Michael W. Smith

=== Beginning (1981–1989) ===
In 1981, while he was playing keyboards for Higher Ground,<ref>{{cite book|last1=Smith|first1=Michael W.|title=It's Time To Be Bold|date=2003|publisher=Thomas Nelson}}</ref> Smith was signed as a writer to Meadowgreen Music, where he wrote numerous [[gospel music|gospel]] hits penned for artists such as [[Sandi Patty]], [[Kathy Troccoli]], [[Bill Gaither (gospel singer)|Bill Gaither]] and [[Amy Grant]], to the effect that some of these popular worship songs can now be found in church [[hymnals]]. The following year, Smith began touring as a keyboardist for Grant on her ''[[Age to Age]]'' tour.

He became Grant's opening act and recorded his first [[Grammy]]-nominated solo album ''[[The Michael W. Smith Project]]'' (which he also produced himself) in 1983 on the [[Reunion Records]] label. This album contained the first recording of his hit "Friends", which he co-wrote with his wife Deborah. By the time Smith's second album ''[[Michael W. Smith 2]]'' was released in 1984, he was headlining his own tours. In 1986, Smith released ''[[The Big Picture (Michael W. Smith album)|The Big Picture]]''.

After the release of his 1988 effort, ''[[i 2 (EYE)]]'', Smith once again collaborated with Grant for her "Lead Me On" world tour. The following year, Smith recorded his first [[Christmas]] album, simply titled ''[[Christmas (Michael W. Smith album)|Christmas]]'' (1989).