About Us
Jackie Smith
Jackie Smith, affectionately known by the many youth and young adults she has mentored as “Ms. Jackie,” “Founda,” “Aunty,” and “Nanny,” has dedicated her life to gospel music and youth development. She began singing gospel at the tender age of six, but it wasn’t until she joined The Alvin Dread Singers at 22 that her love affair with gospel music truly blossomed, a passion that has endured for 40 years.
Ms. Smith’s recording career started with The Alvin Dread Singers, where she led vocals on two songs, “Joy” and “Going Home.” She went on to produce first-time recordings for three choirs: Ed Johnson & Praise Community Choir in Houston, Andre Lewis in Shreveport, Louisiana, and Claudia Williams & The Voices of Christ in Austin, Texas. In 1984, Jackie founded her group, Jackie Smith & Divinity, which became the first Houston-based group to appear on Bobby Jones Gospel.
Ms. Smith also traveled to London and Paris with Bobby Jones & the New Life Singers. Divinity recorded two albums under Smith’s leadership: “Dance In Advance,” which she composed and led, and “He’s Done Enough,” which she produced. After 18 years with Divinity, Jackie Smith embarked on a new chapter, establishing the Youth Development Ministry (YDM), a non-profit organization.
She has received numerous accolades for her work, including the Houston 50 Gospel Legends Award, the Gospel Music Heritage Leadership Award, and the 2013 Texas Gospel Music Excellence Legends Award. Since retiring from the Houston Independent School District after 30 years of service, Ms. Smith has dedicated herself fully to YDM, traveling with the choir across the U.S. and to London, England in 2013.
Jackie Smith’s unwavering commitment to empowering youth and young adults through gospel music is remarkable.
Jackie Smith's Recordings
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YDM
DIVINITY
In November 1984, Jackie Smith founded the gospel ensemble Divinity, which made its debut in March 1985. Over the years, Divinity has participated in various community programs, such as performing for the elderly in local nursing homes, taking part in “Operation Read” and “Hands Across America,” and organizing annual Thanksgiving and Christmas food drives.
Divinity has traveled extensively throughout the United States. In 1996, Jackie Smith accompanied Dr. Bobby Jones and New Life on a trip to Paris, France. The group’s first album, “DANCE IN ADVANCE,” was recorded in 1980, and their second project, the CD “HE’S DONE ENOUGH,” was released in 1997. Some of Divinity’s musical accolades include being named Texas Artist of the Year in 1998, Texas Gospel Awards’ New Group of the Year in 1999, and Texas Gospel Awards Group of the Decade in 2000. Additionally, through their work with local youth, Divinity established a 501(c)(3) youth development organization.
In November 2003, as Divinity celebrated its 18th anniversary, Ms. Jackie Smith bid farewell to the ensemble, carrying the torch and a wonderful legacy forward with YDM.
award winning choir
Texas Gospel Music Excellence Awards:
2006
– Youth Choir of the Year
– Youth Choir Director of the Year
– New Artist of the Year (runner-up)
2007
– Community Choir (runner-up)
– Youth Choir (runner-up)
2008
– Youth Choir of the Year
– Community Choir of the Year
– Ms. Jackie received “The Gospel Trailblazer Award”
2009
– Youth Choir (runner-up)
– Community Choir (runner-up)
2010
– Community Choir (runner-up)
2013
– Ms. Jackie received The Legends Award
2016
– Choir Of The Year (Texas State)
2022
– Texas Community Choir Of The Year
In 2010, Ms. Jackie Smith was honored with the following awards:
– Houston’s 50 Gospel Music Legends Award, given by the Houston Chapter of the Gospel Music Workshop of America
– The prestigious Lee Ida Brown Campbell “Leadership Award”, presented by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson and the Gospel Music Heritage Committee