After more than three decades away from album releases, Joe Smooth has returned with We Shall Overcome, a project that captures both his personal journey and the enduring heartbeat of house music. Released on August 15, the record blends fresh productions with reimagined classics, reflecting four decades of evolution in the genre he helped pioneer.
From his early days as a self-taught DJ in Chicago, Smooth quickly became a foundational figure, holding a residency at the city’s famed Smart Bar by age 20 and working alongside icons like Frankie Knuckles, Marshall Jefferson, and Lil Louis. In 1983, he co-produced Jack Trax, which featured “Time to Jack” – widely recognized as the first dance track to reference both “Jack” and “House.” His 1987 anthem “Promised Land” would later cement his influence on global dance culture.
With We Shall Overcome, Smooth bridges past and present. The lead single “Overcome,” featuring Chuck Roberts, Angie Brown, and Mr. Root, honors Roberts’ legacy while uniting generations through collaborations with artists like Solomun and Lee Foss.
“We Shall Overcome is about more than music: it’s a message,” Smooth explains, stressing the unifying power of house at a time of global division. His latest work reaffirms his role as both an innovator and a guardian of the culture, urging today’s DJs and producers to honor its roots while pushing boundaries.
Listen to Joe Smooth brand new album ‘We Shall Overcome‘ on Spotify below or via your preferred platform here.
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