Gospel recording artist Cristal Byrd (formerly Cristal Smith) is a native of San Antonio, TX. An actress, singer, songwriter and producer, Cristal is labeled as a contralto and formally trained as a mezzo-soprano with a vocal range that spans five and a half octaves. She received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Music from the University of the Incarnate Word in San Antonio Texas. She also holds a Master of Arts Degree from Webster University in St. Louis, Missouri, and is on track to complete her Doctor of Education from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia by December 2025. Cristal has been referred to as a modern-day Mahalia Jackson by fans and critics alike and has received critical acclaim across the country. Her voice imbues a deep full-bodied quality reminiscent of an era well before her time. While classically trained, Mrs. Byrd has developed a unique musical style that is all her own. She performs music in several different languages including French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Spanish and Yiddish. However, her desire is to minister to the hearts of the people so that no matter what language she’s singing the music is understood because the audience can feel it “within their soul”. Her greatest joy is lifting up the name of Jesus and her soul’s content lies in the fact that she is a child of God. Her mission is to spread the word of God to every nation and hamlet so that all those who hear will ask: “What must I do to be saved”? She shares her heart, her soul and most importantly her faith in God in every lilting note. Mrs. Byrd has performed across the United States and recently in Israel. Some of her most notable performances include solo appearances at the Washington National Cathedral, the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis as well as multiple solo performances with the San Antonio Symphony. She was a featured artist on the WRAL Gospel Program “Spiritual Awakenings” in Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina, an up-and-coming artist on Dr. Bobby Jones Presents in Nashville, Tennessee, the Stellar Awards Showcase in Las Vegas Nevada, the Gospel Music Workshop of America’s Annual Leadership Meeting Musical Showcase and the “Oh Give Thanks” virtual concert. She was also featured as an artist to watch on “The Sande Rose Show”, of the 2022 Stellar Awards Internet Radio Station of the Year, WVTC Radio Network in Detroit Michigan. Her most recent solo performances include appearing with The Cactus Pear Music Festival in San Antonio, Texas, the Progressive National Baptist Convention Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, the Rise Up and Let’s Go Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, and the 2023 GMA Dove Awards Showcase in Nashville, Tennessee. Cristal has opened for numerous Gospel recording artists including Dr. Bobby Jones, Tamela Mann, Kelly Price, Pastor Kim Burrell, The Mississippi Mass Choir and many more. In 2021, Cristal was cast as the understudy to Grammy Award Winner Tamela Mann’s character “Spirit” in the critically acclaimed play by Danielle Gulley, Perpetual Innovations Entertainment entitled “The King”. In 2022, Cristal made her Off-Broadway acting debut with New York playwright Chad Lawson Cooper in the play presented by Great Faith Entertainment entitled “Justice On Trial”, in which she played the role of Mamie Till, Emmett Till’s mother. For the past two and half years, she has continued traveling with the national touring cast of “Justice on Trial,” after being promoted to playing the feature role of juror Charlotte in which she has received critical acclaim and outstanding reviews across the country. She also starred in the national touring cast of Chad Lawson Cooper’s Off-Broadway play entitled “Family Mess” in 2022, playing the role of the youngest daughter in the family, Michelle. In addition to her performing career, she is also a private vocal coach in New Braunfels, Texas where she currently instructs thirty plus students during the week. And in February 2025, she was offered the opportunity to become a new member of the Artistic Team for the Christian Youth Theatre of San Antonio/New Braunfels. Cristal has also recently completed her sophomore Christian album scheduled to be released by the end of the year. Cristal is a member of Second Baptist Church in San Antonio, Texas, where the Reverend Dr. Robert L. Jemerson and Mrs. Jacqueline Jemerson are her Pastor and First Lady.