Christian Artist - Michael W. Smith Biography:
Michael Whitaker Smith was born in Kenova, West Virginia, on October 7, 1957, the son of an oil refinery worker and a caterer. At age 5 he wrote his first song. At age ten he gave his life to Christ and he spent the remainder of his youth with a group of strong Christian friends. However, once he was in college he found a new group of friends and started experimenting with alcohol, drugs and partying.
In 1978 he moved to Nashville to work as a songwriter and he quickly started playing music with a local band. A year later he hit bottom and recommitted his life to Christ.
In 1981, he signed to Meadowgreen Music as a staff writer. He joined Amy Grant's band as a keyboardist in '82 and the following year released his first album. Michael wrote all the music and his wife Debbie wrote the lyrics. The release garnered him a GRAMMY nomination for Best Gospel Performance.
25+ years later he has become one of the best-known names in Christian music. Smitty has won several Dove and GRAMMY Awards, has topped Billboard charts and has sold over 15 million CDs. He has founded a teen club as well as a record label and written several books. In 2009 he was inducted into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
Michael W. Smith Facts:
- Michael is the husband of Debbie (since 1982) and the father of 5 children
- 33 Number One Hit Songs
- Career sales over 15 million
- 2 Double-Platinum records
- 7 Platinum records
- 16 Gold records
- Winner of 44 Dove Awards
- Winner of 3 GRAMMY Awards (from 13 nominations)
- Founded Rocketown Records
- Founded Rocketown Ministries
- Named one of People Magazine's "50 Most Beautiful People"
- National Spokesperson for Compassion International
- Received the Apostelos Christou Award for Distinguished Christian Leadership in April 2008 at King’s College and Seminary
Michael W. Smith Fun:
- Michael W. Smith Discography
- Michael W Smith Fan Quiz - Test your Smitty knowledge
- Michael W. Smith Christmas Music
- Who Sings "Above All?"
- Who Sings "Here I Am to Worship?"
- Song Poll - Name Your Favorite Song on the Second Decade
- Song of the Week - "Bridge Over Troubled Water" - May 15, 2005
- Photo From 36th Annual GMA Awards
Michael W. Smith Dove Awards:
- Dove Male Vocalist of the Year - Michael has won this award once
- Dove Artist of the Year - Michael has won this award three times
- Dove Song of the Year - Michael has won this award twice
- Dove Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year - Michael has four of these
- Dove Inspirational Song of the Year - and two of these
- Dove Praise and Worship Album of the Year - and four of these
Add in 20 more for videos, songwriting, special events albums and producing and you're talking about a large trophy case!
Michael W. Smith News:
- Michael W. Smith 2013 Concert Dates
- President Bush Names Michael W. Smith To President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation
- Michael will make his big screen acting debut in February, 2006 in the movie The Second Chance
- Come Thirsty with Max Lucado and Michael W. Smith - Sept. 04
- One Nation Tour - July 04
- Michael W. Smith Nominated for GRAMMY - Feb. 04
Michael W. Smith Links:
- Michael W. Smith Video - How to Be a Blessing
- Reunion Records - His label - offers news, a bio, tour info and more.
- Guitar Tab/Chords - Courtesy of Christian Guitar Resources, to over 70 Smitty songs.
