Eugene Smith (singer) facts for kids

Eugene Smith (April 22, 1921 – May 9, 2009) was an American gospel singer and composer. He was a very important voice in gospel music, known for his unique singing style and his strong connection to the Roberta Martin Singers.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Eugene Smith was born on April 22, 1921, in Chicago, Illinois. His parents were very religious. He went to Wendell Phillips High School in Chicago.

In 1933, when Eugene was just 12 years old, he met Roberta Martin. This happened at the Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church. Eugene joined the junior choir, which Roberta Martin led. That same year, he became one of the first members of a famous group called The Roberta Martin Singers.

A Special Voice in Gospel Music

Eugene Smith sang with the Roberta Martin Singers from the very beginning. He stayed with them until the group stopped performing in 1969. This was after Roberta Martin passed away. Eugene often said that he and Roberta "went together like bacon and eggs." This showed how well they worked together.

Smith was famous for his special baritone/tenor voice. He had a unique way of singing songs. This style influenced many other gospel singers. Some of these singers included Professor Alex Bradford and Rev. James Cleveland. Eugene Smith was also known for his storytelling and short sermons during performances. These often deeply moved the audience.

Music producers often asked Eugene to record his own solo album. They also wanted him to start his own music group. But he always said no. He was very loyal to The Roberta Martin Singers.

In the early 1940s, Eugene Smith wrote a gospel blues song. It was called "I Know the Lord Will Make a Way, Oh Yes He Will." This song is still popular in churches today. In 1949, he also became the business manager for the Roberta Martin Singers. He helped them arrange their performances.

After the group stopped singing together, Eugene Smith continued to perform. He sang in and around the Chicago area. He also took part in many events that honored The Roberta Martin Singers. He celebrated other singers and musicians from the "Golden Era" of gospel music. He continued to do this until he passed away.

His Recorded Songs

Eugene Smith was a lead singer on many songs recorded by The Roberta Martin Singers. Here are some of the record labels they worked with:

Fidelity Records

• "He's All I Need" (1947)
• "Don't Wonder About Him" (1947)

Religious Recording Label

• "Pass Me Not O Gentle Savior" (1947)

Apollo Label

• "I'll Follow in His Footsteps" (1949)
• "Do You Know Him" (1950)
• "Satisfied" (1950)
• "I am Sealed (Sealed)" (1951)
• "I Wanna See Jesus" (1951)
• "Oh! Lord, Stand By Me" (1952)
• "Come in The Room" (1952)
• "After It's All Over" (lead shared with Roberta Martin) (1952)
• "I'm Too Close" (1952)
• "Let God Abide" (lead shared with Norsalus McKissick) (1952)
• "I'm Determined" (lead shared with Norsalus McKissick) (1952)
• "Shine on Me" (1952)
• "Keep on Trusting" (1953)
• "Is There Anybody Here" (1953)
• "Marching to Zion" (1953)
• "Shine Heavenly Light" (1954)
• "He's Using Me" (lead shared with Norsalus McKissick) (1955)
• "I'm Saved" (1955)
• "There Is a Man" (1955)
• "He's Always Right There" (1956?)

Savoy Label

• "Walk in Jerusalem" (1957)
• "Every Now and Then" (lead shared with Norsalus McKissick) (1957)
• "(Crucifixion) One Day" (1957)
• "Dark Hours" (lead shared with "Little Lucy" Smith Collier) (1957)
• "I Can Make It" (1958)
• "That Great Judgment Day" (lead shared with Roberta Martin) (1959)
• "He Laid His Hands on Me" (1959)
• "He Never Said a Word" (1960)
• "It's Gonna Rain" (1960)
• "He's Leading Me" (1960)
• "I Couldn't Hear Nobody Pray" (1961)
• "All Things Are Possible" (1961)
• "It Was the Blood" (1962)
• "Come Lord Jesus" (1963)
• "Didn't It Rain" (1964)
• "The Failure's Not in God, It's in Me" (lead shared with Norsalus McKissick, Gloria Griffin, and "Little" Lucy Smith Collier) (1964)
• "Standing on the Promises" (1965)
• "The God I Serve" (1965)
• "He's The One" (1966)
• "Saved" (1968)

Later Years and Passing

Eugene Smith passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was at his apartment in Chicago, Illinois. This happened on May 9, 2009. He was 88 years old.