Walter Smith & Tru Praize are “FM98 Strong Inspirations with
Deborah Smith Pollard” and DetroitGospel.com’s spotlight artists for July
2012.
Title of CD: Walter Smith & Tru Praize “He Reigns”
Release date: August 3, 2012
Short clip of “True Worshipper” from our CD release, “He Reigns.”
Song written by: Demetric Jones,
Detroit, Michigan.
We asked Minister Walter
Smith a few questions about the work that went into
creating “He Reigns.”
What are some of the innovative ways
you’re promoting your
project?
Well, we’ve been advertising our upcoming CD project when we go out
to minister at our many engagements. We also advertise through Facebook regularly and by the old
fashion way; word of mouth. Also, each member of Tru Praize goes back to their individual churches and
spreads the word regarding the CD project, which has already generated tons of pre-orders.
Do you have any advice for
aspiring artists about the creative process and/or surmounting any hurdles
artists may encounter?
The best creative process is to
be led of the Holy Ghost. Get in your Word and pray to God and ask for direction, inspiration and for
the best lyrics that will minister to both today’s generation and our seasoned saints. Also, I
personally like to get in a quiet place to meditate and hear from God. Because I grew up in the
country, I like to go somewhere quiet where I can hear from God and He can speak to my heart.
WEBPAGE LINK: www.WalterSmithandTruPraize.com
FACEBOOK LINK: www.facebook.com/WalterSmithandTruPraize
VIDEO: http://youtube.com
CD will be available August 3, 2012 at:
BABY.COM
For bookings, please contact Min. Leonard Joiner @ 313.694.7626 or 313.567.7933 (waltdetroit@gmail.com)
BIOGRAPHY OF WALTER SMITH & TRU
PRAIZE
Gospel musician/director, songwriter Walter Smith was born and raised both in
Baldwin, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he inherited a love for gospel music from his dad,
who is a former recording artist with the Spiritual Travelers and his grandparents and began singing in
a church choir at an early age.
After 7 years of studying classical piano, Walter began playing for the Sunday school department at his
home church, First Baptist Church of Baldwin, Michigan and directing the youth choir in his church
(starting at the age of five), and later the adult choirs. It was around this time that Walter came
across specific recordings of James Cleveland and Aretha Franklin’s “Amazing Grace” with the Southern
California Community Choir, Clara Ward Singers, Rev. James Cleveland and Southern California Community
Choir, New Jerusalem Baptist Church of Flint, Michigan that would inspire him to pursue gospel music
even more zealously. Shortly thereafter, Walter drew inspiration from other gospel performers
including Thomas Whitfield, Bethel Pentecostal Church Choir, Mattie Moss-Clark, the Clark Sisters and
Keith Pringle.
While attending college in Grand Rapids, Walter continued to direct and play for choirs locally and
later became a member of the Bethel Pentecostal Church of Grand Rapids, MI where he began to study
under the tutelage of his music mentor, the late Eld. L. Craig Tyson, and was a faithful member of the
Youth Inspirational Choir. Walter later moved to Detroit, Michigan where he continued his musical gifts
that God had blessed him with. After much prayer, in March, 2009, Walter Smith & Tru Praize was
manifested.
On October 18, 2009, our music ministry was consecrated and prayed over during our standing room only
consecration service by our spiritual advisor and Walter’s pastor, District Eld. Michael Martin. Since
that time, God has truly opened up many doors for this ministry. This choir has been blessed to
minister to the masses not only in the Detroit Metropolitan Area, but throughout the state of Michigan
and nationally. Comprised of 20 holy ghost filled young adults, God continues to pour out fresh oil
upon the choir as we minister to his people. The choir celebrated their first live recording session,
June 25, 2011 and eagerly anticipates their CD release, August 3, 2012. To GOD be the glory for the
things he has done and continues to do.
