Michael W. Smith

Michael W. Smith
Michael W. Smith. Reunion Records

Michael W. Smith Born

Michael Whitaker Smith was born in Kenova, West Virginia, on October 7, 1957, the son of an oil refinery worker and a caterer.

Michael W. Smith Quote

"I've been there and done all that, sold millions of records, and that doesn't bring you peace." (from Brainy Quotes)

Michael W. Smith Biography

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 18 million
  • 2 Double-Platinum records
  • 7 Platinum records
  • 16 Gold records
  • Winner of 45 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 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 with one Inspirational Album of the Year
  • Dove Praise and Worship Album of the Year - and four of these
  • Dove Christmas Album of the Year - Smitty won his first in 2015
  • Dove Instrumental Album of the Year - Michael won his first in 2013

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 Leaves Provident for Capitol Christian Music Group after 30 years (2013)
  • Michael W. Smith Concert Dates
  • President BushNames Michael W. Smith To President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation
  • Michael made his big screen acting debut in February, 2006 in the movie The Second Chance
  • Come Thirsty with Max Lucado and Michael W. Smith - Sept. 2004
  • One Nation Tour - July 2004
  • Michael W. Smith Nominated for GRAMMY - Feb. 2004

Michael W. Smith Links

  • Guitar Tab/Chords - Courtesy of Christian Guitar Resources, to over 70 Smitty songs.
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Your Citation
Jones, Kim. "Michael W. Smith." Learn Religions, Apr. 5, 2023, learnreligions.com/michael-w-smith-profile-709534. Jones, Kim. (2023, April 5). Michael W. Smith. Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/michael-w-smith-profile-709534 Jones, Kim. "Michael W. Smith." Learn Religions. https://www.learnreligions.com/michael-w-smith-profile-709534 (accessed March 19, 2024).