Alan
Alan Smith grew up and lived most of his life in Mobile, Alabama, before moving to Georgia seven years ago. After obtaining degrees in theology and psychology – “they both make for pretty good blues, I’d say” – and an M. A in Marriage and Family Counseling, he went on to work in mental health for more than a decade before moving to education five years ago. Now, he spends his days teaching and working with behavioral disorder and special needs children at Panter Elementary School in Paulding county and his nights playing and doing what he considers “as much therapy as anything.”
After picking up the guitar at the age of 12, he began playing in bands just five years later and hasn’t stopped for 31 years. Inspired by James Taylor, The Eagles, Cat Stevens, and others early on, his later influences include Marc Cohn and everything from Little Feat to Foghat. Some of his former band mates have continued as well – Rick Chancey now plays with Hank Williams, Jr. and Guthrie Trap is with Patty Loveless.
When asked about his love for music, he’s nonchalant and not the least bit hesitant: “it’s just something I’m always going to do,” he states matter-of-factly, “I just gotta play and I gotta write. I’m compelled.”