Worship Leader and Recording Artist Kenny Smith is a favorite of Gospel music fans and fellow Gospel artists alike. His exceptional vocal talents and superior musicianship have caught the attention of top sacred artists such as Jonathan Nelson, Jason Nelson, William Murphy, Earnest Pugh, Kim Burrell, Travis Greene and many others. In addition to being tapped as a musician, the Rhythm of Gospel Award Nominee is known as a premiere worship leader and has two albums under his belt, Songs of the Heart and 2015’s Billboard-charting My Life, His Lyrics. Now the psalmist returns with a brand new project entitled Transformation, releasing on July 14, 2017.
Transformation is not just the title of the new record; it reflects the artist’s new outlook, primarily due to experiencing a miraculous healing. “When My Life, His Lyrics was released, I was diagnosed with stage 3 cancer,” recalls Kenny. “It was quite difficult deciding what route I should take concerning treatment. In the process, I lost about 100 lbs. The day that the album came out, my physician was uncomfortable with my test results and decided to do a biopsy. The results of the biopsy were not good and doctors said that I needed to take radical, immediate steps for treatment. I was very apprehensive about what they were suggesting. But I had a number of pastors praying and I had my team praying. When I went back to the doctor, they saw where the previous 25 spots had been, but the cancer itself was gone. I refused to believe that God had brought me to a place of understanding Him to simply take me out of here. It was simply a miracle.”
It wasn’t just Kenny’s health that was transformed, his entire life was in transition at the same time including his personal life, his career and his ministry. With gratitude in his heart, Kenny delivers the 15 tracks that make up the album, Transformation. The lead single is an inviting praise anthem called “My Heart Sings”. Perfect for Sunday morning praise teams, the track celebrates the song of the Lord. Kenny says, “Most of the record was written while I was in church. I was sitting at the keyboard before Bible Study and melodies just start coming. It happened so fast. I literally penned the song in 10 minutes. I knew it had NOTHING to do with me,” he shares. In addition to “My Heart Sings”, fans of Smith’s ministry will enjoy songs like the new track “Come By Here”, which includes excerpts of the familiar church song, “Come By Here” (or “Kumbaya”). Smith turns it into a powerful praise and worship anthem. “Faith” flaunts a classic, soulful vibe and features the dynamic vocals of popular lead singer Blanche McAllister-Dykes. Christian Urban Artist Reggie Rocc and fellow Gospel artist Shellea Wade tag team on the uplifting “I Believe”. Another favorite is sure to be Chad Chambers’ song, “Pour It Out”. Tracks like “It’s Me” and “Only Just To Worship” place the believer at the feet of the Savior. The project ends with a special treat. Renowned preacher and pastor, Bishop L. Spenser Smith lends his musical and preaching talents to the ballad, “Do It Again”, leaving the listener inspired at the conclusion of the soul-shaking project.
Fellow artists have been celebrating Transformation. Travis Greene says, “Kenny Smith is both anointed and creative. His ability to captivate an entire room with his gift is nothing short of amazing.” Bishop L. Spenser Smith says, “In this hour, true Kingdom music that fuses the passion for God, clarity of thought and creativity of lyric and sound are hard to come by. Fortunately, God raised up Kenny Smith for such a time as this to fill in the gap! This project is what we’ve been needing.” Kenny Smith and his anointed group of singers are sharing the Transformation message up and down the East Coast. The tour kicked off in Charlotte, NC, on Sunday, July 2nd. The tour will be headed to Charlotte again on Saturday, July 8th at the Life Center followed by a stop at Smith’s home church, Victorious Believers Ministries in Columbia, SC, on Friday, July 14th. He will also be ministering in song at the Ramp Church International in Lynchburg, VA, on Saturday, July 15th and at Christian Outreach of the Piedmont in Statesville, NC, on Sunday, July 16th.
The fact that Kenny Smith is profoundly gifted is no surprise considering his upbringing. His father was his pastor and his mother was his minister of music. A classically trained pianist, his mother was also a music teacher. Kenny started playing when he was 4 and began reading music at the age of 5. He honed his musical skills outside of the church when he attended a performing arts school as a youth. He also played for choruses and began playing for churches at age 11. Since the age of 15, he’s held the title, minister of music. Gifted with the ability to write God-focused songs, Kenny started performing as a solo artist in 2009. He decided to hold a small gospel concert that year. Little did he know that just one concert would morph into a full-blown Gospel music career. Designed and equipped to be a worship leader, he understands the sanctity of the call. “As a worship leader, I am responsible for the lives of people who need a way to find God,” he says. “It’s more than a gift; it’s truly ministry. When you’re designed to bring people to God through the message of the Gospel, your responsibility changes from just a deliverer of a gift; you are now in the role of minister. The rules of being a minister surpass those of being the giver of the gift. I remind artists that everything we do – whether on stage or off – will challenge or affect people’s view of Christ. It’s important we take that responsibility seriously. It’s crucial that we are effective in ministry.”
