Joe Smooth is one the originators of the genre of music called “House Music” and since 1983 has been considered one of the top DJ's in Chicago, a highly skilled sound engineer, and world class certified platinum producer/composer/writer/re-mixer.
A self-taught musician from the age of 12, Joe Smooth is one of the pioneers of the style of music known today as “House Music”. He has worked with such artists as Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, Chip E, A Guy Called Gerald, Lil Louis, Tyree Cooper, Fast Eddie, The Art Of Noise, Sterling Void, The Pet Shop Boys, Janet Jackson, Atlantic Starr, New Order, Steve Hurley... and countless more.
At 18, he opened his first underground nightclub called east Hollywood Mannequins. At 20 he became the head DJ at the now world famous Smart Bar nightclub, his nights attracted 2,000 people and DJ’s Frankie Knuckles and Ron Hardy would come listen to Joe’s sets looking for music to take back and play at their respective clubs, Joe Smooth’s musical prowess was the one instrumental factor that shaped the atmosphere and mystique that still lives at Smart Bar going into it’s 40th year.
In 1984 Joe Smooth joined the DJ International Records family. After joining the DJ International family he quickly became a central force behind almost everything written or produced from this visionary label. This included Co-producing The Jack Trax EP with Chip-E, the first record to use the words House and Jack. Many say this was the first true house record. Joe also Co-produced and mixed Frankie Knuckles first record the remake of "You Can't Hide". In 1985, the Limelight looked at Joe as the number one DJ in Chicago and propositioned Joe for their Chicago nightclub as musical coordinator.
In 1987 along with Limelight, he also started working for the soulful Charlie club nightclub as head DJ/musical coordinator and penned one of the greatest house anthems of all time "Promised Land".
In 1988, with musical production work at a high Joe traveled abroad to put his concentration fully into his production, DJ gigs and Performing. In 1990 CNN commissioned Joe Smooth to write a song as the music bed to be played during the airing of Nelson Mandela’s release after 27 years in prison. This song called “They Want To Be Free” talked about the wrongs of apartheid and oppression of the African people. Later in 1990 returning to Chicago from great success abroad, Joe saw a need for a serious underground house club in Chicago and opened the very successful Warehouse nightclub, named in tribute to
the legendary Warehouse nightclub of the late seventies and early eighties with partners Julian Perez and DJ Internationals founder Rocky Jones.
In 1994 Joe’s sought after talent led him to Rome to partner on a label called "Active Bass Music" with famous producer Claudio Donato. Which ran until 1999.
In 1999 Joe Smooth returned home to Chicago and did extensive work with Slang Music Group and Nu Soul until 2005. Joe's work at Slang and Nu Soul would include projects featuring Whitney Houston, Donnell Jones, Destiny’s Child and Sisqo from which he earned a multitude of Gold and Platinum record awards.
From 2005 till today Joe’s “Obelisk Production Multimedia, Jack-it and Indie Art Music”” labels have released a string of house hits and has songs signed from worldwide artist such as Faith Evans, Syleena Johnson, K Ci and George Clinton, as well as more underground and up and coming artist. Joe Smooth is currently working with the multi-talented and bi-lingual Black Pearl, Alex Bass, Solarium and Porcelain.
Joe Smooth has worked hard to stay ahead of the curve and is often sought after to consult and mentor some of the world’s greatest producers, DJ’s and labels, like Ultra, Armada and Sony. He has a Joint Venture deal with Armada Music Group, he is currently an ambassador for The School of House based out of Amsterdam, working with a multitude of platinum artist worldwide, collaborating with Global DJ powerhouses and working with the great charity organization LNADJSML(Last Night A DJ Saved My Life). He is also one of the original organizers of Chicago’s Largest house music events held in Millennium Park yearly “The Chicago House Music Festival” and “The House Legacy Project” attracting 50,000 plus over the Memorial Day weekend. Joe Smooth has also expanded his role in the entertainment community in the role as producer and co-producer for TV and Film, involved in productions like “Casting Call Reality Show”, Which can be seen on Firestick and Roku station ENVIO TV.
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