In 2003, she was invited by producer Steve Buckingham to record a cover version of "Jolene" for the tribute album Just Because I'm a Woman: Songs of Dolly Parton.

That song drew attention to Smith, a native of Long Island, New York, who had moved to Nashville.

She signed with the jazz label Vanguard Records and released her debut album in 2004.

The Gaither Vocal Band recorded a cover version that won Bluegrass Song of the Year at the Dove Awards in 2012.

Ten years after her recording, Smith said, "I believe God breathed it through me, and I was able to put it to paper."