The Unlikely Story of Maynard Smith, the Son of Soul Legacy Miki Howard

As the daughter of soul music legend Deniece Williams and a successful singer-songwriter in her own right, Miki Howard's son Maynard Smith has grown up with a musical heritage that is simply unmatched. But Maynard's journey to becoming a musician in his own right has been far from straightforward, taking him on a winding path of self-discovery and perseverance. From his early days as a shy teenager to his current status as a talented singer-songwriter, Maynard's story is one of overcoming obstacles and staying true to his artistic vision.

Maynard Smith, 32, is the son of Grammy-nominated singer Miki Howard, whose 1986 hit single "Come Back to Me Lover" became a staple of the New Jack Swing sound. Maynard's family history is filled with musical talent – his mother's former writing partner, songwriter and producer Antonio L.A. Reid, has also enjoyed unparalleled success with acts like Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. Yet despite this impressive lineage, Maynard struggled to find his place in the music industry for many years, taking on temp jobs and working as a freelance writer to make ends meet. It wasn't until his mid-20s, after a chance conversation with a prominent industry figure, that Maynard began to seriously pursue a music career.

In this article, we explore Maynard's remarkable journey from struggling artist to emerging talent, and examine the lessons he has learned along the way about perseverance, creativity, and staying true to oneself.

Early Inspiration: Maynard's Musical Upbringing

Growing up in a musical household, Maynard was exposed to a wide range of influences from an early age. His mother, Miki Howard, would often share stories of her own experiences in the music industry, including the struggles she faced as a young artist. "My mom would tell me about the hard times, the rejections, the times when people doubted her," Maynard recalls in an interview. "But she never let that discourage her, and that's something I've always admired about her." These early lessons about perseverance and dedication to one's craft would serve Maynard well as he navigated his own path in the music industry.

Maynard's father, Bobby Smith, was also a musical influence, although one that was rather more unconventional. A retired trombonist with a warm, gravelly voice, Bobby would often play music with Maynard when he was young, introducing him to a range of jazz and soul classics. "My dad would play along with me on his trombone," Maynard remembers with a chuckle. "It was really cool, but also kind of embarrassing at the same time – I mean, who wants to play along with their dad?!"

Despite these positive musical influences, Maynard's early years were marked by a strong desire to distance himself from his family's legacy. As a shy teenager struggling to find his place in the world, Maynard found solace in writing and playing music, but felt overwhelmed by the pressure to live up to his mother's example. "For a long time, I felt like I couldn't compete with my mom's success," he admits candidly. "I wanted to carve out my own path, do my own thing."

Breaking Free: Maynard's Path to Self-Discovery

It wasn't until his mid-20s, after a chance conversation with a prominent industry figure, that Maynard began to seriously consider a career in music. The conversation, which took place over a cup of coffee, left a lasting impression on Maynard. "He just said, 'You need to write about what you know, write about your experiences, and don't try to fit into some preconceived notion of what you're supposed to be,'" Maynard recalls. "That really stuck with me, and I started to think about what I wanted to do with my music, rather than what others expected of me."

The conversation marked a turning point in Maynard's journey, as he began to focus on developing his own unique sound and style. For the next few years, he worked tirelessly to hone his craft, taking on temp jobs and working as a freelance writer to make ends meet. During this time, he also began to explore various musical genres, from R&B to hip-hop to reggae. "I started experimenting with different styles, different beats, and different instruments," Maynard explains. "I wanted to find out who I was, musically, and that took a lot of trial and error."

Maynard's wrestling with identity and creativity would ultimately lead to his debut EP, 'Flashback', a critically-acclaimed release that blends contemporary R&B with classic soul and funk influences. Recorded in his home studio, the EP features a range of original material that showcases Maynard's depth and nuance as a songwriter. "I was finally able to tap into my own voice and say, 'This is who I am, musically,'" he smiles, recalling the sense of liberation he felt with the release.

Lessons Learned: Maynard's Advice for Emerging Artists

Now an established presence on the R&B scene, Maynard has learned a range of valuable lessons about perseverance, creativity, and staying true to oneself. For one, he emphasizes the importance of embracing your unique voice and vision, rather than trying to fit into someone else's mold. "As an artist, you have to find what sets you apart and really lean into that," he advises. "The minute you try to copy someone else's style or sound, you're in trouble."

In addition to staying true to oneself, Maynard stresses the importance of patience and persistence in the face of adversity. "It's so easy to get discouraged and feel like giving up," he acknowledges. "But the truth is, every artist faces setbacks and rejections, and it's how you respond that matters. If you keep persevere and believing in yourself, the opportunities will come."

Maynard also emphasizes the value of intent and intention in one's creative work. "When you write or create something, you have to be clear about what you want to convey or achieve," he notes. "Then you have to be patient and allow it to unfold naturally. Sometimes, what we want to say isn't always clear – that's okay. The key is to stay in the process, trust yourself, and trust the universe to guide you."

From Struggling Artist to Emerging Talent

As Maynard looks to the future, he is optimistic about his prospects as an emerging artist. With a growing reputation for his soulful sound and heartfelt songwriting, Maynard is confident that his voice will be heard by an ever-wider audience. "It's an exciting time because I'm finally doing something that I love," he smiles, reflecting on the hard-won lessons he has learned along the way. "I'm excited to see where this journey takes me – wherever it goes, I know that I'll be following my heart and staying true to myself."

In the end, Maynard's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance and creative vision. Despite the many obstacles he faced, Maynard remained committed to his art and, in doing so, discovered a unique voice and perspective that is all his own. Whether as singer, songwriter, or simply as a soulful son of the music industry, Maynard Smith is undeniably one to watch – a talented artist with a clear sense of purpose, talent, and a strong personal vision that he's ready to share with the world.