Aaron “Memphis” Smith is a 24 year old musician/drummer that grew up in Memphis, TN. He found his passion for music at the age of 3 years old. Aaron grew up in church listening to Gospel music, and had a chance to play his first song at the age of five. Growing up in theC.O.G.I.C. (Church Of God In Christ) church where music was imperative and appreciated, Aaron was inspired by the drummers that played every Sunday. His biggest influencesare Rexsell Hardy, Dave Weckle, Daniel Frye, Aaron Spears, Calvin Rodgers, Brian Frasier Moore, Varo Johnson, Buddy Rich and many more. These individuals have influenced Aaron “Memphis” Smith’s playing. At the age of 15, Aaron relocated to a small city called Rockford, Illinois, which isoutside of Chicago where he developed his style of playing. Aaron played the snare, bass drum and learned to read music in his High School Band. Throughout High School Aaron began playing for a local community choir called Martin Luther King Unity Choir that traveled and performed at major political events. Aaron was also introduced to the GMWA (Gospel Music Workshop Of America/Rockford Chapter) where he had a chance to work with gospel artist such as songwriter Percy Gray ,founder of Chicago MassChoir. Aaron also worked with the late songwriter Kayla Parker, and many other great Gospel artist. Shortly after graduating from High School, Aaron recorded his first gospel project in Louisville, Kentucky with the Alpha and Omega International Ministries Choir. While living in the Midwest, Aaron developed a heavy powerful sound and was learning different Genres of music such as Fusion, Hip Hop, Jazz, and R&B. While living in Rockford, Aaron was introduced to a local jazz, funk, and R&B saxophonist by the name of Harlan Jefferson. Aaron traveled with Harlan Jefferson around theIllinois and Wisconsin region. Aaron learned the versatility of different styles of music that required him to step outside of his comfort zone as a musician. In the fall of 2007, Aaron auditioned for Rock Valley College Jazz Band and received a scholarship to attend their music program where he studied Theory of Music. He was able to experience clinics and play with different well known Jazz composers and music professors from different colleges. While attending school Aaron played for a local recording choir called Symbols of Joy that didn’t quite hit the market like it should’ve, but he kept his drive for music up to date as much as he could. Aaron also worked outside of Rockford musically with different community choirs in different states. Aaron represented several Guitar Center stores in Illinois in Regional Finals in the Drum off competitions. Somewhere down the road Aaron met up and coming Praise and Worship artist by the name of Todd Dulaney that also was a background singer for Gospel artist Smokie Norful. Aaron began doing mini drum production and programming for on stage worship with Todd Dulaney. The both of them served at a rapidly growing ministry by the name of Faith Walkers Assembly where the Bishop John Farris Senter is the founder and Pastor. After almost two years of the ministry being founded, Faith Walkers Assembly Prophetic Praise Team recorded their first project entitled “Just Sunday Morning Service”, where the project was recorded live during Morning Worship service. Aaron recently played drums on the jingle track for the new TV show that will be aired on TV ONE titled “Chosen For Another View” coming spring of 2010. Aaron is also a drum programmer, songwriter and producer that is working on his own instrumental project and is doing production for different artist. Aaron is an up and coming drummer that loves God and is preparing for where God is getting ready take him as a young man and as a musician.Aaron is now preparing for an overseas tour with a Costa Rican Gospel artist for 2010 and getting ready for other gigs, tours and sessions that are in progress.