Raphael

Born and raised on the South side of Chicago, IL, Raphael Smith has been blessed to overcome difficult situations and become successful. At an early age, the importance of having a relationship with God was instilled into him by his family. He comes from a long line of ministers including both of his grandmothers (pastors), his aunts (pastors and reverends), his father (reverend) and his mother (pastor), just too name a few. He began singing at the age of 3 and began playing for the church choir at the age of 7. Although he was raised by his mother, aunts, and grandmother, the absence of a father figure in his youth did not handicap him. He excelled in grammar school, skipping 7th grade to graduate early, and continued academic excellence by graduating valedictorian of all of the African-American students at his high School.Raphael is currently a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BA in Speech Communication. Raphael has accumulated national and international support via his music websites (www.soundclick.com/raphael, www.myspace.com/raphaelsmith), and has a substantial following in the Champaign-Urbana communities and the Chicagoland area. He is constantly developing his musical artistry with performances or appearances nearly every weekend. This producer, singer, songwriter has distributed three sample cds and is currently working on a professional project.From talent shows to musicals to weddings, Raphael has committed himself to share his God-given gift of music to encourage, uplift, inspire, and entertain audiences. He has recently moved to New York where he will continue the pursuit of his musical aspirations.Though he would eventually like to pursue a solo career in music, God has blessed him to be a member of the national recording gospel group, Cynthia Turner and Heartspeak, which is comprised of many other talented and anointed people from the Champaign-Urbana community.This humble man of God is always mindful to give praise and thanks to God for the blessings and favor God gives him. He strives for excellence in all that he does and his favorite quote is I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me. (Philippians 4:13 )