Milton "Blaine" Smith was born in 1946 in Washington, DC, to Dorothy and Milton Smith. At a young age Blaine showed a passionate interest in music, especially the guitar. With the help of very supportive parents, he nurtured his interest and skills in the guitar. In 1961, at age 15, he started his first band, The Newports, with his friend Bill White. The band quickly began getting gigs, thanks in part to classified advertising available to local bands in The Evening Star. Throughout his life he led many bands, including The Newports, The Sons of Thunder, the Resumes, and the Galaxies.
Blaine held a Bachelor of Science degree from Georgetown University, the Master of Divinity from Wesley Theological Seminary, and the Doctor of Ministry from Fuller Theological Seminary. He was an ordained Presbyterian minister, and served as assistant pastor of Memorial Presbyterian Church in St. Louis.
In 1978 Blaine formed the nonprofit Nehemiah Ministries, which focused on helping Christians understand God’s Will. Nehemiah Ministries published a monthly newsletter, Nehemiah Notes. He retired from Nehemiah Ministries in 2009. He published eight books with InterVarsity Press, some of which have also been reproduced in many international versions. He twice appeared on the 700 Club programs and was a featured speaker at CBN conferences.
Blaine married Evelyn "Evie" Kirkland in 1973, and they lived in Damascus, Maryland for 35 years.
Blaine died from complications of cancer in June 2021. Blaine is predeceased by Evie Smith and survived by two sons, Benjamin and Nathan.