These alluring qualities can only describe one man, E. Walter Smith. Born and reared in Shaker Heights, Ohio, E.'s relationship with music has been a never ceasing love affair. It all started while playing bass guitar with local bands in junior high school. During these years the song list ranged from Kiss to Cameo, giving a unique flavor to his style. In addition, his classmates included familiar names like, Gerald Levert, Jim Brickman, Kym Whitley (Oh, Drama, Sparks), Darryl "D Style" Swann (Macy Gray, Poetic Justice), Molly Shannon, Mike Ferguson (Levert, Rude Boys, Chakka Kahn, Luther Vandross, Sinbad), David Pogue, Steven Troy, and Chris Marcoux. As he began to focus on his vocal talents, his inspiration came from The Dazz Band, Cameo, Larry Graham, Al Jarreau, Journey and Kenny Loggins.
While attending the
University of Akron, E. was a distinguished voice in the U of A Gospel
Choir. Upon relocating to Atlanta, he was one of the original founders
of the young adult gospel choir at St. Anthony's Catholic Church and then
became the cantor for the Catholic Center at The Atlanta University Complex.
