As a child, Smith's life was significantly impacted by her family's relocation from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada to the vibrant city of Montreal, a metropolitan hub that would ultimately play a pivotal role in shaping her future. It was within this new environment that Smith's innate passion for music was nurtured and cultivated, as she was surrounded by a rich cultural tapestry that would influence her artistic development.
With the enthusiastic support of her family, Smith began to explore the world of music, discovering her natural talent for playing a diverse range of instruments. Her early experiments with music-making included the baritone horn, keyboards, guitar, and electric bass, a multifaceted approach that would eventually serve as the foundation for her later musical endeavors.
As Smith's skills continued to evolve, she also received private classical training on the upright bass, a discipline that would further refine her technical proficiency and artistic expression. Additionally, she attended McGill University in Montreal, where she enrolled in a program focused on jazz performance, a decision that would provide her with the opportunity to hone her craft and develop a deeper understanding of the jazz idiom.
After completing her academic pursuits, Smith began to hone her skills within the local rock music community, gradually building a reputation that would eventually pave the way for her involvement with some of Canada's most renowned artists, including the accomplished singer-songwriter Claude Dubois, the prolific Daniel Lavoie, the esteemed Robert Charlebois, and the talented James Blovin.
As her career progressed, Smith's collaboration with Jim Hillman and the influential band The Merlin Factor culminated in a prestigious Juno award for "Best Contemporary Jazz Album", a testament to her exceptional talent and dedication to her craft.
In the midst of a music convention in Germany, a serendipitous encounter took place between Smith and Sheila E., a renowned percussionist and singer-songwriter, during which Smith presented Sheila E. with a meticulously prepared press kit. This fortuitous meeting ultimately led to Smith being introduced to Prince, the legendary musician, who was in the process of assembling a new band at the time. Two months later, Prince, intrigued by Smith's talent and dedication, extended an invitation to Smith to visit Paisley Park, his iconic recording studio and estate, with the intention of collaborating on his forthcoming album, Emancipation. Smith seized this opportunity with both hands, and over the course of nearly a decade, she had the privilege of recording and touring with Prince, sharing the stage with some of the most accomplished and celebrated musicians in the industry.
Notable vocalist and accomplished musician, Wendy Smith, had the esteemed privilege of collaborating with a vast array of renowned artists during her tenure with the legendary Prince, an experience that further solidified her status as a versatile and accomplished musician. Among the diverse range of artists she worked with were the iconic Chaka Khan, the multifaceted Beyoncé, the critically acclaimed T.I., the soulful Erykah Badu, the influential Lee Ritenour, the innovative Jeff Beck, and the accomplished Terri Lyne Carrington.
In the year 2000, Smith took a significant step in her professional journey by releasing her debut solo record, aptly titled Intellipop, marking the beginning of a successful solo career that would go on to yield numerous accolades and widespread recognition.
