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Carly Thomas Smith
Backup Vocals
Carly Thomas Smith is a professional singer, songwriter, and actor from Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her career spans Broadway, television, film, and concert stages worldwide. In 2012, she joined Taylor’s band for a couple of performances.
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Professional Experience
Carly discovered a unique vocal blend grounded in jazz, R&B, pop, and musical theater. She earned her Equity card as a teenager when she landed a role in the Pulitzer- and Tony-winning musical RENT shortly after graduating from Sarah Lawrence College. Her Broadway and regional theater credits include performances in We Will Rock You, Jersey Boys, Smokey Joe’s Café and Hamlet: The Rock Musical.
In addition to her theater work, Carly has an extensive screen presence. She has appeared on television shows such as Friends, Two and a Half Men, Desperate Housewives, Revenge, Star Trek: Enterprise, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
As a vocalist, she’s performed with notable artists across genres—Taylor, Patti Austin, Ali “Ollie” Woodson of The Temptations, Lee Ritenour, the Grusin brothers, Queen’s Brian May, and Eagles members Joe Walsh and Don Felder.
Beyond performing, Carly remains active as an ASCAP songwriter, voice teacher, and vocal coach. She also leads workshops. She resides in Los Angeles, balancing her creative endeavors with roles as a mother and wife.
In addition to her theater work, Carly has an extensive screen presence. She has appeared on television shows such as Friends, Two and a Half Men, Desperate Housewives, Revenge, Star Trek: Enterprise, and Curb Your Enthusiasm.
As a vocalist, she’s performed with notable artists across genres—Taylor, Patti Austin, Ali “Ollie” Woodson of The Temptations, Lee Ritenour, the Grusin brothers, Queen’s Brian May, and Eagles members Joe Walsh and Don Felder.
Beyond performing, Carly remains active as an ASCAP songwriter, voice teacher, and vocal coach. She also leads workshops. She resides in Los Angeles, balancing her creative endeavors with roles as a mother and wife.
Joining The Starlights
Carly joined Taylor’s backing ensemble—The Starlights—for a brief moment during the RED era in 2012. Though she didn’t embark on “The RED Tour” (2012-2014), Carly was part of the album’s early promotion cycle, including performances on several national and international television shows, award shows, and special fan experiences.
