
Genre: Reggae/R&B/House/Soul/Lovers Rock
Born in Brooklyn, New York, John W. Lewis, a.k.a. JD Smoothe, was hailed as multi-talented from as early as five years old. Being the sole survivor of John and Elizabeth’s six children, “JD” was always mindful of his mission in life to be a singer in order to survive. At age 20, he performed at a talent show in Brooklyn at St. Gabrielle’s Church – winning first place in the competition. Encouraged by that response, he went on to perform at various concerts and shows throughout New York.
His hit, ”Earth Angel,” out on the “Joe Frazer” label in the U.K and his reggae remake of Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” can be found on the VP Records’ compilation CD entitled “Sweet Love 16.” He has extensive experience in performing R&B songs on the same stage with Burt Reid (Crown Heights Affair – Blue Magic – Harold Melvin and the Blue Notes – Jeffery Osbourne to name a few. JD’s newest single entitled “Letter To Myself” is on VP’s “R&B Hits-Reggae Style, Vol II.” On the “Total Satisfaction” label, JD’s “Jesus Loves Me” displays his love for gospel music. “Dark Skin Girls,” the hit single on Manila Jeepney’s label, features Jamaican DJ, Rusty Mac, and is still running well on the U.K. charts. All of this talent lets us know that JD is about to re-emerge with promising results. In 1991, he signed an agreement with the Coxsone Dodd’s “Studio One” label producing, to date, two CD’s – one of which is titled “JD SMOOTHE” featuring songs such as “I’m So Proud” and “ Old Man Say” on popular pre-existing Coxson tracks.
From the upcoming “Classics” project, songs such as “Queen of the Minstrel,” “Losing You” and a stirring rendition of Nat King Cole’s “Unforgettable” are all currently available. His 2009 album release “Smoothe Thoughts“ is produced by Sidney Mills, Barrington Bailey and Danny Miller for Living Room Records. This album features covers of various R&B songs from the 80’s. The album’s first single, “Do I Worry,” was released in July 2006. In addition to a number of previously released singles, his current Gospel album “JD Smoothe and Friends” on the “Wearl G” label.
In February 2007, JD was the winner of the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival competion in NYC – where he has performed in Mo -Bay with many international acts. In the past years he has shared the stage with acts as: Harold Melvin and The Blue Notes, Joyce Simms, Carolyn Hardy and Blue Magic. At Reggae Splash, he has performed with Buju Banton, Mad Cobra, Mikey Jarrett and Lady Apache. Since then, he has been headlining his own concerts in Boston, New York, the Caribbean and Miami garnering rave reviews and gaining a rapidly growing fan base.
JD’s musical inspirations come from a wide variety of songwriters and artists such as Gladys Knight & The Pips, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson, Luther Vandross and Sisqo. However, his all-time greatest inspiration is Stevie Wonder. At present, with the release of “Smoothe Thoughts” he has plans to tour Europe and will be seen in various venues across the USA this coming season. He is also currently in the studio recording fresh material for the masses.
