Iconic Music Producer Mama Jan Smith Celebrates Four Decades as OG Vocal Coach to the Stars

Roster of 10,000 artists includes Justin Bieber, Usher, Shania Twain, Janet Jackson, Rob Thomas, Dwayne Johnson, Liam Neeson, Christina Applegate and many more

ATLANTA, GA, UNITED STATES, September 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — In 2026, multi-platinum, GRAMMY^® -recognized producer and vocal coach—and Georgia Hall of Fame inductee — Jan “Mama Jan” Smith, 70, celebrates four decades of legitimizing vocal production and elevating some of the biggest voices in pop culture. Her achievements are even more astounding by the fact that women make up only 2-3 percent of all music producers. Smith’s client roster is a who’s who of genre-diverse music powerhouses, including Rob Thomas, Usher, Janet Jackson, Shania Twain, Justin Bieber, The Band Perry, Ludacris, Kelly Price, India Arie, Kelsie Watts (Broadway’s “Moulin Rouge”), Sugarland, August Alsina, Mastodon, Tasha Cobbs-Leonard, Jesus Culture, Lil’ Yachty, Bethel Music, Maddox Batson, as well as award-winning actors Liam Neeson, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Christina Applegate, Ed Helms, Jamie Chung, Terrence Howard, and White House Correspondent John Roberts. As part of celebration, Smith’s long-awaited autobiography, “Mama’s Babies Sangin’ Everywhur!” will be released this fall. (https://www.jansmith.com/mamajan)

“From a young age, I knew I was different … the understanding of being musically ‘gifted’ came later as I developed my sound and style as a singer, songwriter, and performer,” said Smith. “Four decades ago, God set me on a path that led to places I would’ve never dreamed of — championing other artists, shaping songs, sounds, and lives all over the world. Breaking barriers and helping to legitimize the craft of vocal production has allowed me to understand the power of my own voice in an industry where fewer women are seen and heard. I am humbled to be trusted with developing and mentoring some of the most iconic voices in popular music. It is an honor and privilege to continue helping singers discover their own vocal thumbprints and influencing the next generation of artists. Mama Jan is ready for ya’ … just make sure you’re ready for Mama J!”

“I don’t know what I would do without Mama Jan in my life,” said multi-Grammy-winner Rob Thomas. “Thirty years ago, I was in a vocal booth recording our first record, and I did not understand the intricacies of my voice at all. Mama Jan stood in the booth with me, and as I sang, she’d teach me – line by line — about timing, elongating vowels, etc. What I learned from her early on is engrained in me, and Mama Jan’s voice has been in my ear at least once a day ever since. When I’m on tour, I warm up with the old cassette recordings she made me decades ago. She cares about the artists she works with and about the music deeply. She literally has been a lifesaver for vocalists for four decades, and I could not love a person more.”

Legitimizing Vocal Producers
Smith worked tirelessly as a producer and as an elected leader of the Recording Academy^® (producers of the GRAMMY^® Awards) to legitimize the role of vocal producers. Thanks to Smith’s leadership, the Recording Academy Board of Trustees voted to recognize vocal production as a GRAMMY-eligible discipline.

The Recording Academy^®
She served two terms as President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Recording Academy, several terms as National Trustee, and served on the Planning & Governance and Finance committees. She continues to participate on national screening committees as a life-time voting member of the GRAMMY^® Awards.

Studio Owner
Founded in 1989, Jan Smith Studios, Inc., is a state-of-the-art vocal coaching, artist development, and music production and recording facility offering services to record labels, artists, producers and motion picture companies worldwide.

Television & Film
Featured in the Justin Bieber hit theatrical release “Never Say Never” from Paramount, MTV’s Duets with Usher, Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, Nightline, and more.

Global Impact
Smith continues her work with international pop artists from Beijing, Korea, and Australia, has consulted on prestigious Golden Disc Awards, from Chinese Audio-Visual Association. is go-to expert for vocal surgeons across the globe and continues to provide vocal consultations for worship leaders, politicians and television personalities.
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For interviews, studio tour, images or video, please contact Ron Roecker (ron(at)ronwroteit.com)

Ron Roecker
Be Differently
+1 3166488732
ron@ronwroteit.com

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