This Week @ Monday Creek: Dr. JW Smith, The Blind Boys of Alabama

In 2019, Dr. JW Smith sent an email with a book proposal. He had written his memoir and a local bookseller had given him my information. Of course, I was humbled by his inquiry and, since he was a professor at Ohio University, asked him to send his book proposal to Ohio University/Swallow Press first. I was sure they would accept his proposal. Several months later, JW emailed again. Ohio University had turned him down. 

In October 2019, Monday Creek Publishing released From the Back of the Bus to the Front of the Classroom: My Thirty Year Journey as a Black and Blind Professor. Since the book’s release, JW’s memoir has earned a Feathered Quill Finalist Award and a Readers’ Favorite 5-Star review. His book has sold worldwide and is one of our bestsellers. In 2020, JW was invited to the annual Ohioana Book Fair, with a special feature presented by the Columbus Metropolitan Library Black Stories, Black Voices. The recipient of community and literary accolades, JW continues to inspire with messages of hope and love.

If you are local to southeastern Ohio, you know that JW is an accomplished singer. He has released several music CDs and performs on stage. Last year, he became a member of the global sensation The Blind Boys of Alabama. The band recently won a Grammy for Best Roots Gospel Album. 

Today, JW sent an email requesting I share this new video. He is just back from Australia where the band performed their award-winning songs and, in addition, sang with Tom Jones. JW, we couldn’t be more proud of you! Congratulations on your success! 

And the LORD, he it is that doth go before thee; he will be with thee, he will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed. 

KJV Deuteronomy 31:8