Jerry Smith was born and raised in South Amboy, NJ. He holds a Master of Education degree from Trenton State College, a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University, and an Associate of Applied Science degree from Middlesex County College. He is also a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators (SCBWI).He has been performing his original music in coffeehouses, talent shows, area hospitals and nursing homes for more than 20 years. In 1980, the East-Brunswick-based Home News recognized him as an Outstanding Volunteer. The South Amboy-Sayreville Times called him “a truly class guy with plenty of creativity and talent.” |
In 2003, Smith took his “pocketful of songs” into a recording studio and the result was a CD entitled “South Amboy, USA”. The eight-song recording contains the much-anticipated title cut, which is a tribute to his ancestry, family and the town he loves so much. |
“People from audiences have commented, ‘You really ought to record that,’ and so I took their suggestions to heart”, the singer/songwriter said in a recent interview with L.dee Productions. The publication of Captive Angel marks the fruition of another of Jerry Smith’s creative projects. Written for ages 12 and up, Captive Angel is the story of hardheaded sixteen-year-old Becky Russell who tries to decide whether it is right to keep dolphins in captivity. In the process, Becky must face her own independence issues. Based on independent review, Captive Angel earned the Editor’s Choice Award and is now a Reader’s Choice Selection. The award is emblematic of “superior writing and commitment to excellence.” Jerry Smith continues to live in South Amboy, NJ with his wife, Megan, his daughter, Melody, and their two cats Jake and Badger. |