Urban folkie Stephan Smith was born in Virginia, first attracting attention as a performer with his weekly performances at the Living Room club in New York City's Lower East Side; in 1997, he recorded "The Ballad of Abner Louima, " a protest song condemning police brutality which also featured a guest appearance by Patti Smith. The full-length Now's the Time followed in mid-1997. ~ Jason Ankeny, All Music Guide
