Connie is a native Texan who is proud to call Fort Worth her home. To her, living in Texas is like living at the ultimate crossroads of music because of the boundless selection of styles within each musical genre that are represented right here in our own state. She believes the fresh sounds that come from this area can be attributed in part, to the blending of the many diverse backgrounds and culture present in this area, with rich Texas native tradition.
Her early influence in music first came from the gospel music she heard as a child at church, family reunions and gatherings. Both parent’s families had close ties and frequently gathered for gospel sing-a-longs often accompanied by piano and harmonica. The size of the family made for an outstanding array of harmony. At home, Connie remembers being rocked to her mother’s soothing renditions of Brahm’s lullaby, gospel hymns and a variety of country music, including Connie Francis, Lynn Anderson and Patsy Cline tunes. And one of her favorite places to be as a child was in her father’s lap listening to his versions of gospel hymns, the country tunes of Bill Anderson, Charlie Pride, Ray Price and Porter Wagoner and the blues music of Ray Charles. First family choice of T.V. programming at home was always music. A Porter Wagoner, Jimmy Dean, Wayne Newton, Hee Haw, Lawrence Welk or Ed Sullivan show was never missed. As a teenager Connie enjoyed listening to many types of music, including pop, rock, blues and country and spent most of her earnings on records.
In her early adult years, Connie took time out from her own musical interests to encourage her daughter’s musical interests, which included band and dance. She spent many weekends at band and dance performances and competitions, where she was often called upon to critique and judge talent herself.
Connie’s many years of working in an office administration position, generally in a corporate environment, garnered many opportunities to learn valuable skills, such as staff supervision, project coordination, workshop and seminar coordination, sponsorship acquisition, newsletter publication, marketing and merchandising. These related skills would later carry over into her personal interest in the business side of the music industry.
Reaching a point in life where she had more time to spend on personal interests, Connie became involved in the local music scene, volunteering her time on the board of a local music organization. In that position she was involved as the secretary, working also in public relations, event coordination, sponsorship acquisition, newsletter publication, talent judging, and album reviews. During this time she was often approached for help and advice related to the music careers of local artists. Noticing a big need for this service, she soon became involved in artist management.
Because of an interest in songwriting, Connie joined the Fort Worth Songwriter’s Association. Early on, she volunteered her services to help out with setting up the sound equipment at all events and with other duties as needed. Recently, she was appointed to the FWSA Board of Directors as Special Events Director. Her participation in FWSA workshops and song critique sessions has been an inspiration for her as a songwriter. This year she has focused on spending more time on her writing and has begun to collaborate.
Connie enjoys her involvement in the music business, but takes her work very seriously. While working toward reaching her own personal goals, she tries to help others reach their goals by sharing her honest viewpoints, in hopes of making contribution that will make a difference in the local music community.
Skills:
Office Administration
Staff Supervision
Seminar & Workshop Coordination
Merchandising
Marketing
Newsletter Publication
Sponsorship Acquisition
Public Relations
Talent Judging (Dance & Music)
Album Review
Music Event Production
Artist Management & Promotion
Artist Career Development/Advisor
Music Business Consultant
Songwriting
Elected Offices:
Secretary, Lone Star Music Association
Special Events Director, Fort Worth Songwriter’s Association
Memberships & Affiliations:
Fort Worth Songwriter's Association
Lone Star Music Association
Tennessee Country Music Alliance
BMI
Contact:
P.O. Box 137391
Fort Worth, Texas 76136-1391
Phone: (817) 475-1720
E-mail: ConnieSSmith@aol.com
- Connie Smith (Jul 15, 2005)