Sy Smith facts for kids

Sy Smith is an American singer, songwriter, and producer known for her unique style of R&B music. She has worked with many famous artists and has appeared on popular TV shows and in video games.

Early Life and First Steps in Music

Sy Smith grew up in Washington, D.C. Her music career started when she led a local band called "In Tyme". After graduating from Howard University, she moved to Los Angeles to follow her music dreams.

In Los Angeles, she quickly began working as a backup singer for major stars like Usher, Eric Benet, Ginuwine, and Brandy. She also toured for over a year with the legendary Whitney Houston. During this time, you could also see her on the TV show Ally McBeal as a regular singer with Vonda Shepard.

Music Career

1999–2003: Starting Her Solo Career

In 1999, Smith signed with Hollywood Records, a record label owned by Disney. She released her first single, "Gladly," which appeared on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. In 2000, she released her first album, psykosoul.

After leaving Hollywood Records in 2001, Smith continued to build her career. She wrote songs for the band Santana and started a monthly music event called B!tchcraft to feature other female singers and comedians. She also became a temporary lead singer for the British funk group The Brand New Heavies. In 2002, she released a shorter album called an extended play, or EP, titled One Like Me.

2004–2007: The Syberspace Social

In 2005, Smith started her own record company called Psyko! Inc. and released her second album, The Syberspace Social. The album included work with R&B singer Anthony Hamilton. She also released an updated version of her first album, called Psykosoul Plus, with extra songs.

During this time, Smith was also a backup singer on the popular TV show American Idol. She released her first live DVD, Sy Smith Live: Worship At The Temple, which was recorded at a concert in Santa Monica, California.

2007–2009: Conflict and Touring

Smith's third album, Conflict, came out in 2008. The main single, "Fly Away With Me", was a hit on the Adult R&B charts. The album was nominated for "Album of the Year" by Soultracks, a popular soul music website.

In 2009, she performed the classic song "The Look of Love" with the famous trumpeter Chris Botti. She toured with him in Europe and appeared on his concert DVD. Fans of the Saints Row video games might also recognize her voice as the character Aisha.

2010–2015: New Music and Tours

In 2010, Smith released a "best of" album called SyberSelects: A Collection of Sy Smith Favorites. She also toured with musician Mark de Clive-Lowe and the group The Foreign Exchange.

Her fourth album, Fast and Curious, was released in 2012. She continued to tour with Chris Botti as a guest singer. In 2013, she also toured as a backup singer for the French music star Johnny Hallyday.

2016–Present: Recent Albums

Smith released her fifth album, “Sometimes a Rose Will Grow in Concrete,” in 2018. Her sixth album, “Until We Meet Again,” came out in 2024.

In 2022, Smith performed in a special show that celebrated the history of jazz music in a neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Discography

Studio albums

• Psykosoul (2000)
• The Syberspace Social (2005)
• Conflict (2008)
• Fast and Curious (2012)
• Sometimes a Rose Will Grow in Concrete (2018)
• Until We Meet Again (2024)

Film, TV, and Video Games

Film and Stage

Television

Video Games

Awards and Nominations

Sy Smith has been nominated for many awards for her music and acting.