Album Notes

The musical play, "This Far By Faith" is as humbling and complex as that of Africans-in-America and the Diaspora. It is a story of finding joy and occasional humor...in spite of conditions...in order to survive! Voted Best Song in a musical (Black Theater Alliance Awards), "No Time To Give Up" was inspired by life-impacting words frequently spoken by my father, Fredrick Douglass Smith (1900-1991), first captured in my poem, "Sometimes, I have to remind myself this ain't no time to give up!" Similar to my other writings, "This Far By Faith" is a journey intertwining personal and African-American history. When my work was brought to the attention of internationally acclaimed song maven, Sue Conway, she introduced me to noted musician/composer Rufus Hill and the collaboration began. Persisting through major challenges, we soon recognized the parallel personal and collective journey. Rufus suffered numerous bouts of illnesses, my family home was destroyed by fire and we were relocated to temporary housing for nearly a year. Each of these real-life survival challenges, of course caused us to take 'time-outs'... ...God encouraged us by sending 'signs' to keep pressing toward the mark! Awards 'critical' as well as 'public' acclaim! We were also blessed to have some of the best, most highly ethical talent to guide us in the right direction, Sue Conway, Jennifer Hudson, Shannon & Cherrelle Lowe, Roberta Thomas, Armirris Palmore, Felicia Coleman-Evans, Kenny Coleman, Derwin Davis, Kevin McILvaine, Lou Johnson, David Sylvester, Warren Bingham, Rhonda Preston, Leon Dubose, Woola "Candy" LaFlora, and Tracey Anita Baker. ETA Creative Arts Foundation mounted four unprecedented, successful sold-out-prior-to-opening productions. We have truly come "This Far By Faith!"