Carly Thomas-Smith

MyGen Profile GeneratorHailing from the Twin Cities area in Minnesota, Singer-Songwriter-Actress Carly Thomas-Smith grew up surrounded by the rich musical legacy of the Minneapolis Sound. She learned the ropes in the Minneapolis club scene, soaking up the influences of local artists, especially the dynamic vocalist Debbie Duncan. While still a teen, she put together her own band and landed a regular gig at a jazz club. Taking advantage of all the Twin Cities had to offer, Carly also cut her teeth on the stage, being cast in many local theatrical productions. At 17, she moved to New York to attend Sarah Lawrence College on a music scholarship where she studied vocal performance and theatre with some of the most esteemed teachers and artists from Manhattan. After graduating from Sarah Lawrence, Carly settled in New York City and performed at such prestigious venues as Birdland, the Rainbow Room and The Plaza, just to mention a few. Her career shifted gears when she was cast in the Broadway production of the Tony Award winning musical RENT. As an active member in the Broadway community, Carly proudly became a member of the acclaimed Broadway Inspirational Voices, a gospel choir comprised of Broadway singers, and performed with them at several marquee events, including the Tony Awards. Seeking sunnier climates and broader career opportunities, she relocated to Los Angeles, CA. In L.A., Carly solidified her place in the entertainment industry as a singer, actress, and songwriter. Her television appearances include 'Friends', 'Two and a Half Men', 'Enterprise', and 'Deadline'. She returned to the stage in 2004 as one of the leads in the U.S. premiere of the musical 'We Will Rock You', based on the music of Queen. As a vocalist, she’s performed with Patti Austin, Ali “Ollie” Woodson of the Temptations, Phil Perry and Tamyra Gray, as well as many local artists and corporate bands. She had the honor of being seen and heard on the Grammy nominated live CD/DVD 'Don Grusin’s: The Hang', performing with a group of legendary jazz musicians including Dave and Don Grusin, Lee Ritenour and Harvey Mason. As a budding songwriter, Carly was blessed to place 'In Time', a song she performed and co-wrote with the talented William Hanford Lee (aka Papalee), in the movie 'Hustle & Heat' starring Vivica A. Fox. Currently, she’s performing at private events, awaiting the festival premiere of 'A Detective Story', a film she recently wrapped, and planting seeds for her upcoming recording project. Ever on a quest to grow artistically and professionally, she’s determined, in the words of one of her idols, Teena Marie, to always “keep my irons in the fire.”