Jamel 'Mel' Smith: Alabama’s Trailblazer in the Music Industry

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa, 92.9 WTUG, Praise 93.3, 105.1 The Block, and the Tuscaloosa Thread, along with 1-800-411PAIN, are proud to present the 2025 Black History Makers of Alabama.

Black History Maker of Alabama - Jamel "Mel" Smith

Photo Courtesy of Jamel "Mel" Smith

Jamel "Mel" Smith, a proud Alabama native, is a versatile and accomplished creator and professional. He is an award-winning, chart-topping songwriter and producer, as well as a music and culture journalist, music historian, and executive.

Beginning his professional journey in 2014, his impressive résumé features roles at Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, ABKCO Music and Records, Songtrust, The Recording Academy, Def Jam Recordings, Red Alliance Media, Affective Music, and the Alabama Broadcast Association's award-winning radio talk show, The Culture Call on Praise 93.3.

Smith as songwriter and producer, has contributed his talent and creativity to a diverse array of artists, including Multi-GRAMMY Award-winning artist Yolanda Adams, GRAMMY Award-winning artist Leslie Odom Jr., Rock and Roll Hall of Fame recipients Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, funk legend George Clinton, American Music Award-winning group New Edition, American Idol Ruben Studdard, GRAMMY-nominated artist Brian Courtney Wilson (the #1 radio hit single, "Sure As"), DIXSON, Jason Nelson ("Every Hour (We Need Thee"), L. Spenser Smith ("Hooked," "Saint's Remorse"), as well as, emerging artists such as Semaje ("You," "I Rely"), and Jawan.mp3 ("Only Want You," "Assurance") to name a few.

In addition, he is a highly regarded music journalist and commentator. His work has been featured in BET, Essence, RapUp, and CLTure.

“Black History is the never-ending and intergenerational practice of showing up in this world as a Black person, understanding that wherever my feet tread is where I embody and make Black history. Black History is the convergence of the past, present, and future-- all of which created who I get to be today. I am Black History, so every day I step out into the world, I represent the sacrifices of my ancestors, the perseverance of my peers, and the futures of those who will bask in the history I made in my lifetime.”- Jamel “Mel” Smith

Constantly seeking new creative endeavors, he is currently producing his first documentary on the iconic Memphis record label Hi Records and writing his debut children's book.

Reflecting on his mission, he shares that his "goal is to create artistic statements that will last longer than our earthly existence."

Townsquare Media Tuscaloosa thanks 1-800-411PAIN for supporting our yearly Black History Makers of Alabama spotlight. "Car Accident? Remember After 911. Call 411. 1-800-411PAIN, that's 1-800-411-7246.

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