Meet the cast of Classic Soul: Deaon Smith

Deaon Smith is a native of Gary, IN, where at the age of 7 he started his musical career singing in the choir with the Church of God of in Christ. Guided by his mother evangelist Lee Gerther Smith, Deaon attended Emerson Visual and Performing Arts High School where he began training in classical and jazz both vocal and on piano. In 1992 he received further training in classical music while attending the University of Miami. In 1989 he formed his first group called ‘Message’ and won the Indianapolis Black Expo Star Quest Gospel Competition. In 1993 in Chicago, he formed the R&B group called ‘Standing Room Only’ which opened for artists such as Gladys Knight, R.Kelly, Chaka Kahn, Baby Face and the Isley Brothes. Standing Room only then recorded their debut album titled “Du the Du” with Waterproof Music. In 2002 Deaon and Curtis Yarlbro formed the R & B / Jazz and Blues band called ‘The Next Level’. The band has performed in Louisville, St.Louis, Cincinnati and Indianapolis. He’s become a treasured friend to Joyce, Bob & John through local gigs and his work with American Cabaret Theatre.