In the summer of 2003 after her freshman year at Auburn, Joanna Smith entered a talent show in South Georgia that changed her life.
"The guy that was the sound technician at the show was like, 'There's a band in Nashville that really needs a lead singer, and you would be perfect for the part,' Smith said. "So he hooked me up with these people, and I auditioned a couple times and they convinced us that it was the deal."
Soon after Smith moved to Tennessee, the band let her go, taking her big break with them,
"I decided to just bite the bullet and stay in Nashville and start paying my dues," Smith said. "I started writing songs and I eventually got a publishing deal, so then I was able to support myself through my writing."
Gray Hall, sophomore in busines, watched Smith perform in Auburn last week and said he is amazed by how far she has gone to pursue her dreams and hopes her music becomes even more popular.
"I totally respect that," Hall said. "I wish I could do it. It's crazy that she just went up there and got signed by a record deal. I wish the best for her, and I hope she makes it big."
Auburn was her parents' alma mater, and Smith said coming back to sing was a no-brainer because of fond memories from her freshman year.
"I'm gearing up for a new single release, and in the interim period I really just wanted to try to do some grassroots and go to some places I'm passionate about and love and try to build a small following there, and so Auburn's the first place I wanted to start," Smith said.
Smith sang at several fraternities last week including Sigma Nu and Beta.
"I've listened to a couple of her singles online like 'Georgia Mud,'" Hall said. "I'm a country music fan, and she's got talent."
When Smith called Trey Oliver, Sigma Nu president, and asked if she could perform for the fraternity, Oliver was quick to take her up on the offer.
"She was really good," Oliver said. "We were all really impressed. We didn't really know what to expect, but once she got out the guitar we saw she could really sing."
Smith has been performing since she was 3 years old and said she is ecstatic her dreams are finally coming true in Nashville, though she's still waiting to see her name on the music charts.
"Moving up there I definitely had set goals, and I wanted to be an artist and I wanted a record deal," Smith said. "It's taken a very long time to get there, so some days I'm like, 'Well, it's high time,' and then sometimes I'm just like, 'I just can't believe this is actually happening. Dreams do come true.'"
Oliver said after hearing Smith play he thinks she has the talent to appeal to a wide audience.
"I'm not exactly a music talent evaluator, but she definitely seemed like she had a good voice, and she's certainly charismatic and a sweet girl," he said.
Smith is flying back to Auburn for another performance at the Supper Club, which will be Feb. 17 at 11 p.m.
She said her parents support her music and are looking forward to her visit.
"They know this is what I always wanted to do," Smith said. "They're glad I'm going to be back in Auburn because we all bleed orange and blue."
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
