Kay DeKalb Smith has been called the “Carol Burnett of Christian Entertainment.” There are similarities between Smith’s and Burnett’s comedic and musical antics, but there is a major difference: the Christian message in Smith’s presentations.
The entertainer, who grew up in Hartselle, lives outside Nashville with her husband, Ed, and is a member of The People’s Church, Franklin, Tenn.
Smith recently spoke to the Education Music Association during its annual meeting in Huntsville Nov. 14.
Crowned Miss Alabama Teenager at age 17, she began her career singing at Opryland USA in Nashville. Since then, she has done commercials and voice-overs, appeared on television and the cover of Home Life magazine and made numerous videos and CDs.
Smith described her presentations as “Broadway-style, Bible-based comedy, inspirationally driven.” A typical presentation includes several changes of costume as she presents impersonations of church members, songs both humorous and serious, and messages that challenge and encourage.
Smith often uses Robert Morgan’s “The Red Sea Rules” to share strategies for getting through difficult times.
Most of her work is with Christian organizations. “I do mostly Christian events because it is hard for me not to talk about the Lord,” Smith said. “I do occasional corporate events for corporations that have Christian ownership or management.”
She said about 75 percent of her appearances are for women’s groups. “Women’s ministry is the most fun, but I love it when I can do a program for [everyone],” Smith said. “I have an interactive program where I bring people on the stage and dress them up and do things with them.”
Smith’s favorite comment of all time followed a family program.
“A little boy came up to me and said, ‘This is the most fun I’ve ever had at church,’” she said. “It doesn’t get any better than that — to help a child see the joy of the Lord through music and song and laughter and inspiration.”
Smith is working a little more these days.
“I’m suffering from extreme mal-tuition,” she said. “We are in our fifth year of paying for (college) tuition because of the ages of our (two) girls.”
After 34 years, Smith is still excited about what she does. “It never goes away. It doesn’t diminish — it just gets sweeter. I’m in awe that I can continually grow in my faith and continually learn more,” she said. “I believe my call has been to help people restore the joy of their salvation. Not everyone enjoys his faith but I do. I just get a big kick out of the Lord.”
Smith cites a ministry support group that includes Annie Chapman, an artist, women’s motivational speaker and author; Kim Bolton, an author, speaker and worship leader; and others with keeping her focused.
“They have probably had the most impact on me of anyone in my ministry,” Smith said. “I am thankful for these girls.”
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