Born Alescia Nicole Knowles in Memphis, Tennessee, Lisa Knowles-Smith grew up surrounded by gospel music. As the eldest of two children, she was affectionately known as a “quartet girl”—a term that described her deep roots in traditional gospel music. Her passion for singing emerged early; by the age of 3, her family already recognized her love for music. Her mother fondly recalls, “Lisa would have to have a mic at all times, even if she wasn’t singing, or she would cry.”

Rising Through the Ranks with The Brown Singers

Lisa Knowles-Smith’s formal journey began at age 9 when she joined The Brown Singers as a background vocalist. Audiences were amazed by the maturity of her voice, despite her young age. At just 12 years old, she became the group’s lead singer and contributed to their first live CD/DVD, Live in Memphis (1996, E & J Records), which also featured three other rising quartet groups in the city. Lisa spent the next 18 years refining her talent and building a reputation within the gospel quartet scene.

Transition to a Solo Career

After nearly two decades with The Brown Singers, Lisa began stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist. Performing under the name “Lisa Knowles,” she sought to broaden her musical horizons and connect with a wider audience while staying rooted in her gospel foundation.

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Touring and Collaborations with Gospel Greats

In 2012, Lisa Knowles-Smith expanded her career by joining James Fortune & FIYA as a background singer. Her talent quickly earned her a spot on the high-profile “United As One” tour alongside renowned gospel artists such as Vashawn Mitchell, Kierra Sheard, and Zacardi Cortez. Lisa shared lead vocals on the impactful song Miracles featured on James Fortune & FIYA’s Live Through It project.

In 2014, The Brown Singers released their second national project, The Evolution Continues, which debuted at #6 on the Billboard Gospel Charts. Their success was crowned in 2015 when they won two Stellar Awards for Quartet of the Year and Traditional Group/Duo of the Year.

READ MORE: Complete Biography of The Brown Singers

Entrepreneurial Move — EvoWorld Entertainment

Motivated by her artistic vision and leadership potential, Lisa founded her own record label, EvoWorld Entertainment, INC. The label’s debut project, Evolution: The Legacy, released in 2016, was produced by Lisa herself. It showcased her ability not only as a vocalist but also as a creative producer and businesswoman.

Ministering to Women — The Loving Me Again Retreat

In 2017, Lisa launched the Loving Me Again women’s retreat in Birmingham, Alabama. The two-day event welcomed over 300 women and featured four power-packed sessions aimed at healing, empowerment, and spiritual growth. The retreat had a lasting impact on attendees, many of whom described it as life-changing. In 2022, the final edition of the retreat was held, drawing over 200 women.

New Music and Billboard Recognition

Lisa Knowles-Smith continued to grow musically under her label. In 2019, she released Great Big God, her first national single as a solo artist, which debuted in the top 10 on the Billboard Gospel Sales Chart. In 2020, she followed up with the worship-style single All I Want. In 2021, Lisa released a virtual EP and video project titled Unleashed, featuring the viral fan-favorite Jesus, a return to her signature quartet style.

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Education, Ministry, and Mentorship

In 2024, Lisa graduated cum laude from Stillman College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology. Her academic achievement complements her calling in ministry. Currently, she serves as the Pastor of Worship at Cornerstone Full Gospel Baptist Church. In addition to her ministry work, she mentors a group of young women known as the Inner Circle, aiming to empower the next generation through faith, wisdom, and sisterhood.

Lisa Knowles-Smith Today: A Life of Purpose and Worship

Lisa Knowles-Smith is preparing to release her highly anticipated solo album. More than just another gospel singer, she stands as a beacon of faith, excellence, and love. Her mission is to continue building the Kingdom of God through music, mentorship, and ministry, impacting lives across generations.