Storytime Stage Special Guest: Aaron Nigel Smith

Grammy® Nominated producer and Billboard #1 recording artist Aaron Nigel Smith is a transformative force in music, education, and humanitarian work. His exceptional musical journey began at age 11 with The American Boychoir, performing at world-renowned venues including Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. After graduating from Interlochen Arts Academy, he pursued advanced studies in voice performance and music education at Manhattan School of Music, USC, and Marygrove College.

Smith’s educational impact began in 2002 with the founding of FUNdamentals of Music & Movement, pioneering an innovative preschool music curriculum that expanded nationally before its acquisition by RockStarts in 2012. His educational excellence earned him recognition on prestigious teaching artist rosters and culminated in his selection as the 2013 Sunburst Teaching Artist of the Year.

As a recording artist, Smith’s impressive catalog includes 11 acclaimed albums, with his 2021 release “All One Tribe” receiving a Grammy nomination and his 2018 “In Our America” debuting at #1 on Billboard’s reggae charts. His notable collaborations include producing Ziggy Marley’s youth-centered tribute celebrating Bob Marley’s 70th birthday and “B is for Bob,” the first Bob Marley album created specifically for children. His original works have garnered Parents’ Choice Awards and national media recognition, while his compositional talents were showcased on the Emmy Award-winning PBS Kids show “Between the Lions.” Most recently, Smith also served as composer, co-librettist, and producer of York the Explorer, a theatrical work that premiered to critical acclaim in 2025.

Together with his wife Diedre, Smith founded the non-profit 1 World Chorus, empowering over 15,000 young people across three continents through music and the arts. The organization’s debut album earned critical acclaim and national recognition as one of the year’s best children’s releases. Smith further expanded his impact through the Rox in Sox Children’s Music & Book Festival, a free charity event that has distributed thousands of essential items to youth internationally.

In 2014, Smith co-created the One Love Youth Camp in Jamaica with Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream and The Bob Marley Foundation, fostering creativity as a tool for youth empowerment. His contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Magic Penny Lifetime Achievement Award from the Children’s Music Network (2022).

A Recording Academy member since 2005 and proud endorser of Martin Guitars and Remo drums, Smith currently builds education and community programs at The Patricia Reser Center for the Arts while continuing his lifelong mission to promote peace by connecting communities through the transformative power of music.