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Smokie Norful
Smokie Norful
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With his soulful tenor vocals and an unerring ability to fuse contemporary gospel with hip-hop sensibilities, Smokie Norful is one of the brightest lights on the current gospel scene. The son of an African Methodist Episcopal minister, Norful spent his first 14 years in Muskogee, OK, where he absorbed music ranging from sacred gospel to the secular soul that was popular at the time, and both strains would serve him well when he began his professional singing career. By the age of two he was picking out melodies on piano, by four he was actively playing and singing in his father's church, and by ten he was a featured artist on a custom album assembled by a regional music director. Although music was his enduring passion, Norful instead opted to study history at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, eventually working as a history instructor for four years before relocating to Chicago in 1998 in order to earn a Masters of Divinity degree from Garrett Theological Seminary.

After his graduation, Norful remained in Chicago as an assistant pastor at the Rock of Ages Baptist Church and stayed active in various church choirs, eventually catching the ear of Joe Anne Brunson, leader of the Thompson Community Choir, who asked him to sing one of his original songs for the choir's Real album, which essentially launched Norful's professional singing career. His debut solo album, I Need You Now, was released by Chordant in 2002, followed by an EP called Limited Edition from EMI Gospel in 2003. Norful has characterized his music as "urban inspirational," an apt term that allows him to stretch the boundaries of traditional gospel while still remaining true to its purpose. EMI Gospel also released Norful's second solo album, Nothing Without You, in 2004. ~ Steve Leggett, All Music GuideMore

Official Profile

Smokie Norful
Smokie Norful was meant for such a time as this. With seven years in gospel music, he’s become...
Songs: 10, Videos: 9, Playlists: 3, Blog Posts: 0, Polls: 0, Battles: 1

Most Popular Music Videos (5)

I Need You Now
(Duration: 4:12)
Apr 17th, 5:57am
God Is Able (Live)
(Duration: 10:01)
Aug 18th, 7:24am
Jesus Is Love (Live)
(Duration: 6:22)
Aug 18th, 7:23am
Dear God (Live)
(Duration: 5:40)
Jul 11th, 7:29pm
Can't Nobody (Live)
(Duration: 2:22)
Jul 11th, 5:13pm
view all

Fan Comments

Sep 27th, 5:08am
HAPPY B-DAY SMOKIE LUV YA MUSIC U DA BEST
Sep 3rd, 3:52am
I LOVE SMOKIE,I PLAY HIS CD TITLED LIFE CHANGING EVERY DAY. ESPECIALLY ON MY WAY TO WORK EVERY MORNING. IT REVIVES ME FOR THE DAY!
Jul 9th, 7:21pm
Smokie you have inspired me in many ways thanks for allowing Christ to use you. Your music has gotten me through alot of trials and tribulations. I am also a singer and I want to now use my voice to bless others the way your music is and has blessed me and many others over the years. Thanks Smokie. God bless.

Justin Doss

P.S if you ever want to email me back jus_032000@yahoo.com Thanks again Smokie Keep JESUS CHRIST first!!
May 2nd, 6:41am
Thanks for sharing your gift Smokie.
Keep doing what you've been doing.
May you continue to be blessed.
Apr 30th, 12:28pm
Your voice is powerful. It speaks to people and that is a part of the great gift God has given to you. Voices like yours do not come around often, but when they do, they must be used for the kingdom. I'm glad you are doing His work.
Nov 7th, 2:49am
awesome music mr Norful. i love it all. Glory to God.