Smith wrote several books and could sing as well as he preached.
All contemporary accounts indicate that while Rainey did not teach Smith to sing, she probably helped her develop a stage presence.
Smith sings in a hurt, desperate voice, one that bays and then breaks as he keeps finding new ways to tear himself apart.
Smith also sang backup vocals on most of the recordings.
Smith is perky, trim, and sings and dances excellently.
Smith sang and played keyboards, bass guitar, and theremin for over 30 years in many different genres.
Smith had been singing since childhood, but decided to pursue a career in kindergarten teaching instead, graduating from Wittenberg University.
Smith plays piano or guitar and sings on all tracks, with no other accompaniment.
Smith wrote the words and sang "Perfect Blue Sky (feat.
Smith continued to collaborate on writing material, and sang on some of the group's records until 1970.