Shannon Smith
Date of Birth: April 30, 1967
Wife: Kathryn – Married January 9, 1987
Children: Nicholas Shannon (January 20, 1991), Victoria Kathryn (January 20, 1993)
Shannon Smith joined The Imperials in September 2002, after several years of ministry in the local church (pastor and worship leader) and in itinerant ministry as a solo artist. From the first time he heard The Imperials at around the age of 13, it was one of Shannon's desires and dreams to one day sing in this legendary group.
Shannon started singing at the age of five in the Syracuse, NY church where his father was pastor. "I picked up a deep love for ministry very early in life," Shannon says. "I saw in my parents a genuine love for God and people and I developed an overwhelming desire to serve the body of Christ." Since establishing a relationship with the Lord as a young child that desire has only strengthened. “The only thing I've ever really wanted to do is to share the life and love of Jesus with others. Presenting the beauty of Jesus through the beauty of music is the most fulfilling thing I've ever done,” says Shannon. “I was born to sing His praises – when I sing, I feel as though He is singing too!”
Shannon credits any success in his life to those that God has put around him. “Obviously, it started with my parents who helped instill in me a love for Jesus and a dedication to giving my best for Him. There are many other family members, friends and mentors whom God has brought into my life to make me what I am today and they continue to speak into my life. I must say, though, that the greatest blessing in my life is my wife, Kathryn, and my wonderful children, Nicholas and Victoria. They have been so gracious to be constantly supportive of God's call on my life!”
Shannon's calling is to provide an opportunity for others to encounter Jesus and to experience the Father's heart. In His presence they will be refreshed and will know the "abundant life" that Jesus came to give. “My desire is to be a channel through which the Holy Spirit can impart comfort, strength and encouragement.”
Shannon’s Favorites:
Restaurant: Outback
Food: All of it!!
Color: Blue
Interests: Sports radio or TV; Bible study and discussion; Yankees baseball; Kath and the kids; American History
Song: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God” and “I Still Believe” by Russ Taff
Television: ESPN; Law & Order; Andy Griffith Show
Movies: Gladiator; Westerns; Jim Carey comedies; Lord of the Rings; Star Wars; Mel Gibson movies
Sports Teams: New York Yankees; Chicago Bears; Boston Celtics; Nashville Predators; Syracuse Orangemen (basketball); South Carolina Gamecocks (football)
Singers: Lucianno Pavarotti; Placido Domingo; Russ Taff; Larnelle Harris; Norah Jones
Group: The Imperials (70s and 80s); Gaither Vocal Band (late 80s and early 90s); U2 (right now)
Scripture: Psalm 37:23 “The steps of the godly are directed by the Lord. He delights in every detail of their lives.”