Gayla Smith

Singer/songwriter/performer Gayla Smith encompasses the honesty, maturity and compassion that are making its way back to the mainstream with such artists as Norah Jones, Sarah McLaughlin, Mary Chapin Carpenter and K.D. Lang.Gayla grew up strongly influenced by the sounds of Chrissie Hynde, Carole King, Todd Rundgren, Grand Funk Railroad, Billy Holiday, Diana Ross, The Doors, Dusty Springfield, Peggy Lee, and a string of other greats that helped to mold her eclectic taste.Raised in Ohio, Gayla began her performing career as a child. “My parents bought me an accordion and put me in every talent show.” Although it was clear to Gayla that being an accordion player was not her destiny, it was also clear that being a musician was. Over the years she has gigged for politicians, churches, roadhouses, benefits, TV. And radio shows, parades, theatres, and places she doesn’t even like to remember.She learned at an early age that the love of music was not enough to make it as a musician. After studying voice and classical piano, Gayla graduated in Cincinnati, Ohio with a BA Degree in Music Performance. She then went on to take private lessons in jazz piano, voice; bass guitar and guitar becoming more and more accomplished in a variety of idioms.In 1990, following a six year stint as designated performer for the Governor of Ohio and his guests (which included the likes of Pete Seeger and Arlo Guthrie), Gayla moved to Milwaukee to work for Hal Leonard Publishing, the world’s largest print music company. While residing in Milwaukee, she studied guitar with one of Milwaukee’s most acclaimed and accomplished guitarists, Doug Boduch of the rock group Decammeron, began to compose prolifically, and co-produced original music with Ian Spanic of the Spanic Boys, and Mike Hoffmann, nationally known composer, guitarist, and producer.Fast-forwarding to 2007 Gayla returned to, and is currently living in Ohio, where she works as a freelance musician, actress, visual artist and composer. She has performed in Key West, Washington D.C., New York City, Los Angeles, Nashville, Chicago, Columbus, and Milwaukee. Her recordings demonstrate her strengths as a vocalist and a songwriter. “When I write, I always try to maintain an element of simplicity with my lyrics, but my own complex feelings drive the message. I think of myself as a music novelist.”The past few years have brought out her artistic abilities in more visual ways. She has become a sculpter and a prolific colored pencil artist. Her work has been exhibited at Mac Worthington's in Columbus, The Works in Newark, and WJD's Hair design in Buckeye Lake, Ohio. She is currently developing a catalog of functional, wearable items bearing her original designs.For more info: www.gaylasmith.com