finetune artist: Mindy Smith

b. 1 June 1972, Long Island, New York, USA. This Nashville-based singer-songwriter grew up in Long Island, learning to sing from her stepmother, who was choir leader and music director of the church where Smith's stepfather was minister. She performed with a band while attending Bible college in Cincinnati, later graduating to the solo acoustic circuit after moving with her father to Knoxville, Tennessee. Her love of folk and bluegrass intensified in her new home and in turn inspired her own songwriting. In 1998, Smith moved to Nashville and began performing on the local club circuit. A charismatic live performer she soon attracted the attention of several major labels but, despite signing a publishing deal, held off committing herself to a recording contract. Smith made a notable appearance on the 2003 Dolly Parton tribute album Just Because I'm A Woman: The Songs Of Dolly Parton, covering Parton's country standard "Jolene". Shortly afterwards she signed a contract with the independent label Vanguard Records and began work on her debut album, sharing production duties with Nashville veteran Steve Buckingham. One Moment More, which was released in early 2004, more than lived up to the hype that had surrounded Smith following her appearance on the Parton album. Drawing from the rich tapestry of folk and country tradition, with a dash of Nashville slickness thrown in for good measure, startlingly mature and heartfelt odes such as "Come To Jesus", "One Moment More" (about the death of her stepmother), and "Hurricane" helped elevate Smith above the ranks of other up-and-coming singer-songwriters.

Listen to Mindy Smith at Finetune.

Come To Jesus
One Moment More
Falling
It's Amazing
Raggedy Ann